39 – Circular block (Mawashi uke undō)
Name
Mawashi uke undō (回し受け運動)
Circular block
Romaji instruction
Hai, shisei tadashite.
Correct the posture.
Mawashi uke.
Shōmen.
Front.
Ichi, ni, san, shi.
Yoko.
Side.
Ichi, ni, san, shi.
Ushiro.
Back.
Ichi, ni, san, shi.
Shita.
Down.
Ichi, ni, san, shi.
Counting
Ichi, ni, san, shi
(Repeated in each direction)
Description
The starting position is shizen tai or hachiji dachi.
The exercise performs mawashi uke, with the arms moving in continuous circles.
The movement is performed by:
- one arm moving outward and upward
- the other moving inward and downward
- the arms meeting in an open-hand position (teishō)
The movement is continuous and alternates without stopping.
The exercise is performed in four directions:
- shōmen (front)
- yoko (side)
- ushiro (back)
- shita (down)
The body follows the movement with light rotation from koshi while the center of gravity remains stable.
Purpose
- activate the arms and shoulders
- develop coordination between right and left
- introduce circular technique
- prepare for kihon and kata
Technical key points
- continuous circular movement
- arms moving in opposite directions
- relaxed shoulders
- movement from koshi
- clear teishō
- keep the movement controlled
- work within your own mobility
Comment
The exercise marks the transition from warm-up to technique.