Skip to content

39 – Circular block (Mawashi uke undō)

Name

Mawashi uke undō (回し受け運動)
Circular block


Romaji instruction

Hai, shisei tadashite.
Correct your 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, in which the arms move in continuous circles.

The movement is performed as follows:

  • one arm moves outward and upward
  • the other moves inward and downward
  • the arms meet 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 slight 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

This exercise marks the transition from warm-up to technique.