42 – Back of hand against back of hand (Te no kō awasete undō)

Name

Te no kō awasete undō (手の甲合わせ運動)
Back of hand against back of hand

Romaji instruction

Hai, hidari sanchin dachi.
Left sanchin.

Te no kō awasete.
Bring the backs of the hands together.

Ue kara.
From above.

Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.

Hantai.
Opposite direction.

Shita kara.
From below.

Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.

Te futte.
Shake the hands.

Naore.
Return.

Counting

Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū
(Repeated in both directions)

Description

The starting position is hidari sanchin dachi.

The hands are brought together so that the backs of the hands meet in front of the body.

The exercise is performed in two parts:

1. ue kara (from above)
   pressure is applied from above with the backs of the hands pressed together

2. shita kara (from below)
   pressure is applied from a lower position in the opposite direction

Throughout the exercise:

• the elbows remain down
• the shoulders stay relaxed
• the pressure remains constant

After the series, the hands are shaken to release tension.

Purpose

• strengthen the extensor muscles of the hands
• balance work between the palms and backs of the hands
• improve stability in the wrists and fingers
• increase circulation in the hands

Technical key points

• maintain constant pressure
• use correct hand position
• keep the shoulders relaxed
• maintain a stable sanchin base
• avoid excessive pressure
• work within your own capacity

Comment

The exercise complements gasshō by developing strength through the backs of the hands.