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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.
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.

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 against each other

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

Throughout the exercise:

  • the elbows are kept down
  • the shoulders remain relaxed
  • the pressure is constant

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


Purpose

  • strengthen the extensor muscles of the hand
  • balance the work between palm and back of hand
  • improve stability in the wrist and fingers
  • increase circulation in the hands

Technical key points

  • constant pressure
  • correct hand position
  • relaxed shoulders
  • stable sanchin base
  • avoid excessive pressure
  • work within your own capacity

Comment

This exercise complements gasshō by developing strength in the back of the hand.