18 – Forward Bend with Both Feet Drawn In (Ryōashi hiite mae ni taosu)¶
Name¶
Ryōashi hiite mae ni taosu (両足引いて前に倒す)
Forward bend with both feet drawn in
Instructions (Romaji)¶
Hai, ryōashi hiite.
Draw in both legs.
Ashi no ura awasete.
Bring the soles of the feet together.
Mae ni.
Forward.
Hara tsuku yō ni.
Bring the abdomen toward the feet.
Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.
Counting¶
Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū
Description¶
The practitioner sits with the soles of the feet together and the knees open to the sides.
The feet are lightly held with the hands.
From this position, the upper body bends forward from the hips while keeping the spine long.
With each count, the position deepens as the knees gradually move downward.
Purpose¶
- increase hip mobility
- stretch the inner thighs
- improve flexibility
- prepare for kicking techniques and wide stances
Key Technical Points¶
- initiate the movement from the hips
- maintain a long spine
- allow the knees to drop naturally
- gradual deepening
Comment¶
This exercise returns to a symmetrical position and develops hip mobility.