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36 – Alternating Elbow Movement with Rotation (Sayū hiji undō)

Name

Sayū hiji undō (左右肘運動)
Alternating elbow movement with rotation

Instructions (Romaji)

Hai, hiji agete.
Raise the elbows.

Karada hineri.
Rotate the body.

Hiji mae.
Elbow forward.

Hantai hiki.
Pull back.

Sayū.
Right and left.

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

Counting

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

Description

The starting position is a wide stance.

The arms are bent in front of the body in a position similar to preparation for empi techniques.

From this position, an alternating rotational movement is performed:

  • the body rotates to one side
  • one elbow moves forward
  • the other is pulled backward

The movement alternates from side to side in rhythm with the count.

The rotation is initiated from the hips (koshi) while the feet remain stable.

Purpose

  • mobilize rotation in hips and trunk
  • activate elbow and shoulder movement
  • improve coordination between hips and arms
  • prepare for empi techniques

Key Technical Points

  • rotation initiated from the hips (koshi)
  • clear forward/backward elbow movement
  • stable foot contact
  • rhythmic alternation

Safety

  • avoid twisting the knees
  • maintain control in rotation
  • work within your mobility range

Comment

This exercise connects body rotation with elbow movement and prepares for technical application.