39 – Circular Blocking (Mawashi uke undō)¶
Name¶
Mawashi uke undō (回し受け運動)
Circular blocking
Instructions (Romaji)¶
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, where the arms move in continuous circular patterns.
The movement is executed by:
- one arm moving outward and upward
- the other moving inward and downward
- the arms meeting in an open-hand position (teishō)
The motion 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 the hips (koshi) while maintaining a stable center.
Purpose¶
- activate arms and shoulders
- develop coordination between left and right
- introduce circular techniques
- prepare for kihon and kata
Key Technical Points¶
- continuous circular movement
- opposing arm directions
- relaxed shoulders
- movement initiated from the hips (koshi)
- clear teishō position
Safety¶
- avoid tension in the shoulders
- maintain controlled movement
- work within your mobility range
Comment¶
This exercise marks the transition from warm-up to technical practice.