42 – Back-of-the-Hand Press (Te no kō awasete undō)¶
Name¶
Te no kō awasete undō (手の甲合わせ運動)
Back-of-the-hand press
Instructions (Romaji)¶
Hai, hidari sanchin dachi.
Left sanchin stance.
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.
Shita kara.
From below.
Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū.
Te futte.
Shake out.
Naore.
Return.
Counting¶
Ichi, ni, san, shi, go, roku, shichi, hachi, kyū, jū
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 phases:
-
Ue kara (from above)
Pressure is applied downward with the backs of the hands pressed together. -
Shita kara (from below)
Pressure is applied upward from a lower position in the opposite direction.
Throughout the exercise:
- the elbows are kept down
- the shoulders remain relaxed
- pressure is constant
After completing the sequence, the hands are shaken to release tension.
Purpose¶
- strengthen the extensor muscles of the hands
- balance work between palm and back of the hand
- improve wrist and finger stability
- increase circulation in the hands
Key Technical Points¶
- constant pressure
- correct hand positioning
- relaxed shoulders
- stable sanchin base
Safety¶
- avoid excessive pressure
- maintain control in the wrists
- work within your capacity
Comment¶
This exercise complements gasshō by developing strength in the back of the hands.