Originally Posted by
GaryWado
Different systems utilse the sageo in various ways. The "free hanging" version is the way we practice in Sosuishi-ryu also and I have always believed this to be down to expediency.
Interestingly, it still lanyards the saya as the sageo will bind between the saya and the hakama when pulled (acting as a brake).
Regarding the hand motion (if it’s what I think you mean ie hand turned upward) it’s for clearing the long sleeves of your Montsuki (Clothing Management!!)
Gary Needham