Silly beginners question ;-)

[tantadi]

When I raise the shinai over my head, should I straighten the elbows then? Because if I don't, I manage to practise at home without hitting the ceiling..(I'm short..) ...I've been told that the arms should be fairly (or quite) straight at the moment of impact, but I don't know how they are supposed to be when they are over my head.

[moetl]

allthough i'm a beginner i can tell you: they're bowed
hmmm.. don't you have a sensei whom you could ask for more detailed information?

cheers

[Arnold Strong]

Your elbows should be slightly bent. At the furthest, your left hand should be just abuot at the top of your head and only a few inches. Your arms can extend as they strike.

When I say furthest, I mean that that is the top point of your swing and the shinai or your arms shouldn't go any further back.

[Hattori Hanzo]

Both wrists should be in front of the shinai as well instead of beside it, if they are beside it you are basically saying

"Hey hit my kote!"

And when you swing there is a motion kinda like wringing a dish towel, I am new myself, going on my third month. I am working on that as well.

[xvikingx]

From chuudan raise the shinai above your head, from your shoulders. If you focus on raising your shinai from the grip you will end up bending your elbows too much, causing your shinai to dip, go at an angle, come too close to your head, or any combination of those problems. Your elbows should straighten out as you strike; being completely extended when you finish your cut, but be sure to keep your back straight and shoulders back.
Easier said than done. Keep practicing.

[tantadi]

Thank you for the answers!