also: たいいくすわり
noun
sitting with knees drawn up and arms wrapped around them
A seated posture often used in Japanese school gym classes, where one sits on the floor, bends the knees, and holds them with the arms. The term is widely understood in everyday contexts.
体育の授業では、最初に体育座りをして先生の話を聞きます。
In gym class, we first sit in the 'gym sitting' position and listen to the teacher.
子供たちが体育座りで絵本を読んでいる。
The children are reading picture books while sitting with their knees drawn up.