Uke has bent wrist (手首くの字) and bent elbow (肘くの字). His bent wrist must be pressed firmly against Nage’s shoulder. There can’t be a gap or a weakening. The reason is, as Sensei showed me, with even a small gap between his wrist and your shoulder Uke can do a kaeshiwaza by means of kotegaeshi.

I used to think it was good to extend away from Nage toward Uke with the bent wrist held between the two. I don’t think that anymore.

Also, if Uke throws a strike before nikyo is complete, nikyo can be used as a block, or a henakwaza by means of ikkyo or jujinage can be done, for example. In other words, there is not a need to worry about being punched.