Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/82

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Japanese Physical Training

competition. One opponent, and then the other, should be allowed the victory, though not without fairly stubborn resistance from the one on the defensive. In time it will be found well to gain variety by occasionally making this feat a rigid test of strength and of endurance.

When these ankle exercises have been practised and mastered, the two exercises that follow in the jiu-jitsu course are easily understood. In the next work the contact is the same, except that the insides of the forelegs, halfway between ankle and knee, are brought into contact. The same manœuvres as in the ankle work are employed. After that the knees are brought together, and contest ensues in like fashion.

When the upper leg is to be strengthened one of the best of the Japanese exercises is based on the "struggle" already described. The opponents, with arms extended horizontally sideways, clasp hands as in the "struggle." But in this instance neither chests nor abdomens should be in contact. If the work is undertaken for the benefit of the right leg each contestant stands with his right side op-