Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/83

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Exercises to Develop the Legs
47

posite, and nearly on a line with, the right side of the other. Then the right leg of each is crossed on the inside as high up as possible. One adversary tries either to swing the other around to the left, or else to place him upon his back. While the arms and hands must be employed to some extent, the greatest pressure should not be exerted there. The object of the work is to develop the upper leg; and when all of the muscles of the upper leg are not brought into play so thoroughly that both students are aware of the muscular tension, then the exercise has not been properly performed. This is one of the feats of jiu-jitsu most difficult of comprehension by the average student. Perhaps for this reason, and certainly because of its importance, the exercise should be persevered in until the learner discovers that the muscles of the upper leg have been greatly strengthened.

In a later chapter, wherein aggressive tricks of combat are described, will be found a description of the manner in which a foe is defeated by seizing the lapels of the coat and bringing the sleeves down close to the elbows.