Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/85

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Exercises to Develop the Legs
49

his man so far backward that the fall to the floor is all but accomplished. Then the assailant must bring his victim back to an erect position through the aid of a quick upward jerk. In the beginning these two are the only tricks taught in this branch of the work. When instruction in fighting tricks commences, the opposing students are required to make tests of agility. The one who succeeds in lowering the other's coat-sleeves is required to throw his man to the ground, and to fall upon him, with the knee pressing against the victim's solar plexus.

Rowing is an accomplishment of comparatively recent date among the Japanese, but the samurai's descendants have taken to it with a vim. It may be considered, therefore, as an important addition to the Japanese methods of physical training. This sport will surely increase the general bodily strength of the most ardent Occidental disciple of the ancient physical science of Dai Nippon, Swimming has been ever a favourite sport with the Japanese.

Only a very few trials of the leg exercises described in this chapter are needed to show