Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/190

 130 victim forward to the fioor in a twinkling. The only feasible defence is for the man attacked to give a backward kick in one of the shins of his assailant, but even this weakens the former's balance. If the assailant succeeds in making a throw he must fall on top of his victim and utterly complete the victory by pressing his fingers against the "Adam's apple" and his thumbs in the back of the neck, as has been suggested in the throat and neck exercises.

While this exercise will seem, upon the first hard trial, to be a very painful one, it need not be made so except when purposes of serious attack require. Two friendly contestants may practise it to advantage. A great many of the muscles of the body are found to be benefited by this work. Friendly practice does not call for the use of any more strength than is needed for the successful carrying out of the work, and with this proviso no physical harm can result. Japanese students are taught to make the task a trifle more strenuous with each succeeding attempt, and it is not long before the muscles become so hardened that the victim rises smilingly from the floor, not in the least hurt—