Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/194

 134 as with other parts of the body, the Japanese are not long in acquiring great hardness at the assailed part.

After this work has been gone through with on several occasions the next feature of the exercise is studied. Now, the same twist is employed, after which the victim's toes are allowed to point upward. The assailant lifts his companion's legs upward until the latter is resting on his shoulder-blades. The legs are then gradually lowered until the feet again rest on the floor.

As has been suggested, this feat is of more value for exercise than for combat. When used for toughening the body a great many important muscles are given greater power and endurance. When actual attack is made it is, of course, necessary to catch the enemy lying down and off his guard. Then he may be forced quickly upon his shoulder-blades and held there as long as is necessary to bring him to terms. In a matter of life or death the victim may be forced to turn a rough, complete somersault, with the danger that his neck will be broken while he is going over.