Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/199

Rh for the possession. The loser bows gracefully in acknowledgment of his defeat.

Now comes work that, at first thought, may seem dangerous. As a matter of fact it is not so much so as are American polo and football, and it does much more for agility. One of the young men raises the pole over his head. Whenever he is ready he brings the pole down over his comrade's head. The other must stand with his hands at his side, or in front of his stomach, until he sees the pole descending. Then he must spring up and catch it, endeavouring to wrest it away from his opponent. At first the blow is struck slowly, but with each lesson the rapidity of the fall of the pole is increased, until both students become so expert that the blow can be blocked every time. Then ensues a contest for the possession of the pole. The man who loses hold of the pole may seize his opponent by any hold he can secure, and the combat goes on until one or the other admits defeat. This acknowledgment of defeat is given by slapping one hand on the thigh; if on the floor the vanquished one slaps the floor. The combat ceases the instant that