Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/201

 Rh attack of his adversary is taught to land himself, if possible, on one side or the other, as he thus avoids to some extent the success of his opponent in the attempt to secure a double arm-pinch, and hinders the throat-hold. The one vanquished never lands squarely on his back if he can avoid it. Constant practice in falling, along with intelligent observation of the effects of the different falls, enables the student to learn much by himself. Then the knowledge so gained is employed in tests with a "friendly foe."

Next in order comes practice in the work of rising swiftly and skilfully. The man who is thrown by his adversary's trick and suddenness is not necessarily beaten. The man thrown often turns seeming defeat into victory through his ability to wriggle out of the hostile clutch and leap nimbly to his feet, instantly prepared for another trial of skill.

First of all, the student, when practising alone, lies flat on his back, with arms and legs outspread. In this position he is required to "gather himself together" and to leap to his feet. He must do this as quickly and skilfully