Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/36

8 of the samurai several inches shorter and of much less weight, and if each were to fight according to his own tactics, there could be but one result. If each were equally skilled in his own kind of work the "undersized" Japanese would be the victor.

As soon as the principle of the arm pinch is understood and has been applied, through investigation, to all parts of the body it is well for the student to take up the next important step in the system. Press the extended fingers of either hand together. Whether the thumb is raised or is pressed against the forefinger is a matter of no importance. Strike the lower edge of the hand against the knee, giving the outer side of the little finger as much of the work as the edge of the palm receives. It is important not to forget the exercise of the little finger, as, in a blow improperly struck with the edge of the hand, the little finger might be broken if it shared in the impact of a strenuous blow.

This work of toughening the hand may be carried on at all times, and the importance of doing it should never be forgotten. One may