Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/70

38 as before that all the muscles up to the shoulders are put in motion. Next, the arms are extended in front, in horizontal, parallel position, and the same work is executed. After that the exercise is done with the arms above the head, and then with the arms held behind the back in as near a parallel position as can be had, and with the clenched fists just below the hip-line. These exercises, if persisted in, will give any man of normal strength arms that are magnificent from the standpoint of physical culture.

There are other exercises for the arms that can be originated by any student to his advantage. Japanese young men, while attending jiu-jitsu schools, are encouraged to find out as much for themselves as is possible. While the arm exercises already described comprise all that Japanese instructors consider necessary, modifications of these gymnastics are devised by intelligent learners with a view to giving the utmost variety to the work. Any work that employs the muscles of the wrist, forearm, upper arm, or shoulder is of advantage—always provided that there is no undue fatigue of the muscles, and no palpitation or panting. The