Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/81

Rh equal, by actual contests to determine which can force the other to his back. While this work may be done satisfactorily with gymnasium shoes on the engaged feet, it is usual for the Japanese to do it in their stocking-feet.

Neither the old Japanese samurai, nor their descendants of to-day, believed in any superiority of one side of the body over the other. The left arm and left leg receive as careful attention as do the limbs of the right side.

Next in order comes the feat in which the opponents seat themselves on the floor in the same position as in the last exercise. In this instance, however, the ankles of the two right feet, or of the two left feet of the men are pressed against each other on the inside of the leg. Braced by the supporting hands and arms, as in the last task, the men slowly raise the engaged feet. When the feet have been raised to the highest point at which the men can comfortably sustain themselves one antagonist tries to throw his opponent on to his side. At first this work should be thoroughly resistant, with no effort in the way of muscular