Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/96

 60 clasped hands are pulled toward the assailant in such a manner that the man on the defensive finds his head going over to the ground, while it seems as if his back must break. This trick may be employed with very disastrous results, even up to the breaking of the back of the man attacked. The exercise is beneficial in strengthening many of the muscles of the arms and trunk, but it must be practised with all the good nature that the Japanese have so thoroughly developed. It is advisable for assailant and victim to change places after each assault.

Three of these assaults by each should be made the utmost limit during the first two months that the trick is rehearsed. After that the students may increase the number of bouts in accordance with the warnings of palpitation, panting, and undue fatigue of muscles. When the Japanese athlete on the defensive is prepared to admit defeat he slaps one hand against thigh or leg. If upon his back he slaps the floor or ground. This signal of surrender causes the assailant to break whatever hold he has secured. Both men leap to their feet,