# Japanese Physical Training/10

CHAPTER X
ADVANCED TRICKS OF COMBAT
One of the best tricks that can be used for the development of all the muscles is one that can be used, also, at times, for self-defence. This feat is one that could not be well employed on an asphalt sidewalk or on a hard roadway. It originated in Japan, where nearly all athletic "stunts" were then performed upon the grass. This trick is known as "throwing over the head."
THROWING AN OPPONENT OVER THE HEAD.
It is not to be understood that the trick just described is intended to be used merely for purposes of self-defence. It is most valuable for the strengthening of nearly every muscle in the body. It is not to be recommended as an exercise for those who have serious heart trouble. The Japanese, on account of their mode of living, develop but little heart trouble. Persons who are afflicted with cardiac diseases may employ this exercise once in a while, but the results are to be noted carefully, and if the fall causes the least discomfort around the heart the exercise must be given up, or else its use must be greatly lessened.
It must not be inferred that this exercise will ​produce trouble where it does not already exist. The feat is so popular with the jiu-jitsu instructors, and is considered to be of such value, that it is generally taught in the sixth or seventh lesson. A very little practice will show the investigator how much this exercise can do for the strengthening of the muscles. The assailant must remember always to tauten all the muscles that are employed. The man on the defence has no counter beyond employing the arm-pinch that is shown in the illustration. While he cannot avoid going over his assailant's head, the man on the defence, if he employs the arm-pinch to the best advantage, will find that his chances are improved vastly if he has secured an effective arm-pinch. While the two men are struggling on the floor each should endeavour to employ whichever of the feats described or discovered seems to meet best the demands of the situation.
THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD OF TAKING AN ADVERSARY BY THE THROAT.
If the grip is secured the adversary is defeated every time.
It would not be well for the beginner jiu-jitsu to attempt such a test, but if he perseveres, using the throat-grip more and more as he goes on with the work, he will find that ultimately his throat will resist any ordinary attack that can be made. In that case he will have natural defence against any usual attack on the throat.
HOW A THROAT-HOLD IS THROWN OFF WITHOUT DIFFICULTY.
The principle of the use of the tightly clasped hands is taught most thoroughly in the Japanese jiu-jitsu schools. The blows that are possible are employed for many purposes of defence. They are used, whenever practicable, for forcing away any assailant who has secured too close a clinch. One of the best of these blows lies in the use of the clasped hands for striking a vigorous blow squarely against the solar plexus. The same blow may be employed against the pit of the stomach. There are times when the blow can be used against the heart—but this never should be done unless self-defence sternly requires it. When the hands are clasped in this fashion a very ugly blow can be administered by striking the wrist of the nearer arm against the side of the waistline. The blow should be given smartly and with instant rebound.
By very gradual degrees the Japanese student is taught to employ the same principle in ​systematic attack upon his comrade's abdomen and also upon the solar plexus. Pressure, rather than the blow, is employed upon the abdomen. At first this is the rule in assailing the solar plexus, but this part of the body will stand a sharper blow than will the stomach. In time the abdomen itself will withstand a very heavy blow. The stomach muscles of a Japanese master of jiu-jitsu appear to be almost as hard as iron. His solar plexus becomes practically an invulnerable spot. He does not dread the attack against either abdomen or solar plexus, and this condition of physique is brought about gradually by constant practice in the blows that are delivered with the clasped hands.
THROWING AN OPPONENT OVER THE SHOULDER.
A trick from which considerable amusement may be derived is the throwing of an opponent over the shoulder. It is better that the throw be made over the right shoulder. The illustration shows the best position for the making of the throw. Of course, much must depend upon the way in which the assailant finds it possible to make the attack. In throwing over the right shoulder the assailant, standing at his opponent's left side, seizes the opponent's left arm with both hands, as is shown in the illustration. The method of taking hold is shown. The assailant, after having secured the hold, and having pinched the victim's wrist and arm muscles in the usual style of pinch, makes a sudden twist to the right in such manner that his intended victim rests over the left side of ​his rump. The rump gives the leverage that is effective if the assailant gives a quick twist forward, bringing his victim over his shoulder, and at the same time bending the wrist severely. The throw should land the victim on his back. When the fall has been accomplished the assailant should land with one knee, preferably the left, in his antagonist's solar plexus, and the throat-hold already described should be employed for reducing the victim to submission.
HOW AN ATTACK MAY BE WARDED OFF BY A CLINCH OVER THE SHOULDERS.
No one who will practise sufficiently the feat to be described now need be afraid to attempt the disarming of one who is trying to use a weapon upon another. The illustration shows a man who has drawn a revolver upon another man. The third man, who wishes to prevent a murder, leaps forward either at the side or from the rear. With his right hand he seizes the wrist of the would-be murderer's pistol hand, giving in the same instant the most vicious wrist-pinch he can employ. Also in the same instant the peacemaker employs his left hand to secure a firm pinch-hold at the middle of the upper arm of the man with the pistol. Considerable strength must be employed in jerking the would-be murderer's arm up and over backward. As the man's hand is brought down behind his back a swift pull will secure the weapon from him. This is a feat that should be practised often—always, of course, with an unloaded revolver. A few trials are needed before the idea is grasped, but every repetition of the attempt makes the task ​of saving life under such circumstances more easy. The author, while seated in a hotel lobby reading his newspaper, was able once to drop the paper, spring forward, and instantly take away the weapon of a man who had drawn it for use in a row over politics. It was the first time the author had had occasion to use the feat in earnest, but it is an excellent trick to know, and yet it is valuable when it is employed merely as a means of strengthening the muscles and of increasing agility and dexterity.
THE METHOD OF TAKING A PISTOL AWAY FROM ONE WHO INTENDS TO USE IT.
THE COAT TRICK.
Used for reducing an antagonist to helplessness.