New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-10


graphs by George j. Hare j. Emo. up. XIV. l56.
G. p. Pptnan's Sons.
The japanese system % physical training
called jiu-jitsu dates back before the beginning
Of authentic history. Ii is taught to-day in
countless daily schools TO all the people of
Japan who wish &c practise it. Frugal and or
dered diet. a gradual toughening and tightening
OF the muscles. the cultivation Of 8 uniform good
temper and method Of combat founded on a
scientific application of pressure upon the op-
ponents muscles and nerve fbres in "A manner to
produce a temporary local paralysis by pain, are
The elements OF the system.
The funny bone" at the elbow is typical of a
condition that exists in almost all the muscles Of
the body. BY deity gripping muscle and nerve
at their sensitive point the same result may be
obtained I'm countless spots Of the arms, legs.
neck, back and trunk. To acquire the knowl-
edge and skill requisite TO make use of this
form OF attack. the practiser Of jiu-jitsu must
be practically versed in structural anatomy and
present in himself an athletic training Of an I'M
common sort. The system contemplates attack
below the belt" as we'll as above. When an
opponent is thrown for example, the usual thing
is TO jab the knee on his solar plexus, with per
hsps a strange clutch on his Adams apple. on
the other hand. the training is largely directed
10 defence in a way TO remove the seeming bru-
talify OF such combat. All the muscles in the
body hardened by continual and persistent
practice. The adept can deliver blow with the
little finger edge OF the hattened palm that will
snap bamboo pole the spinal column; he
can as well. with proper play Of muscles, re-
ceive this sort Of blow the abdomen or over
the heart with hardly so much effect as height
ened palpitation.
In comparison with the Occidental boxing, the
japanese look upon the system as far and be-
yond more humane and decent There is no
blood letting in jiu-jitsu, and except when used
for self-preservation, infection of lasting
pain. no breaking Of bones or rupture of liga-
Inents. The contest Is one Of skill and strength,
with the advantage equal on either side. The
training embraces the life of the athlete rather
than any specific development Digestion is
made all important. and the sparse diet of rice.
fruits and vegetables is designed not to bur
den it The endurance OF the lungs and heart is
cultivated from the beginning. Violence of
effort that results in unusual palpitation, such
as is not infrequent in gymnasiums and
athletic fields, is avoided. or, if incurred, the
student is made to rest fat on his back at once
Years Of patient exercise intended TO raise the
whole system to a pitch Of vigor and power that
will make tie physical apparatus equal 10 severe
and sudden strain without the slightest response
Of panic in the automatic functions. AS in the
physical effects, so in the mental and emotional
the user OF ju-jitsu is trained to forehandedness
and self-possession. Alert, unremitting, vigor-
Gus. quick. he should be: sullen. excited, irri-
tsted or angry, never.
The author describes the training as under
taken by the japanese. and explains its prac-
tice for the reader with all due warning of the
pitfalls. Himself trained in the science, he pre-
sents mainly the methods OF Inouye San, in
sfTuctor Of jiu-jitsu in the Police Department Of
Nagasaki. The tricks of combat described in the
latter part OF the book are well illustrated by
fnteiligible photographs. or the authors hopes
for the growth Of jiu-jtsu into favor here there
may be doubts. Though fads in many breakfast
food decisions are a byword, English peoples are
too valiant trenchermen TO take to jiu-jitsu
without a change Of character. In combat too,
the divinity that doth hedge the paunch is
rather firmly established: and the manifest re-
ouirement Of long persisting patience will not
recommend the system TO the impulsive Ameri-
can.