Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-05-02


sort of wrestling trick.
~ It is vastly more than that. It is not
only an art but it is philosophical system;
it is even an ethical system
Note these points concerning it which are
here condensed from the writings of LAT
\cadio Hearn, who is we'll versed in things
Japanese.
The name Jiujutsu means "to conquer by
yielding"
This may be imperfectly illustrated by
the sudden giving way of door at which
YOU have been pulling, which sends you
SPRAYING over backwards, or by making any
strenuous exertion of force expecting to be
met by opposition and finding none, so that
you lose your balance, or perhaps even dis
locate your arm, although this is but
vague hint.
Jiuiutsu is not at all some sort of vaude-
Vile skill intended for display; it is very
serious art of self-defense.
In Japan they begin to study it in early
youth, and it takes years to learn it even
tolerabIy we'll. If one becomes an expert in
seven years it proves him to have aptltudes
of an uncommon order.
Another wrong impression we have of this
art is that it is an unfair sort of thing, like
striking below the belt. This is not true. 1t
is the old Samurai art of fighting without
weapons and is to be used only in the de-
Tense of ones life. According to Japanese
self-command and high character.
The essence of Jiujutsu is that your enemy
is overcome only by means of his own force.
You do not have to be strong, only intelli-
gent. And the greater your enemy's strength
the worse for him and the better for you.
Tao-Te-King says MAN at his birth IS
supple and weak. At his death firm and
strong So it is with all things. Firmness
and strength are the concomitants of
death; softness and weakness the CON
comitants of life. Hence he who relies on his
own strength shall not conquer"
When your enemy comes at you with
force you yield to him. But much more than
that. You aid him with wicked sle1ght that
makes him put his shoulder out of joint,
fracture his own arm, or even break his own
neck or back. The ordinary slender and slight
Jiujutsu expert would probably disable an
ordinary wrestler in two minutes. By some
terrible legerdemain he suddenly unhlnges
q joint, bursts a tendon, or snaps bone
without any apparent effort. He is more than
an athlete; he is a brain and a skilled artist.
There is deep philosophy in this, and it
has it's practical application in all human
relations. 1t is never to oppose force to force,
but to overcome the enemy solely by his own
strength, to vanquish him by the power or
his own passion.
1t is this super wisdom that the dull
mind of the ordinary man cannot see.
When a great Teacher said in substance
that the way to conquer your enemy was to
do him good when he does you evil, to turn
him the other cheek when he smites you,
and if he compel you to go with him a mile,
to go with him twain, not all the traditional
reverence for that Teacher can entirely elm
mate from the ordinary mind the idea that
this sort of thing will not work at all.
It will work. For it is spiritual Jiujutsu.
-%
The Jack London league is an organiza-
ton opposed to training animals for public
appearances. It's members are pledged to
walk out Of any amusement place when an
animal act is started. Whatever doubts there
may be of the need of such an organization
are lessened by a recent incident in Madi-
son Square Garden. Five tigers and a
panther were being put through their tricks
for the first time before a crowd. 1t was evil
dent the animals were acting against their
will. The panther became unruly. The
trainer girl, finally brought down a pole
on the beasts head with a resounding whack.
This was not enough, and so she drew a re-
voIver, fired in the panther's face and
ought him in line. Naturally she also
brought down the house.
The animal trainer always has courage
when the animals are dangerous. Sometimes
the only advantage he has over his charges
is his superior will. But it is will power put
to poor USE While some animals such as
dogs and horses, often seem to enjoy their
part of the show, it is easy to see that many
of them act solely through fear If there is
any reason why we should be kind to ami
1uals, there is no reason why we should toll
! crate some of the performances that we do
Worcester Telegram. (Ind.)