Japanese Physical Training/12
CHAPTER XII
CLOSING SUGGESTIONS TO AMERICAN STUDENTS
It is to be feared that many who read this volume, and who wish to acquire jiu-jitsu, will neglect the fundamentals and will turn at once to the practice of the tricks of combat. Those who do so will make a mistake at the outset, and one that will have to be corrected later on. Health is not created by mere combat.
Physical training does not consist alone of the creation of swelling muscles. Nor does the possession of a few easily learned tricks of attack make an athlete.
He who would seek physical perfection must carefully observe all the conditions that bring it about. The rules of diet, the habit of deep breathing of fresh air at all times, the wearing of proper clothing that does not impede the free passage of air over the body, the habit of frequent bathing, the free use of water, regular rest, a proper amount of recreation, and a sufficient amount of muscular exercise—all of these are essential to him who would reap the benefits of the system of physical training that has made the Japanese, after twenty-five hundred years, the strongest, most enduring, and happiest people on earth.
Before paying much attention to the tricks of combat the American student of the art should, after observing the first requirements of bodily health, practise long and assiduously at the resistant and other exercises that harden the muscles and bones. Too much time cannot be spent in this manner. The fighting tricks of jiu-jitsu, if attempted by those who have not yet taken the trouble to toughen the muscles and harden the bones, are certain to result in lameness—perhaps severe strain. While the preliminary work of toughening and hardening is going on, some of the simpler tricks of combat described may be attempted, always provided that no strain results. By degrees the American student will find that he is able to stand more and more severe work, and more and more of it—and then he will know that he is gradually but surely progressing toward the state of perfect physical health and great endurance.
When the tricks of combat that involve falls are tried, these should be done always on pads or mattresses—or, in the country, upon hay. While a grassy lawn may afford a good substitute, there is no reason for two friends, engaged in friendly contest, risking broken bones. It should be borne in mind, also, that in amicable tests too much strength should not be exerted. It is sufficient, at first, to learn the principles of jiu-jitsu combat. As the student progresses he will find himself able to endure more and more severe punishment, but arrival at this stage should never be rushed. Each student's own judgment will guide him in this matter.
The matter of costume is of great importance. The body should be as exposed as is possible. In the Japanese jiu-jitsu schools the students step out on the floor in nothing but breech-clouts. This gives the freest circulation of air around a body that is bound to perspire profusely from the rapidity with which the exercises are performed. When exercises are called for that involve coat-holds a tough padded jacket is added to the costume.
American men who do not care to exercise in the breech-clout alone will find that a very good substitute costume may be had by donning underclothing and socks and pulling on a breech-clout to keep the underclothing in place. Shoes should never be worn. For the tricks that involve coat-holds any old, discarded jacket may be donned.
Where two women engage in practice the best costume will be a combination bathing suit of waist and trunks. If desired, however, the regulation gymnasium suit of blouse, bloomers that come to the knee, and stockings may be used— but without shoes of any kind.
In Japan the women are trained in jiu-jitsu, and they often compete with the men. It would be well if this were done in this country—always provided that man and woman possess about equal height, weight, and muscular strength. In the case of such contests the costume would have to be adapted to the requirements of conventionality. Contests under equal conditions between men and women are to be encouraged, as such practice would work for the cultivation of that politeness which the Japanese invariably show in their friendly combats. The Japanese always rises with a smile from a severe and sometimes painful defeat.
In closing, the author offers these suggestions:
Observe all the first requirements of health.
Practise daily the exercises described.
Do not pass to another task until the one described before it has been well mastered.
Do not attempt to rush physical development. Moderation is the Japanese rule. The intelligent student will be able to discover for himself when it is wise to increase the amount of exercise, and when he can endure additional strain in the tricks of combat. Do not be over-zealous.
However severe the trick employed against you, be courteous and smiling. Good temper is a powerful factor for health.
At times when there is lassitude resulting from stagnant circulation of the blood, the jiu-jitsu work will be found to be a vitaliser. If there is no antagonist at hand, try such of the exercises as may be done alone. The result in improved vitality will be apparent within a few minutes. Yet, at such times, do not attempt to overdo. From five to ten minutes of work will be found sufficient. The right indication is discovered when the body warms and the flesh tingles. Then stop, resuming the work at a later time when feeling in good condition.
If extremely nervous, or unable to sleep, a very moderate amount of exercise—preferably in the open air—followed by bath and bed is likely to be productive of immediate relief. Even persistent insomnia can be cured by continuing this course night after night.
The Americans are proverbially a nervous, high-strung race. The Japanese are calm to the point of serenity. Faithful study and practice of all their rules for physical well-being will work a marvellous change in the physical and nervous vitality of the American people.
THE END