Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/163

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Advanced Tricks of Combat
111

hold wishes, he can force his adversary's arms away over, and then can use his clasped hands in landing as ugly a blow as he wishes under the other man's chin.

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