Page:Japanese Physical Training (Hancock).djvu/97

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The Value of Even Temper
61

smiling, and take deep breaths until ready for the next feat.

When the tackle above described has been practised until it is thoroughly understood, it would seem that, once the grip is secured, it is irresistible. Yet there is an easy form of counter-movement. The one who is attacked has only to seize his assailant by the throat and press back the latter's head. One method of seizing the throat is to cross thumbs just over the "Adam's apple," pressing against it, while the finger-ends of either hand rest over the ears. This tackle taken, a quick shove forward of the assailant's head will break the hold. Or the thumbs may be dug forcibly into the jaw-bone on either side, the position of the fingers to be the same as in the first throw-off.

Care must be taken at all times to avoid breaking bones, or laming the muscles to such an extent that the pain lasts for a considerable length of time after the hostile contact has ceased. The Japanese take every trick with the greatest caution at the outset and increase pressures so gradually that any advanced