Ancestor of Jin-Jitsu: Speed, Dexterity and Courage: A Remarkable Display A fairly large audience gave an enthusiastic reception to 250 Chinese boxers and wrestlers at the Town Halil on Saturday evening, when athletes representing every province in China met and gave an exhibition of ther skill im the manly art of self-defence. The exhibition was held under the auspices of General Ma Liang, and many of the athletes were the same who took part in the recent ancient athletic games held at the West gate. The proceeds from the sale of tickets were devoted to the Chekiang Relief Fund, and it was stated that quite a considerable sum was realized. Through the courtesy of General Ho Feng-ling the Arsenal Band furnished incidental music.
In addition to the individual displays of boxing and wrestling against an imaginary opponent, there were several good bouts in which the antagonists were real flesh and blood and took amazing and dificult falls apparently svffering not the slightest injury.
Chinese wrestling is in reality the parent of jin-mitsu now taught universally in the Bushido wrestling schools in Japan. It is mainiaine.t that the men do not have to be of equal weight or strength, but the victor's success depends mainly upon his agility in securing the primary hold upon lis adversary, This contention was proved more than once on Saturday evening, when a wrestler frequently threw an opponent 20 or 30 pounds heavier. On the other hand, Mr. Ling Sch-ching, from Tientsin who weighed in the neighbourhood of 13 stone, threw seven opponents in nine minutes, which was considered the record for the evening. By way of explanation, it might be added that a "throw" according to the Chinese definition, means usually casting your adversary some 15 or 20 feet away so that he rolls on his back. Nor were there any mats or mattresses to break the force of the fall.
Several of the boxing bouts were fast and furious affairs. The rules laid down by the illustrious Marquis of Queensbury doubtless have not been published in Chinese, since the various competitors fought with bare knuckles, kicked, [cratched, bit, clawed each other with reckless abandon, that is, they would have if the opportunity had offered. After "squaring off," each contestant made a dash toward the other and kicked and struck continually, the object apparently being to blind your opponent before he had the opportunity of carrying out his evil designs on you. The dexterity with which kicks and blows were parried equally well was a marvel of speed and agility.
The honours of the evening, however, were unquestionably awarded
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.