title: The science of wrestling and the art of jiu-jitsu,
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'o\ * * A » aV-^. / 7 *+ » ’O O °"° « + O * < -^<' «* ’; «fev* : o <9 7“, - 0 4 -.‘c/nr*. A V ^ J 7 % ’ •.<y> ^ * -c>y e - <:>.0 h ; V ^ «#• a G % 0 0 « O 4. «• • ° 4%*SSW* c ♦* ^ ” *of ±4 : *•-’*’*’ %/ *^»* A°° %/*•<’•** /'. % '* *T. ’ »• • / v)^ ^ y • o^ /^!L/a Ox -< v ^.-g * fc / ^ A v * v^ v ° o J ^ > °J : v ^ o J ^ > °J : v ^ o ^'o, * * A <, ’-7. s’ A 0' ^ A \ v • 4'* •» ^O A7 0 ° " ° -» *^t. 0^ fc • 4'* •> o ^ : ; • A* 'V °., *' 0^ *' •>* A o ^°-<, - THE SCIENCE OF WRESTLING AND THE ART OF JUITSU WRESTLING AND PUBLISHED BY EARLE LIEDERMAN PUBLISHED BY EARLE LIEDERMAN NEW YORK PUBLISHED BY EARLE LIEDERMAN First Edition COPYRIGHT, 1924 BY EARLE LIEDERMAN First Edition COPYRIGHT, 1924 BY EARLE LIEDERMAN Second Edition MAR 26 1924 C1A778573 PREFACE It has been said that every worthwhile man is possessed with some hobby. He may not admit it. In fact, he may not know it, but he has one just the same. If such be true, I should be doubly proud of myself, for I have two hobbies. One is Wrestling and the other is Boxing. There was a time when the viewpoint of some people was so narrow they disapproved of both these amusements, but I am pleased to note that today such people are by far in the minority. The French would say “cest la guerre” for the war has had a lot to do with it. Never before were the advantages of these two sciences so clearly demonstrated. Every American boy was encouraged to participate in at least one of these Manly arts. For a number of years, I have been directing and guiding thousands of boys and young men in the care of their bodies. It is just as natural for a strong, healthy boy to box and wrestle as it is to eat. I have tried to teach, however, that there is a time and place for everything. I would be indeed disappointed to learn that any of my followers had acquired the strength and skill to wrestle and then assumed the part of a bully. For a bully is at heart a coward. In the writing of this book, my purpose is the same. I desire to build up an army of courageous, clean-minded men who will be prepared to protect the weak rather than to oppress them—men who will dare to do right and insist on others doing the same. Wrestling, then, is threefold in its benefits. It will help you in the upbuilding of a strong, robust body; it will fortify you against attacks by ruffians and bullies, and it will build up a determined spirit within you which will help you in the everyday walks of life. Starting from the beginning of this world, right up to the present day, in every epoch you will read of men, strong in character, who were noted for their physical prowess and were not slow to use these powers. All of us cannot hope for world-wide success, but we do know that wrestling will give us a strong, healthy body, which is essential for the highest attainments of the mind. We also know that wrestling will build up the will power and perseverance of man when all other methods may fail. Therefore, as you study this book, practicing and acquiring the many advantages which it offers you over your fellow-man, do it with the purpose of preparing yourself for the enjoyment of a manly pastime, to protect yourself and others against assault, and to make of yourself a strong, virile man with a clean body and an active mind fit for the accomplishment of the bigger things in life. Earle Liederman The physical development of the author CONTENTS PAGE Photo of Author (Earle Liederman). 2 Preface. 5 Picture of Earle Liederman, Showing Muscular Development. 7 Contents. 9-13 The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu. 15-36 Amateur Wrestling Rules. 37-43 Martin Ludecke, Middleweight Champion of Central America... 44 The Science of Wrestling. 45 Shaking Hands. 46 Referee’s Hold. 47 Straight Reverse Arm Lock. 48-49 Fall from Straight Reverse Arm Lock and Body Scissors. 50 Starting a Reverse Slip Lock. 51-52 Fall from Reverse Slip Lock. 53 Wrist and Further Ankle Lock. 54-55-56 Fall from Wrist and Further Ankle Lock. 57 Waist and Hammer Lock Standing. 58 Flying Mare. 59-60 Fall from the Flying Mare. 61 Counter Hold for the Flying Mare. 62 Complete Counter for Flying Mare. 63 Standing Side Head Lock or Side Chancery. 64 Fall from Standing Side Head Lock or Side Chancery. 65 Counter for Side Head Lock or Side Chancery. 66 Start of Back Heel and Waist Lock. 67 Continuation of Back Heel and Waist Lock. 68 Fall from Back Heel and Waist Lock. 69 Back Heel and Leg Hold. 70-71 Counter for Back Heel and Waist Lock. 68 Inside Leg and Arm Drop. 73-74 Fall from Inside Leg and Arm Drop. 75 Double Leg Dive. 76 Counter for Double Leg Dive. 77 Guard for Leg Dive. 78 Standing Crotch and Half Nelson. 79 Fall from Standing Crotch and Half Nelson. 80 Fall from Roll with Wrist Lock and Leg Grapevine. 81 Fall from Roll with Wrist Lock and Leg Grapevine. 82 Standing Head Lock or Chancery and Bar. 83-84 Counter for Standing Head Lock or Chancery and Bar. 85 Start of Waist Lock from Behind. 86 Waist Lock from Behind, Continued. 87 Putting Opponent to the Mat from Waist Lock Behind. 88 Double Wrist Lock, Standing. 89 Fall from Double Wrist Lock with Head Scissors. 90 Standing Double Wrist Lock with Back Heel. 91-92 Fall from Standing Double Wrist Lock with Back Heel. 93 Countering a Counter for a Standing Double Wrist Lock. 94 Countering a Counter for a Standing Double Wrist Lock. 95 Double Wrist Lock with Side Roll. 96-97 Fall from Double Wrist Lock with Side Roll. 98 Double Wrist Lock on the Mat. 99 Fall from Double Wrist Lock on the Mat. 100 Double Wrist Lock with Bridge. 101 Cross-Buttock and Waist Lock. 102 Hip Lock. 103 Starting a Quarter Nelson. 104 Quarter Nelson. 105 Counter for Quarter Nelson. 106 Continuation of Quarter Nelson. 107 Fall from Quarter Nelson with Combination Cradle Hold. 108 Another Counter for Quarter Nelson. 109 Reversed Bar. 110 Half Nelson. Ill Escape from Half Nelson.112-113 Escape and Counter for Half Nelson. 114 Side Roll Counter for Half Nelson. 115 Half Nelson and Leg Roll. 116 Fall from Half Nelson and Leg Lift. 117 Further Half Nelson with Arm Scissors.118-119 [ 10 ] PAGE Fall from Further Nelson with Arm Scissors. 120 Combined Head and Leg Lock.7\. 121 Fall from Combined Head and Leg Lock A.V. 122 Inside Grapevine. 123 Inside Grapevine with Toe Hold. 124 Fall from Inside Grapevine. 125 Start of Step-Over Toe Hold. 126 Step-Over Toe Hold Continued. 127 Step-Over Toe Hold to the Inside. 128 Start of Hammer Lock. 129 Hammer Lock and Crotch Hold. 130 Hammer Lock and Half Nelson. 131 Front Bar. 132 Fall from Leg and Ankle Lock. 133 Side Bar Hold. 134 Leg and Arm Lock. 135 Start of Leg and Ankle Lock with Half Nelson. 136 Leg and Ankle Lock from Half Nelson. 137 Start of Arm Scissors. 138 Continuation of Arm Scissors. 139 Fall from Arm Scissors. 140 Front Head Lock. 141 Block for Leg Dive with Standing Quarter Nelson. 142 Near Leg Lift. 143 Fall from Further Crotch. 144 Start of Body Scissors. 145 Fall from Scissors. 146 Wrong Way of Securing Body Scissors. 147 Leg Lock on Arm.148-149 Fall from Leg Lock on Arm. 150 Waist Hold and Wrist Grip. 151 Sitting Up from Waist Hold and Wrist Grip. 152 Fall from Sitting Up Waist Hold and Wrist Grip. 153 Standing Arm Lock and Leg Block. 154 Fall from Standing Arm Lock and Leg Block. 155 Breaking a Bridge.156-157 Half Nelson and Top Scissors. L58 [HI PAGE Fall from Top Scissors and Half Nelson. 159 Start of Leg Split. 160 Continuation of Leg Split. 161 Fall from Leg Split. 162 Leg Split and Head Lock. 163 Start of Further Arm and Bar. 164 Further Arm and Bar Hold Continued. 165 Fall from Further Arm and Bar. 166 The Art of Jiu-Jitsu.167-169 Should You Be Attacked in the Street. 170 Should Anyone Attack You and Grab Hold of Your Coat Lapels 171 Force Your Left Arm Up and Around Your Opponent’s Right Arm 172 Bring Your Both Hands Upward. Should a Person Reach Toward His Hip Pocket for a Gun. Quickly Bring in Your Right Hand, Grasping Opponent’s Elbow. While Retaining Hold on His Elbow, You Can Punish Your Opponent. Another Way of Defending Yourself if a Person Reaches for His Pocket to Get a Weapon. Straighten Out Your Opponent’s Locked Arm. When Held Up with a Gun. Follow Up with Your Right Hand, Turn the Pointed Gun Into Your Opponent’s Face. Should a Person Make a Move to Strike You with His Left Fist. Pull His Arm Toward You. Another Way to Overcome an Attack as Shown in Plate No. Another Method to Meet an Attack as Shown in Plate No. If a Person Strikes You and Endeavor to Punch You. Another Way to Overcome an Attack as Shown in Plate No. If a Person Strikes You or Endeavors to Hit You a Blow in the Face. Then, from Position Shown on Plate No. Should a Person Endeavor to Strike You as Shown in Plate No. Then, from Position Shown on Plate No. Should a  Place Your Arm Under Your Opponent’s. 196 Should Your Opponent Attack You with a Strangle Hold. 197 Another Way of Making a Man Helpless from an Attack as Shown. 198 Still Another Way of Defending Yourself from a Strangle Hold. 199 When a Person Makes an Attempt to Strike a Blow with His Right Hand. 200 From Preceding Position Force Your Opponent’s Right Arm Over His Right Shoulder. 201 When a Man Makes an Attack Swinging with His Right Fist. 202 Then Pull Your Opponent’s Arm Towards Your Left Shoulder. 203 Another Method of Preventing an Attack as Shown in Plate No. 154. 204 A Simple Method to Overcome an Attack. 205 The Finish from the Preceding Position. 206 Another Bone-Breaking Hold. 207 Twist Opponent’s Left Arm Outward and Upward. 208 Turn Completely Around Until You Are Facing Your Opponent Again. I find it necessary, however, to mention the fact that wrestling dates back to the early days of man. Considerable credit can be given to the Greeks, Chinese and Japanese for discovering and perfecting the numerous holds, counters and escapes. Wrestling today naturally has progressed with the progress of the world, though old-time wrestlers used many of the same holds that are now scientifically applied by our present-day champions. Catch-as-catch-can is the more modern form of wrestling. This means that any hold can be taken on any part of the body. This differs from the Graeco-Roman style, which forbids obtaining holds below the waist. With a thorough knowledge of wrestling, the weakest man will find it exceedingly easy to overpower a man of twice his size and strength, providing, of course, he is clever and well versed in the various tricks which will be found within the pages of this book. There is a lot more to wrestling than the mere struggling of two contestants on the mats. A determination to succeed as a wrestler is most important. Next comes everlasting persistence. An unforgetful knowledge of all the holds, tricks, blocks, and counters, as well as escapes, is also of paramount importance. In modern wrestling bouts, the strangle hold is usually barred, owing to the danger of it. This also applies to a great number of the Jiu-Jitsu holds, for considerable damage would be done if some of these holds were permitted. There is hardly a wrestler who does not have some knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu, and the reader will find it advantageous to combine Jiu-Jitsu in wrestling, even though the former may not be used completely, for there may come occasions where such combined knowledge will help you out of considerable difficulty. As a protection in self-defense, Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling combined is the most perfect combination that anyone could adopt. The writer has demonstrated that he can better any fighter by using the combined knowledge of Catch-as-Catch-Can wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, and make the fighter disabled in an exceedingly short period of time. Having had considerable experience both in boxing and wrestling, I have no doubts as to which is the quicker method of disabling anyone. Most wrestlers are fairly good boxers, whereas most boxers are very poor wrestlers. The Jiu-Jitsu attacks and defenses in this book may someday save the life of the reader, and I urge careful study and observation of each and every attack and counter, so as to become thoroughly familiar with every detail. An expert in the art of Jiu-Jitsu possesses considerable self-confidence, and would not hesitate for the moment to apply his knowledge on any thug or hold-up man should they come within his reach. Nearly every hold is practically a bone-breaker, and I advise no one to practice them on any friend or wrestling partner without telling his opponent just what he intends to do, and at the same time opening and executing the attack with the greatest caution—otherwise serious results will arise owing to the dangers of the hold. Wrestling is one of the best means to obtain a powerful physique, and you will rarely see a wrestler who does not possess unusual strength and a splendid muscular development. Every muscle in the body is brought into play in Catch-as-Catch-Can wrestling, and all the internal organs really benefit as well by the vigorous work performed during a bout. A wrestler has practically unlimited vitality, for this strenuous sport does not burn up your energy as boxing or fighting does. Wrestlers who lead clean lives are at their best between 35 and 40 years of age, whereas most fighters are through at the age of 30 owing to the continual strain of the road work which burns up their vitality and tissues. Wrestling is not merely a muscle-developing pastime or a sport that increases your strength alone, but it will give you endurance and perseverance and change your outlook on the physical world completely. It will give you self-confidence, and that alone is an asset that everyone should have. If the reader will practice with an opponent, each and every one of the attacks and counters shown in this book, not only will he become a proficient exponent on the mat, but he will never again have any physical fear in him—no matter how heavy or tough his adversary may be. You will also find that wrestling will, without a doubt, change your whole physical appearance, especially the neck and back, for a great stress is put on these parts of your body by the constant mat work. The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Wrestling is no sport for the tenderfoot, and anyone who fears scratched elbows or knees should never consider wrestling seriously. It is a real man’s sport, and it must be tackled with a real he-man’s sporting blood. Nevertheless, the one who is timid and frail and who lacks courage should not shrink from the thought of a little rough pastime. No matter how delicate a person may be, if he will wrestle for a few months he will soon toughen up and notice a vast difference both in his strength and physical appearance. It has been said that wrestlers are muscle-bound and slow. Of course, I will admit there are a few—a very few, but then you will find slow athletes in every line of sport. If anyone should take wrestling seriously enough to work with speed in every movement, he need have no fear of becoming what is known as muscle-bound, a term which is often mistaken for slowness. Much depends upon how you train. If you are exercising, whether it be with an apparatus or without one, and the movements are performed slowly, you can never expect to be as speedy as the chap who works with lots of pep and enthusiasm. The same thing applies to scientific wrestling. If you wrestle with the idea of seeing how long you can last, naturally you are not going to work with as much speed as you would if you wrestle with determination and with the intention of becoming as fast as possible. As an exercise and an aid in developing the muscles of the body, wrestling is superior to any other athletic sport known. As I have said, every muscle is brought into play, some while on the offensive and others while defending. A considerable gain in weight will also be noticed, unless, of course, your body contains superfluous fat. Better digestion of the food and functioning of the internal organs will be noticed after a few months’ training. The wind will be improved, the mind will become more active and the eye quicker. A healthy, active and strong body is one of the first requisites toward physical perfection which wrestling will bring. When training for wrestling, you should engage in exercises that deal with development of speed, endurance, and, most important of all, strength. A clever wrestler, with a fair knowledge of holds combined with good staying powers and strength, stands an excellent chance of making a name for himself in the wrestling game. A great deal of importance should be attached to the nature of the exercises indulged in when training. Avoid exercises that develop slow muscles. Running and rope-skipping are very good for building up endurance. Running is a natural exercise for expanding and developing the lungs, while rope-skipping will make you light and quick on your feet. Of course, care should be taken not to overdo either of these, for when an exercise is carried to a point of exhaustion more harm can result than good. However, running is a natural means of lung expansion, and you will find that your staying powers depend greatly upon a good lung development with easy and regular breathing. I advise you to do your running in the cool of the morning, for then the air is pure. A two- or three-mile trot early each morning on the open roads breathing the pure fresh air, will produce a beneficial effect on your system and build up your nerves, and eventually bring you the endurance necessary to become a successful wrestler. You will find after you take up the mat game seriously that the wind is of extreme importance. That is why I emphasize the importance of road work. After running I advise you to take a shower, preferably a cold one, so that you will remove the perspiration from the body. The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu A rub-down after the shower will be found very helpful. You might use a solution of three quarters witch-hazel and one quarter alcohol for this rub. A massage is also important in training. If you are not able to have someone massage you, the exercise you get by doing it yourself will help you considerably. Roll and knead the muscles and push them from one side to the other. The rubbing is not of vital importance, but the rolling and kneading is. The alcohol and witch-hazel used while massaging invigorates the nerves. Skipping the rope will build up endurance in your leg muscles and also add to your wind. When skipping, I suggest you go through the performance as quickly as possible, for doing it in this manner will quicken the leg muscles: Speed is absolutely essential in wrestling, and I want to impress upon your minds that unless you are quick you will stand but little chance in the wrestling world. Your arms, legs, eyes, and in fact every part of your body must be ready to co-ordinate with your thoughts. Being clever enough to notice an opening is one thing, but taking advantage of an opening at the right time is another. You should develop speed in your arm muscles as well as your legs. You will find punching the bag especially beneficial in producing results in that particular line, and will also be helpful in quickening the eye. I advise you to refrain from any form of muscle-binding exercises. When in training, try to strengthen all the muscles in general. An apparatus that offers you a lively yet strong resistance is best, and fifteen or twenty minutes a day will be sufficient time to spend in home training. A beginner, of course, should take it exceedingly easy at the start and gradually increase the length of time as he becomes accustomed to the strain that is placed upon the muscles while exercising. The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu When wrestling and when exercising always work vigorously and with plenty of speed and snap. Stick to it until you are tired, which should be after 15 or 20 minutes, and a light perspiration is coming from your body—then the shower and rub-down. I also suggest that you wrestle 10 or 15 minutes each day, moderately at first, and as you become stronger and develop endurance, you may gradually lengthen the time. Practice deep breathing morning and evening. You will find the natural way of deep breathing superior to all the fancy methods. Never force yourself into any particular style of breathing, but breathe slowly and deeply and let your chest rise and fall in its own natural way. Take care not to breathe through your mouth. Of course, there are times when you will have to execute mouth breathing, especially when you are wrestling and find yourself short of wind. The reader will find these pointers and suggestions of a great benefit if he will adhere to them. If you can spare the time a few nights a week, I suggest you take a short walk in the open before retiring. This will make you sleep more soundly, and sleep is another subject of vital importance. Sleep is nature’s way of renewing the worn tissues and building up the muscles throughout the body. Try to be regular and sleep at least eight hours each night. Keep your windows open wide so as to get all the fresh air possible, for you cannot get too much fresh air. In the warm weather you might try sleeping out and, in fact, spending as much of your time out of doors as possible. Do not expect to become a champion after a few months’ practice. No one ever obtained success by his own efforts over night. It may require a couple of years of practice before you are accustomed to all the holds and counters; but be satisfied even though progress be slow, for you will find this a much quicker and assured way to advance. Exercising too strenuously and being impatient with the slow but sure progress will prove disastrous to you. Start slowly, wrestling in moderation until your muscles are able to stand the strain of a vigorous contest. As you increase in strength, add to your program in wrestling. Do not work your body until you are completely exhausted, for experience will tell you when you have had enough. You may find that your muscles will become sore once in a while, but do not let this hinder you from exercising. This soreness is only a natural condition and can easily be worked out by a massage and light training. Stick to your daily exercising and let nothing stop you, regardless of circumstances, unless a serious injury should happen to you, for once you neglect your training you will find it more difficult to start over again. Remember, a tool always in use never becomes rusty. Do not be satisfied with one form of exercising. Vary the movements and change your program occasionally, so as to prevent it from becoming monotonous. Pay particular attention to your diet, and eat only plain, wholesome food. Eat plenty of vegetables in the summer and avoid meat and too much sugar as much as possible. It is exceedingly hard to outline a diet, for everyone’s appetite is as different as is the condition of their digestion. I suggest, however, a cereal food for breakfast, a light lunch and a good nourishing dinner consisting of plenty of vegetables. Thorough mastication and slow eating is essential. Do not wash your food down with liquids, but masticate it well before swallowing. Avoid alcoholic beverages in any form, for this will only tend to poison your system. Sweets, such as pies, pastries, candies and also highly seasoned dishes should be entirely dispensed with in the wrestler’s menu. Eat all the ripe fruit you want with your meals, and should you become hungry between meals I advise you to eat nothing but a little fruit. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this will keep your kidneys in good order. Avoid ice water, especially when overheated, and when you drink swallow it slowly. When your intentions of taking up wrestling become serious, your thoughts should turn to the development of speed. Never allow yourself to work slowly. Great care should be taken when applying holds to perform your movements as quickly as possible, so as to prevent a possible counter or escape by your opponent. Make up your mind as to what you intend to do—then do it quickly before your opponent catches on to your intentions and changes his position. Make all your movements with a confident feeling that you are going to defeat your adversary. Don’t lose courage. It is only natural that you will feel a little shaky in your first few encounters. This feeling will disappear with a little experience, and you will soon acquire a self-confident attitude. Never show your opponent that you are the least bit worried when he attacks you, but adopt that “don’t care” attitude—though at the same time you should keep your eyes open and always be on the watch for a trick. Push, shove and treat him just as roughly as he treats you, even adding interest to it if necessary. When wrestling place your hand on his neck, take and push his head from side to side roughly and let him see how rough you are, and in most cases your opponent will feel as though you are superior to him in strength. The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Show him you are strong. If you block his every move and try to discourage him, you have the battle half won. Use your eyes, arms, legs, and most important of all, your brain. Keep your muscles loose and ready for an attack or defense, for your muscles will rebel against speedy action if held rigid or tensed. So don’t tense them—leave them loose. If you tense your muscles, you unconsciously burn up a lot of energy that you might be able to use elsewhere to better advantage. Learn to save your strength as much as possible. Rest as much as you can, especially by placing your weight on your opponent. In this way, you will save your strength. However, be prepared to use it to good advantage when the opportunity arises. When you are working with your opponent on the mat, always bear heavily on him at all times. Lean your weight on his neck and tire him that way. The idea is to try and reserve your strength until the proper time comes to use it to good advantage. By this rest, I don’t mean that you should be lazy. Make things appear as though you are taking it easy, but at the same time, be prepared to accept or to give a surprise. Never allow your opponent to discourage you. When you have secured a hold and your efforts seem useless, put that last and almost dying effort into your exertions and you will find your opponent weakening. Remember that your opponent may be just as tired as you are, but he may be playing his part, endeavoring to fool you just as I am telling you to fool him. You will find in most cases when your opponent is resisting you that he is tired but is trying to appear fresh, thinking to discourage you. Do not believe in appearances, but try him out. See how much strength he really has left, and at the same time observe his breathing. When he breathes hard, it is the first step to fatigue. When once you have him exceedingly tired, you can almost roll him over on his back without much effort. Never waste your strength by forcing your opponent if you are met with too strong a resistance—but try and change point of attack. Time your exertions, watch for an opening to change your hold, and then suddenly force him to the mat with the help of his own resistance. You will find that speed and strength are essential in completing a fall after you have secured a hold. You must also remember that it is possible for your opponent to have a serious hold on you, and you may think that all your resistance and efforts to free yourself are useless. Do not give up, for sometimes a sudden jerk, pull or shove will do more than all the resistance you can offer while on the defensive. Then, again, when your opponent has you in a bad fix and is forcing your shoulders down, a sudden kick with both feet, combined with a vigorous twist of the body, will set you free. After you have freed yourself, use your head and watch for an opening on your opponent and be prepared to take advantage of the first one that presents itself. Keep cool at all times, even though you feel you are near defeat. Sometimes an opportunity or escape arises at the last moment, just when you are about to give up hope. If you are perplexed, don't allow your opponent to detect it. However, if he does, it means the finish of you. You must think fast and avoid becoming rattled, for when you are rattled it simply means clumsy actions, slow movements and a number of other things that will place you at a disadvantage. Care should be taken as to the position of the feet. A firm, strong position is absolutely necessary at all times. Never keep your feet too close together, for if they are it will give your opponent a good chance to trip you; and by holding them too far apart you will be prevented from moving quickly. Holding the feet sprawled out to the sides affords a good chance for your adversary to knock you off your balance. Don't allow yourself to be caught in an awkward position, whether you are on your feet or down on the mat. Of course, the distance you place your feet apart depends a great deal on your height. A tall wrestler will naturally have a greater span than a smaller man. The usual distance is about 20 inches, and one foot should be slightly in advance of the other. Strengthen your position by experimenting with the different postures customary for wrestlers to assume. In this way, you will find one particular style that will suit you. Watch every angle of your adversary’s body. If you find him weak on his feet, give him no rest whatsoever. There are numerous holds you can apply to the legs that will soon tire him out, and once you have your opponent leg-weary, it will be an easy victory for you. As I said before, do not think that your opponent is weary because he appears so. Sometimes he will simply be fooling you in order to lead you into a cleverly arranged trap. Some wrestlers have a habit of telegraphing their intentions, but always try your best to conceal your motive until you are prepared for the attack. Keep your opponent guessing at all times. You must attack by surprise, escape from his attacks as quickly as possible, and keep him wondering as to where your next move will be. Keep on the alert; and again, I say, be prepared. The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Remember that your opponent is studying you perhaps even more closely than you are studying him. He is watching every move you make, looking for openings and weak spots, the same as you are. It will do you good to find your own weak points and strengthen them, for a weak defense simply means that your opponent will keep plugging away until he wears you into defeat. Again, you must not allow yourself to be discouraged. Be game and ready to fight back. Say to yourself it is impossible for you to be thrown, and keep on believing that until both your shoulders are actually pinned to the mat. When caught in a bad place, study your opponent’s position and also your own; yet do not waste one second. Use every trick you have learned, exert every ounce of strength you have left in order to escape and never give up. Do not wince when hurt, for this will only show a little yellow streak. Just laugh, and let your opponent see that you are game. Once he begins to feel that you are the stronger and gamer man, he will feel discouraged, and a victory for you won’t be very far away. Many holds of great importance can be secured while blocking your opponent’s attacks. An aggressive wrestler leaves many openings, and it is only after several months of practice that you will be able to discover them at the right time. You will find after a few encounters just where you lack training and what holds you are weakest on. You must practice breaking holds as well as securing them. When a wrestler refuses to try any holds on you and is simply blocking your every move, be very careful as to the extent of your attacks. When your opponent is working on you, he places himself in a more dangerous position than if he were on the defensive. The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu It often happens that a wrestler tries for a hold and is met with a clever defense. This leaves the aggressive wrestler in a weak position, for after being checked or blocked he is generally off balance. Always keep in mind the position you hold, whether on the mat or standing up. Picture yourself in your opponent’s place and see if you have left an opening of any kind. Watching for openings is of less importance than taking advantage of them at the right time. If you develop speed both in applying various holds and escaping your opponent’s advances, he will have but little chance of defeating you, providing, of course, you are a little quicker than he is. There is an escape or block to almost every hold known. Practice all the holds you see or hear of, and let your training partner apply them to you and see if you can escape. You should practice slipping from one hold to another. Study your opponent and try to anticipate his intentions. Leave an opening purposely and see how quick he is to detect it, and by doing so you will learn if your opponent is fast or not. When you are in a dangerous position, keep your eyes open for a counter or some possible means of escape without leaving yourself in a worse position than you held before. Most wrestlers are very careless and fail to notice a possible means of escape when they almost have their opponent’s shoulders to the mat. It is cleverness that helps a wrestler to escape, but it is a combination of cleverness, speed, and headwork to escape without leaving any possible opening that your opponent might take advantage of. Do not try for one particular hold all the time—neither should you have any favorite holds. The Science of Wrestling and the Art of Jiu-Jitsu Practice every hold so that you will be able to apply any one of them when a suitable opening presents itself. If you master every hold you know of, you will be surprised with the many openings that will arise in a wrestling match that will give you an opportunity to apply one of them. It is useless to exert yourself in trying for a certain hold unless a good opening presents itself. Never be too hasty in avoiding your opponent’s attacks. In most cases, he may be laboring to surprise you, and is just trying to lead you into a trap. Beware of combination holds that your opponent might try on you, for they are very difficult to break, and you will find if you are not quick enough they will more than once prove disastrous to you. You must also take extreme care that your opponent is not misleading you, for he may pretend his strongest part is his weakest point of attack. If he succeeds in misleading you, he will have the advantage and will be prepared to spring a surprise on you. You can fool him also by hiding your strongest point of attack until you see an opening that would be suitable for you to concentrate on. Play for his neck, body, feet, and in fact every part of him until you find the part where he offers the weakest defense. Then prepare to attack. Feint him into the position you want him and watch for an opening. Feint a hold that will leave him open to just the position where his defense will be weakest. Try and secure a more complicated hold or a combination of holds that you have perfected. There is more importance to feinting than the average wrestler realizes. I will try and give you a few examples and a clearer idea as to just how it should be done. Seize your opponent in some particular hold opposite to the one in which you intend to throw him. Make him believe you really intend to throw him with that particular hold. As soon as he conceives your intentions and offers to resist your efforts, be prepared to catch him in a more serious combination of holds. Another example—when on the mat with your opponent working over you, extend one arm a little further out to the side than usual. This will leave a possible opening for one of the Nelson holds where one of his arms will slip under your armpit and in back of your neck. As soon as he applies such a hold he prepared to counter with a side roll. You should exercise a great deal of caution as to whether your opponent is feigning or not. It happens very often that an adversary feigns defeat, and of course it is only natural to allow your thoughts to dwell on an easy victory. Do not fall into this trap, for you may be in serious danger of defeat. Just when you are congratulating yourself, thinking you are on the high road to victory and success, always remember one of you will win and the other will lose. Make up your mind before you start that you will defeat him regardless of how many defenses he offers. When working on the mat, particular attention to how you hold your hands and feet. Never leave your fingers sticking out, for if you do your opponent may grasp them and you are liable to suffer a broken finger. Keep your fingers under the palms of your hands in a sort of half-clenched position. The position of your feet is also important while down on the mat. You should be in a sort of half-sitting posture—that is, your hips should almost be touching your heels. This will prevent your opponent from securing a toe hold on you. Keep your toes turned half way in when resting flat on the mat, and never allow them to stick out to the sides. Keep your elbows close to your body and slightly bent. Don't keep your head too far up—neither should you keep it too low, as this will afford an opportunity for your opponent to secure a Nelson hold on you. When on the mat with your adversary working over you, you stand more chance of securing a hold on him than he does on you. Watch his every move, and if he tries for a Nelson hold he will be prepared to counter with a side roll. When standing, look out for trips. If you find that you are encountering a wrestler who is faster on his feet than you are, try to get him on the mat. Avoid his feet above everything else and, again I repeat, when attacked, not only block your opponent’s advance but watch for openings so that you may be able to bring a successful combination of holds into the operation. Before attempting to practice any of the holds described in this book, I would advise you to study all the illustrations first until you are thoroughly accustomed to all of them. This will make it much easier and quicker to master them. Practice all the holds and escapes that are used when in a standing position, also the ones applied while on the mat. Pay special attention to the blocks, counters and escapes that are described and make sure that you understand their true meaning. You must find a partner to train with. I suggest you get one who is clever and who is strong enough to give you a vigorous workout. After you have become accustomed to the various holds, etc., I would advise you to visit a few gymnasiums where you will meet wrestlers of all weights and classes. Pay particular attention to the clever ones and watch their every move. Remember, you can learn a lot from men who do things, and if you will carefully observe someone who knows more about wrestling than you do it would help you greatly in making the most of your ambitions. If possible, while training always wrestle with someone who is a little heavier and faster than you are. In order to keep up with him you will have to work fast and hard. This is essential in order to succeed. The harder you work while training, the more staying power you will develop, and when put to a test in a real encounter you will be successful. 