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To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Attention should be called to the exhibition of the Japanese art of Jiujitsu or method of self-defense to be given in the Gymnasium this afternoon and in the Union tomorrow evening.

Jiujitsu is in its simpler forms best described as scientific "scrapping." No matter what position a man may assume he can be moved easily in two directions, and the Japanese have worked out every possible position the body can take, and have developed a corresponding throw. Just as a well-trained baseball team knows every possible play, and cannot be taken by surprise, so a trained Jiujitsu wrestler is prepared for every move by his adversary. Each movement is practiced until it is instinctive. The result of the training is that every muscle is as perfectly under control and as readily responsive to the will as the fingers. The body becomes an intelligent organism instead of a machine.

No one who has not attempted to "scrap" with a master of the art can conceive the astonishing powers it gives. When I first saw it I could not believe that if I were really "turned loose," and avoided conventional methods I could not at least make a contest. I was completely undeceived. "Turning loose" merely made the greater fall. Never have I experienced such a feeling of utter helplessness as I did in trying to avoid being thrown, and that is the experience not only of untrained foreigners in Japan, but of skillful wrestlers who have encountered the Japanese.

These two exhibitions present opportunities not to be missed by anyone interested in athletics or in physical development. The two Japanese who will demonstrate the art are among the most expert in Japan, and the art itself is so wonderful as to seem miraculous. I hope any one that feels interested will come forward, and ask how it feels, for without the least danger--the Jiujitsu men are very careful--he will experience a great sensation. JOHN F. PRBKINS '99.