ABSTRACT
Fencing is an art as old as Japanese history. This art developed rapidly with the rise of the military class in the 12th century. Simultaneously the art of sword making was also developed. Every samurai looked upon his sword as the embodiment of his spirit. Certain grades of the police are instructed in ju-jutsu, many colleges and schools have classes in it, and there are many private schools of instruction. The wrestlers are gigantic men of enormous girth. In December magnificent displays of hagoita, or battledore, begin to appear at the large toy shops and department stores. To the Japanese this ancient pastime symbolizes the never-ending battles between the “black crow and the snowy heron.” Jan-Ken-Pon, the most popular game in Japan, is played throughout the length and breadth of the land—principally by children—but also by adults of either sex, irrespective of class or social standing.
