One of the
styles alluded to, known as the Kempo, which may be roughly described as a Method of killing people, possessed many points of resemblance to Ju-jutsu but was totally
different in practice, being a system of self-defense against sudden
attack with intent to kill and replying thereto in kind. It was certainly more
closely related to ju-jutsu than are Boxing (even under the old Prize Ring rules) or le
savate to Wrestling. It might
perhaps be best compared to that very strenuous old Greek Physical Contest, which was
known as the Pancration. By-the-way, I may here remark on the possible derivation of the old
English phrase "Kempery man" and the Anglo-Saxon cempa, signifying "a
warrior," from the Japanese Kempo. This is a point which should not be without
interest to etymologists, and particularly to those who follow the late Professor Max
Muller in his theory of the Indo-Germanic origin of the Anglo-Saxon Race.
Kempo, of course, was a system of attack and defense which
branched off from ju-jutsu into the paths of strenuous endeavor, but, apart from the fact
that it was less scientific than, ju-jutsu, it was declared an illegal practice when the sanctity of human life was
recognized under the new regime.
Another analogous system, known as tori in some parts of
Japan and as shime in others, was an extension of ju-jutsu in, the department of ground
work, and it is more than possible that many of the locks and holds of ju-jutsu were
originated by exponents of tori. The last named system cannot, however, be compared with
the "soft art" as a method of self-defense, as but slight importance was devoted
to "throws," the modus operandi being mainly confined to falling to the
ground yourself
