Jiu-Jitsu and Labor Unionism
Jiu-jitsu is a Japanese athletic art which combines various phases of physical contest. A Chicago despatch says that "unionists of the Allied Printing Trades Council are studying the art from a Japanese demonstrator. Many pressmen, bindery employees, and others of the twenty unions composing the council have been taking lessons. The demonstrator teaches how to break a man's knee-cap with a blow, or to snap a strong man's bones with a twist and a jerk." Inasmuch as these feats are in no way calculated to increase one's efficiency in any of the trades, it is probable that the purpose is to acquire greater skill in demonstrating the principles of labor unionism. Jiu-jitsu is certainly a logical adjunct to a movement designed to force a large majority of artisans out of employment.