Ju-Jit-Su Versus Devonshire Wrestling at Crediton (1907)

This Japanese form self-defence is, without doubt, far superior either to ancient or modern style of Devonshire or any other county form of wrestling, when matched side by side. The grips used are entirely different, and they are both effective and deadly in character. If the opponent struggling against them determined to their methods, at once becomes liable to a broken arm or something equally as serious. That is, of course, if the Ju-Jit-Su player is equally determined to hold his opponent to submission. An exhibition between the two forms of wrestling took place in the Crediton Volunteer Drill Hall this week, when a well-known country gentleman, possessing a full knowledge of the Japanese method of self-defence, met lightweight Devonshire wrestler “well in the know” of his County’s style, with scarcely more than 20 summers passed over him. The Ju-Jit-Su wrestler stripped a model of English manhood, at about stone, looking as fit as a trivet to uphold the honour of his grips against all rival styles. The Devonshire player stripped at stone, and, notwithstanding his 37 years, he looked as willing for the fray schoolboy. This player led off, and obtained the leg lock, and for a time the both men bent to and fro like willows in the grip of an angry blast. Eventually, and as slippery an eel, the Dumpling changed over to the fore hip and brought his man down. This move rules at 10 to 1 on it for obtaining a fair back if caught the nick of the balance. When down, however, the Ju-Jit-Su player left off the defensive, and sought for advantage, knowing well that his opponent was then in troubled waters, Devonshire wrestler, according to rules, not being allowed to wrestle when once down. Coiling about, however, as a whip from a fishing rod, his opponent ran over the vital parts of the Devonshire player’s body with the speed of a musician running an octave until he reached a desired spot. Finally he placed double leg lock around his opponent’s body, just below the abdomen. This brings one to a sitting position, and when once in it, his limbs are as useless to him as those of a fly in newly-made web. Several interesting bouts followed, which the Devonshire player excelled in his own style, and the Ju- Jit-Su player likewise his own game.

Western Times – Saturday 16 March 1907