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Illustration of the chikarabo bout.

Next came the chikarabo, a game which tested the power, balance, and dexterity of its participants. It required each contestant to brace the end of a bo on a point just below the umbilicus (the tanden) and hold onto it with both hands. Thrusting at each other while keeping the posture in a pliable but authoritative position, victory depends entirely on a keen sense of positioning. Weight and strength are not enough to win. Just like budo, knowing the principles of taisabaki (body movement), and kiaijutsu (the build up, containment, and release of ki) had to be mastered in order to overcome any opponent.

Still intact after about an hour or so, the shiijakata ordered the contestants to change position. Once again they vigorously went at each other but to no avail. Finally the shiijakata declared the bout a draw, it was just too close a game. All but burned out, Makabe and Funakoshi took a rest for a while before starting the next event to settle the contest.