Danish Gymnastics - Danish Gymnastics

Danish gymnastics was started by Nachtegaard (1777-1847), who is also known as its father, and was perfected by Buch (1880-1950). It started out as German gymnastics, and was influenced by Swedish gymnastics along the way, incorporating the strengths of both and filling in the weaknesses of each, making it an excellent form of folk gymnastics. Buch focused on hand exercises and adopted apparatus gymnastics to supplement the three objectives of gymnastics: to develop flexibility, strength, and dexterity, in order to correct, improve, and promote the physical development of rural youth.

Its features are: (1) maximum exercise through vibration in order to obtain balanced flexibility of the whole body; (2) stages were set up so that the exercises could be improved gradually according to the ability of the practitioner; (3) singing games and dance steps were incorporated between the series of free exercises; and (4) the way commands were given and the insertion of guided movements were designed so that the exercises could be performed continuously and all of the exercises could be performed rhythmically.

[Tadao Kamisako]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

デンマーク体操は、その父ともよばれるナハテガル（1777―1847）によって始められ、ブック（1880―1950）が大成した。すなわち、最初はドイツ体操に出発し、途中からスウェーデン体操の影響を受け、それぞれの長所を取り入れ欠点を補充した優れた民衆体操である。ブックは、農村青年の身体の矯正・改善・発育促進のため、体操の目的を柔軟性・筋力・巧緻(こうち)性の養成の三つにおいて、徒手体操を中心とし、これを補足するために必要な器械体操を採用した。

　その特徴は、(1)全身の均整的な柔軟性を得るために、振動形式による最大限の運動を要求した、(2)運動が練習者の能力に従って漸進的に向上するように段階を設けた、(3)一連の徒手体操の間に、唱歌遊戯やダンスのステップを取り入れた、(4)体操が連続的に行われ、しかも全運動がリズミカルに実施できるよう、号令のかけ方、誘導運動の挿入がくふうされている、などである。

［上迫忠夫］

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