Regarding the June 2 article "Severe sports training methods became taibatsu in time": The writer concludes: "The trick is to determine in modern society where hard training ends and assault or violence, which is and always has been a criminal offense in Japan, begins. And that is not an easy thing."

Not true. This makes it sound as if Japanese trainers just can't help what they do. It's easy to determine; just go to the U.N. human rights charter. Here are some hints:

(1) Don't use physical punishment at all and under any circumstances.

(2) Don't get verbally personal under any circumstances. Keep your criticism focused on the matter, not the person. (Say "you are slow" — not "you are lazy.")

(3) Stop when the pupil says "Stop!"

This is easy enough and practiced everywhere around the world where people call themselves civilized. If, as a result, the student doesn't get a gold medal, the world won't come to an end! Participation in international events like the Olympics should be dependent on a country granting these basic human rights, especially to children! Not to do so is yurusanai! (unforgivable).

mb_

hans peter schneider

buchholz, germany

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.