Turnvater Jahn

Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, also known as Turnvater Jahn, was born on 11. August 1778 in Brandenburg.  He studied theology and philology before joining the Prussian army in 1806.  He became a teacher at Gymnasium zum Grauen Kloster and at the Plamann School.  After Napoleon's defeat of his native land, Jahn wanted to restore the spirits of his fellow men.  He used gymnastics to develop their physical and moral powers.  The first open-air gymnasium was opened by Jahn in 1811.  He promoted the use of parallel bars, rings and high bar in international competition.  Throughout his life, he often came into contact with the authorities because of his outspoken attitude.  One conflict resulted in the closing of the Turnplatz in 1819 and his arrest.  He was sentenced to two years imprisonment, but the sentence was later reversed.  He was then forbidden to live within 10 miles of Berlin.  Jahn died in 1852 in Freyburg, where a monument has been erected.  There are also monuments for Jahn in St. Louis, Missouri; Groß-Gerau, Germany; Vienna, Austria; and in Cincinnati, OH.

Many people have criticized Jahn for his beliefs.  He was known by many as a liberal figure, who advocated for a united Germany after the withdrawal of Napoleon's troops.  He wanted to establish a democratic constitution, which would include the right to free speech.  Peter Viereck claimed that Jahn was the spiritual founder of Nazism because of his belief that "Poles, French, priests, aristocrats and Jews are Germany's misfortune."  Jacques Barzun observed that Viereck's claim was not supported by evidence.  Alfred Baeumler wrote a monograph on Jahn in which he characterizes Jahn's invention of gymnastics as a political project designed to create the ultimate völkisch citizen by educating the body.

  

    

German Gymnastics uses a large fixed apparatus, vaulting, and marching.  It had a "militaristic" view of fitness, with a strict, formal style to promote the Turnverein movement.  Jahn believed this was the way to strengthen the German youth and make them strong citizens.

Swedish Gymnastics was founded by Pehr Henrik Ling.  It was a health-oriented approach and was recognized for inherent medical values.  Instead of using an apparatus, it focused on calisthenics and exercises.  It was less strict than the German system and became popular in the United States because of Hartvig Nissen and Mils Posse.

Stockholm Olympics

Delsarte was a French system created by Francois Delsarte in the 1890s.  This system focused on exercises that promoted poise, grace, beauty, and health.  It was more beneficial for performances in singing, drama, and dance.  It gained popularity in dance and theatre, and had limited and short-lived popularity in physical education.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Systems
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Ludwig_Jahn