Ancient China and its Dynasties

Ancient China

• Ancient Chinese civilization developed thanks to rice farming.
• The social pyramid was topped by the Emperor, an absolute ruler.
• Military aristocracy, nobility, and mandarins (officials) were also part of the hierarchy.
• Society included various elements like patriarchal, slave, and feudal characteristics.
• The language was monosyllabic and vertical.
• Key inventions include paper, gunpowder, porcelain, silk, compass, and crossbow.
• Main religions were Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
• The Summer Palace, Beijing dates to 1750 AD.

Chinese Dynasties

• Dynasties are periods of rule in China.
• Key dynasties are listed chronologically, with start and end dates (e.g. Shang Dynasty: 1766-1122 BCE).
• Further dynasties include: Three Kingdoms, Tang, Song, Ming, Qin, Han, Sui and others with dates.
• Historical periods and dates are included (e.g., Warring States Period: 480-221 BCE.)

Traditional Chinese Sport

• Chinese physical culture fluctuates between activities for peace and harmony, and competitive activities.
• Kung-Fu, Hua-To (5 Animals), and Siao-Lao Systems were traditional methods of physical education.
• Kung-Fu originated in 527 BC and was taught in the Shaolin temple by Bodhidharma.
• Hua-Tuo System (5 animals) is based on kung-fu principles and movements of five animals.
• Siao-Lao System is aimed at the elderly, travellers, and the weak people, and included massage.

Physical Education in China

• Physical education emerged as a method to develop all body potentials and incorporate Chinese culture traditions into society.
• Multi-sport examinations were required for official scholar in Philosophy certificates (e.g. archery, weightlifting, horse riding).

Main Traditional Sports in China

• Chuiwan (Chinese golf) was practised since 1050 AD.
• This was a team game where players had to hit a ball into holes.
• The holes were spaced 10-20 meters apart.
• The winner was the player who holed the ball with the fewest strokes.
• Women were allowed to participate.

Jiu Polo (Jiju)

• Polo was a sport heavily influenced by Persian traditions and was practiced by military and aristocratic elites.
• To be nominated for a position of general or minister, good skills in this sport were necessary.
• The Emperor's participation in matches depended on his scoring the first goal to start the game.

Combat Sports (Boxing)

• Chinese boxing (sanda) is derived from Kung-Fu.
• It includes kicks and punches at a high speed.
• The intent is to quickly subdue the opponent through dislocations or fractures.
• Wrestling (Kich-Li): combat using only grabs and holds; combatants aim to knock opponents down.

Other Sporting Activities

• Bingxi (ice skating): was practiced in cold regions since the 7th century AD.
• Go is a board game between two players, lasting over 2500 years, and was mentioned by Confucius.
• Go is played on a 19x19 board.

Traditional Japanese Sport

• Japan's history was marked by a division into regions ruled by daimyos (feudal lords).
• Military force, called the Shogunate, was essential to governance.
• The country was largely isolated until the 19th century.

Samurai

• The samurai were Japan's warrior class serving a daimyo (feudal lord).
• Their code of conduct (bushido) was based on loyalty and duties.
• Elite status, loyalty, and Buddhist religion (Zen) were important to the samurai.
• Seppuku (harakiri), ritual suicide, was a demonstration of honor.

Samurai Weapons

• Armour was made of textile and reinforced with iron/wood (reaching up to 30kg).
• Katana (curved steel swords) were always carried
• Yumi (bows) were characterized by asymmetry.
• Nanigata (spears) and Yari (spears) were used against enemy cavalry, often with curved steel blades.

Samurai Training

• Kyudo (archery) was practiced by shooting up to 1,000 arrows daily to improve focus and self-discipline.
• Yabusame(horseback archery) was designed to improve equestrian skills.
• Kendo (sword fighting) was a form of sword fighting practice, often with bamboo swords.

Traditional Japanese Sports

• Jiu-Jitsu was a combat method using the opponent's energy and focused on techniques like counter-attacks, dislocations, and strikes.
• Judo, originating from Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizes avoiding injury. Its character is built on respect for opponents and adhering to rules.
• Judo practice uses belts to designate skill levels.

Sumo

• The sport is a national sport and symbol.
• Sumo, dating back to the 7th century AD, began as a form of agricultural ritual.
• Contemporary Sumo competitions involve the objective of forcing the opponent out of the ring space by pushing, shoving, or throwing.
• Sumo wrestlers (rikishi) train at special stables under strict rules and lifestyle regulations

Kemari

• Kemari was a ball game played by 6 to 12 players arranged in a circle.
• The practice involved bouncing and kicking the ball as it was made from leather and filled with sawdust.
• It is described as a game for relaxation and reflection.

Bo-taoshi

• It's a team game derived from a practical activity that started in Japanese military academies.
• The game involves two teams of 150 players whose goal is knocking down a fixed post.
• Specialized roles include "post rider" who stabilizes it to prevent falling

Traditional Indian Sport

• India, or Bharat, is a vast region named after the Indus Valley Civilization.
• The country has distinct regions, including the Himalayas, Ganges/Indus plains, and the Deccan plateau.
• Indian civilization (Dravidians) emerged around 3000 BCE.
• The traditional social structure of India was centered on the caste system, which includes different classes, each with assigned social roles.

Major Religions of India

• Major religions in India, like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, have complex beliefs, customs, traditions and practices that are deeply rooted in the country's cultural identity.

Yoga

• Yoga encompasses a set of physical postures (asanas) combined with breathing exercises and meditation.
• Its goal is to achieve a state of peace of mind by focusing on detaching from stress and desires.
• There is archaeological evidence of Yoga dating back to 5000 years ago in the Indus Valley, and around 300 BC, the sage Patanjali compiled a comprehensive yogic text.

Kalaripayattu

• Kalaripayattu is a form of dance and fighting.
• It is the oldest martial art in Asia and was used as inspiration for other martial arts.
• The training includes physical exercises, wooden weapons training, and eventually use of real weapons practice.

Wrestling (Kushti)

• Wrestling (Kushti) is performed in a sand pit.
• The wrestlers wear little clothing and their bodies are oiled or muddded for the sport, which includes throws and takedowns
• Matches are often intense and can last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes.

Strength Training

• Gadas (clubs) involve rhythmic club movements, and Mallakhamb involves high pole-based gymnastics, focusing on agility and strength.
• These methods are connected to physical endurance and stamina development.

Team Sports

• Yubi-Lapki ('coconut robbery' ) is a team game that originated as a form of warfare practice, played by 7 players per team.
• Kabaddi is a team sport with a long history, using unique tactics.

Explore the fascinating history of Ancient China, including the development of its civilization through rice farming and the structure of its society under various dynasties. Learn about key inventions, major religions, and significant historical periods that shaped Chinese culture. Test your knowledge of China's rich heritage and its impact on the modern world.