Ancient China and its Dynasties

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary purpose of the physical education methods in traditional Chinese sport?

To strengthen social hierarchies

To promote health and combat fatigue (correct)

To develop competitive sports only

To create complex martial arts only

Which of the following was NOT an invention attributed to ancient China?

Plumbing (correct)

Paper

Silk

Gunpowder

What motivates the foundation of Kung-Fu according to the traditional narrative?

A combination of various martial arts

Bodhidharma's teachings to struggling monks (correct)

Recreational activities for nobility

The need for competitive sports training

During what period did the civilization in ancient China develop due to rice farming?

1766 BC to 1911 AD Signup and view all the answers

Which religion was NOT mentioned as a major belief system in ancient China?

Hinduism Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hua-Tuo System based on?

Five animals' movements Signup and view all the answers

What societal structure existed in ancient China?

Imperial monarchy with military aristocracy Signup and view all the answers

Who is traditionally credited with bringing gymnastic exercises to the Shaolin monks?

Bodhidharma Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the martial arts system inspired by the five animals?

To stimulate circulation and strengthen health Signup and view all the answers

What activity was included as a main component of the Siao-Lao system?

Massage Signup and view all the answers

What era marked the emergence of the basis of Physical Education in China?

1st century BC Signup and view all the answers

Which sport is known as the Chinese version of golf?

Chuiwan Signup and view all the answers

What materials were traditionally used to make clubs in Chuiwan?

Wood and bamboo Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of physical-sports tests in ancient China?

To earn official scholarly certificates Signup and view all the answers

Which sport, influenced by Persian culture, was practiced by military and aristocratic elites in China?

Jiju Signup and view all the answers

What was a key objective of physical education in ancient China besides physical development?

To transmit traditions of Chinese culture Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of Yabusame?

To improve samurai's equestrian skills Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Kendo is true?

Kendo practitioners wear protective clothing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the original meaning of Jiu-Jitsu?

Gentle art Signup and view all the answers

Who created Judo?

Jigoro Kano Signup and view all the answers

What aspect does Judo emphasize in its practice?

Teaching respect for rules and opponents Signup and view all the answers

How is the level of participants established in Judo?

By color-coding belts Signup and view all the answers

Which martial art focuses on defeating an opponent through counter-attacks and strikes?

Jiu-Jitsu Signup and view all the answers

Which sport is recognized as Japan's national sport?

Sumo Signup and view all the answers

What were the three main modalities of Cuju or Tsu-Chu?

Fields with multiple semicircular goals Signup and view all the answers

During which period did Japan experience significant changes due to the arrival of Commodore Perry?

Meiji period Signup and view all the answers

How was the samurai class related to Daimyos in Japan?

They maintained relationships of subservience to the Daimyos. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the isolation policy of Japan prior to the mid-19th century?

Desire to protect traditional culture Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following modalities of Cuju required ball to be 'basketed' through a high circle?

Baida Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of governance in Japan before the Meiji Revolution?

Military government led by a Shogun Signup and view all the answers

What significant change occurred in Japan between 1868 and 1912?

End of the samurai tradition Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about the 12-goal modality of Cuju?

It involved a higher number of players on each team. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of sumo combats?

To drive the opponent out of the fighting circle Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the shiko leg lift in sumo rituals?

It is intended to banish evil spirits Signup and view all the answers

What clothing is traditionally worn by players of the game Kemari?

Traditional kimonos and duck-billed shoes Signup and view all the answers

How long did rikishi wrestlers have to train before becoming professionals in sumo?

Nine years Signup and view all the answers

What is the objective of the game Bo-taoshi?

To knock down a vertical post Signup and view all the answers

What is the earliest recorded number of hits in Kemari, and when did it occur?

5158 hits in 1683 AD Signup and view all the answers

When did Japan's National Defense Academy include Bo-taoshi as a mandatory activity?

After World War II Signup and view all the answers

What type of game is Kemari classified as?

A ball game played in a circle Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the 'post rider' in Bo-taoshi?

To maintain balance by climbing the post Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sumo wrestling is highlighted in the documentary?

Cultural significance and personal challenges Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is NOT mentioned as a challenge facing sumo wrestlers?

Mental health advocacy Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'polytheism' refer to in the context of Hinduism?

The worship of multiple gods Signup and view all the answers

How does the documentary suggest that traditions in sumo have contributed to its relevance in Japan?

Through cultural preservation and significance Signup and view all the answers

What was the main religion that developed based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama?

Buddhism Signup and view all the answers

What geographic feature is NOT mentioned as part of India's regions?

Desert Plains Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of the traditional social system in India?

A hermetic class system with predefined roles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.