East Asian Sports and Philosophy Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was necessary for the nomination of generals and ministers during the Tang Dynasty?

Playing Go proficiently

Practicing ice skating

Demonstrating good skills as a jiju player (correct)

Winning a wrestling match

What distinguishes Chinese boxing (sanda) from traditional Kung-Fu?

Sanda is a quick fighting modality. (correct)

Kung-Fu focuses solely on grappling.

Sanda involves only punches.

Kung-Fu has no formal techniques.

What was the primary objective of the game Go?

Eliminating all opponent's pieces.

Achieving the highest number of captures.

Defending against capture.

Controlling at least half the board. (correct)

During which dynasty was Bingxi, or ice skating, predominantly practiced?

Ming Dynasty Signup and view all the answers

What was the origin of Cuju, the ancient form of Chinese football?

It aimed to prevent soldiers from suffering in winter. Signup and view all the answers

How was professional cuju organized during its standardized form?

There were official cuju teams. Signup and view all the answers

What technique was forbidden in Kich-Li wrestling?

Punching and stomping Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of yoga according to historical teachings?

To achieve nirvana or mental liberation Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of the training phases in Kalaripayattu?

Body control exercises, combat with wooden weapons, and then real weapons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Jainism?

An ancient Indian religion emphasizing the soul's liberation and divine consciousness Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of traditional Indian sports in relation to health and well-being?

They acted as a means to achieve health, hygiene, and optimal physical condition Signup and view all the answers

What was the main contribution of sage Patanjali to yoga?

He compiled techniques and theories on yoga into written documents Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective in a sumo wrestling match?

To knock down the opponent or drive them out of the dojo Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions during sumo preparation is intended to banish evil spirits?

Shiko, or leg lifting Signup and view all the answers

How long must sumo wrestlers complete mandatory training?

Nine years Signup and view all the answers

What is the oldest recorded number of consecutive hits in the game of Kemari?

5158 hits Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Bo-taohsi in team gameplay?

To knock down a vertically standing post Signup and view all the answers

What type of lifestyle do sumo wrestlers adhere to during training?

Strict diet and sleep schedule Signup and view all the answers

In Kemari, how many players typically participate in the game?

6 to 12 players Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of times a player can hit the ball in Kemari?

Three times Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Bo-taohsi' derive from?

To knock down a post Signup and view all the answers

What is a traditional clothing requirement for players in Kemari?

Traditional kimonos Signup and view all the answers

What role does the 'post rider' play in a team?

Climbs to the top of the post to maintain balance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Bo-taoshi game?

To perfect offensive and defensive strategies Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of sumo wrestling does the documentary emphasize?

The physical endurance and mental strength required Signup and view all the answers

Which issue is highlighted in the group discussions regarding sumo?

Corruption and discrimination within the sport Signup and view all the answers

How is India predominantly divided geographically?

Into the Himalayas, an extensive plain, and a central plateau Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about Hinduism?

It features polytheism and lacks priestly orders Signup and view all the answers

What historical civilization is connected with the early development of India?

The Dravidian civilization Signup and view all the answers

What impact do foreign wrestlers have on sumo wrestling?

They increase competition and change traditional practices Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of Buddhism in relation to Indian religions?

It is the fourth largest world religion based on Siddhartha Gautama's teachings Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key principles outlined in the bushido code regarding samurai conduct?

Loyalty to one's lord Signup and view all the answers

What type of weapon is a katana?

A curved steel sword Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes seppuku?

Ritual suicide performed upon failure Signup and view all the answers

What is the yumi?

A bamboo bow Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Zen Buddhism did samurai integrate into their training?

Meditation for spiritual balance Signup and view all the answers

What was the maximum expected weight of samurai armor?

30 kg Signup and view all the answers

What does kyudo translate to in English?

The way of the bow Signup and view all the answers

Which weapon was most commonly used on the battlefield by samurai?

Yari Signup and view all the answers

How many arrows did samurai typically shoot during their training?

1000 arrows Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ancient China

Civilisation developed due to rice farming
Social pyramid: Emperor (absolute ruler) at the top, followed by military aristocracy, nobility (imperial family), and mandarins (officials).
Complex society with elements of patriarchal, slave, and feudal systems
Monosyllabic and vertical language
Inventions: paper, gunpowder, porcelain, silk, compass, crossbow
Religions: Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism

Chinese Dynasties

Springs and Falls (770-480 BCE)
Shang Dynasty (1766-1122 BCE)
Zhou Dynasty (1122-221 BCE)
Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE)
Three Kingdoms (220-581 CE)
Sui Dynasty (581-648)
Tang Dynasty (618-907)
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms
Song Dynasty (960-1279)
Yuan Dynasty (1279-13368)
Ming Dynasty (1368-1677)
Qing Dynasty (1646-1911)

Traditional Chinese Sport

Chinese physical culture traditionally fluctuated between activities aimed at peace and harmony and competitive activities.
Foundations of Chinese sport systems are inspired by physical education methods such as Kung-Fu, Hua-To System, and Siao-Lao System.

Physical Education Methods

Kung-Fu: Originated in 527 BC. Indian traveler Bodhidharma taught 18 gymnastic exercises. Led to 24 fighting movements. Possibly had prior knowledge of martial arts.
Hua-Tuo System: Created by Hua-Tuo (145-208 AD). Based on Kung-Fu and the movements of five animals (tiger, deer, bear, monkey, crane). Aims to stimulate circulation, strengthen health, and awaken the appetite.
Siao-Lao System: Aimed at the elderly, travelers, and the weak. Included massage as a main activity. Had an important medicinal component.

Physical Education in China

From the 1st century BC, physical education emerged as an integral education combining intellectual and physical development.
Objectives: developing full human potential and transmitting Chinese cultural traditions to the young, as well as instilling obedience to the law.
Physical-sports tests (archery, weightlifting, horse riding) compulsory to obtain the scholar certificate in Philosophy

Main Traditional Sports in China

Chuiwan: A team game played since at least 1050 AD. Players hit a ball into holes. The winner had the fewest strokes. 10-20 meters apart. Wood and bamboo clubs, and wood or ox-horn balls. Women could participate.
Jiju (Chinese Polo): Persian influence. Military and aristocratic elites participated. Nominating generals and ministers depended on Jiju skills. The emperor could not start the game without scoring.

Combat Sports

Chinese Boxing (Sanda): A fighting modality derived from Kung-Fu; uses high-speed kicks and punches to quickly disable the opponent.
Wrestling (Kich-Li): First recorded combats since 1125 BC. Emphasizes takedowns, holds, and ground control.

Other Sporting Activities

Bingxi: Ice skating. Popular in Northern China since 7th Century AD.
Go: Board game (2500+ yrs). 19x19 board with black and white pieces. The aim is to control more than half the board

Classic Japan

Historical Introduction: From 660 BC (Nara period) to the 19th Century (Mikado). Japan divided into regions with Daimyo (lords) and was based on samurai/warriors (Shogunate). 170+ Daimyo existed. Japan largely isolated, except for a few groups of foreigners. Significant change with Commodore Perry and the Meiji Revolution (1868-1912). This ushered in significant Western reforms and industrialization affecting traditional Japanese sports

Samurai

Japanese warrior class. Vassalage to a Daimyo or feudal lord. Recruited in youth and trained in castles. Code of conduct (Bushido) regulated duties and obligations.
- Elitism: Samurai seen as an elite class superior to others.
- Loyalty: Obliged to serve the lord.
- Zen Buddhism: Practiced to achieve spiritual balance and discipline
- Seppuku/Harakiri: Ritual suicide for failure

Samurai Weaponry

Armor: Textile material reinforced with iron or wood (up to 30kg). Masks for protecting the face were sometimes worn.
Katana: Curved steel sword (up to 90 cm, 1 kg). Constantly worn.
Yumi (bow): Bamboo bow with various sizes (80 cm - 2+ meters). Asymmetrical shape.
Nanigata (spear): Curved spear up to 3 meters, with curved steel spear tip and wood / bamboo shaft, used for cavalry.
Yari (spear): Similar to the Nanigata, but potentially used with a straighter blade.

Samurai Training (Archery and Combat)

Kyudo: Japanese art of archery (yumi bow). Strict order emphasized and 1000 arrows a day were shot during samurai training.
Yabusame: Horseback archery. Shooting at three targets while galloping. Practiced to enhance equestrian skills
Kendo: Martial art of the katana. Practiced with a hollow bamboo sword. Focus on calmness, restraint, and moment recognition to avoid injury.

Traditional Japanese Sports

Jiu-Jitsu: "Gentle art" that relied on agility to defeat opponents through counter-attacks, chokes, or strikes. Military and some Samurai training. Became the base for many later martial arts.
Judo: Martial art developed by Jigoro Kano (1882). Grappling, takedowns, locks, and chokes. Avoids injury while emphasizing beauty and plasticity. Educational character. Based on respect for rules and opponent. System of colored belts to organize levels.
Sumo: Japanese national sport and cultural symbol. Dating back to 7th century AD, possibly part of agricultural rituals. Wrestlers (rikishi) have 9 years of training in a stable (training centers). Purpose of fights was to knock opponents out of the fighting ring, or to submit the opponent to a single takedown. Wrestlers subject to a strict lifestyle regime.
Kemari: Ball game involving 6-12 players in a circle passing a ball with their feet and to prevent it from falling to the ground. Requires skill, and balance, and good footwork. Abstraction, relaxation.

General Remarks

Early India education didn't primarily include physical training as a core element of the educational program.
Dance was the earliest physical and sporting activity in India associated with religious rituals.

General Remarks India (cont.)

Many early Indian sports were developed as paths to achieving health, hygiene, and delaying old age.
Indian sports are not notable for the preeminence of rhythm and choreographic elements.
Some aspects of sports and competitions developed as skills related to certain functions/roles in society (e.g., cattle breeders).

Yoga

A practice involving postural and breathing exercises combined with meditation practices. Aim is to achieve a mental liberation (Nirvana) that allows the individual to detach from anxieties, desires, and suffering.
Earliest archaeological evidence of Yoga (over 5000 years old) suggests a practice linked to the Indus Valley.
Compiled techniques and theories (about 196 techniques) around 300 BC by the sage Patanjali.
Techniques and positions were often interpreted differently over time, contributing to variations in schools and practices

Kalaripayattu

A dance-fighting practice that uses real weapons in a specific dance style. Many authors consider Kalaripayattu as the oldest martial art in Asia. Training includes several phases such as body control, combat with wooden weapons, and subsequently with real weapons. Includes use of batons, swords, shields, daggers, and a whip-sword (urumi). Some elements can be used as a belt around the waist.

Wrestling (Kushti)

Wrestling practice (Kushti). Performed on a sand pit using a mixture of oil, buttermilk, and spices. Wrestlers wear a short length pair of pants. Wrestlers have bodies covered with oil.
In the past, wrestling matches lasted until one opponent submitted. Now, achieving a single takedown often results in victory. Match time typically is 5-10 minutes.
Training for wrestling happens in gyms or akharas. The wrestlers are mentored by a guru that regulates practices, training, and lifestyle.

Strength Training Methods

Gadas (clubs): Involves rhythmic movements of clubs (different weights & materials).
Mallakhamb: Involves using a greased wooden pole (3.6 meters, 40 cm thick). Includes agility exercises using the pole. Focuses on combining agility and strength.

Team Sports

Yubi-Lapki: "Coconut robbery." A game with 7 players per team. Uses a coconut ball.
Kabaddi: Two teams and 7 players each. One player from one team enters the opponent's field (must not breathe). The opponent's try and catch the player (or stop the player from returning). The original game is believed to be more than 4000 years old

Oxen Races

Held in both dry and wet seasons (different rules). Races for farmers are to demonstrate breeding skills of cattle, and an opportunity to hopefully earn significant money from the sale of animals.
Races involve oxen pulling heavy carts or planks.

Chaturanga

An ancient board game that was a predecessor to modern chess. Composed of four players (with four corresponding pieces).Exact rules are now unknown, but some general concepts remain. Ways of winning involved the concept of "Choking the King", or "Stripping the King".

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Description

Test your knowledge on East Asian sports, including their historical significance and philosophical underpinnings. This quiz covers various aspects from the Tang Dynasty to the practices of yoga and Kalaripayattu. Explore how traditional sports impact health and well-being across different cultures.