Topic 5: China, Japan, India - Sport History. PDF

Didactic Unit III. Sport in Eastern and Pre-Columbian American Civilisations Topic 5. China, Japan, India History of Sport Prof. Dr. Alejandro Leiva Arcas Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Ancient China 2  H...

Didactic Unit III. Sport in Eastern and Pre-Columbian American Civilisations Topic 5. China, Japan, India History of Sport Prof. Dr. Alejandro Leiva Arcas Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Ancient China 2  Historical introduction From 1766 BC to 1911 AD. Civilisation developed thanks to the rice farming culture. At the top of the social pyramid was the Emperor, who was absolute ruler (imperial monarchy). Alongside him was a military aristocracy, the nobility (members of the imperial family) and the mandarins (officials specialising in administration and justice). Complex society, combining many elements such as patriarchal, slave and feudal society. Monosyllabic and vertical language. Inventions: paper, gunpowder, porcelain, silk, compass, crossbow. Religions: Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism. Summer Palace. Beijing. 1750 AD. 3 4 Traditional Chinese sport Chinese physical culture has traditionally fluctuated between two poles, sometimes complementary to each other: a) Activities aimed at the search for peace and harmony of spirit. b) Competitive activities. The foundations of Chinese sport systems are inspired by different physical education methods that were the basis of traditional sport in China. These are: Kung-Fu, Hua-To System and Siao- Lao Monk at System. the Shaolin Temple. 5  Physical education methods Kung-Fu Originated in 527 BC. According to tradition, an Indian traveller named Bodhidharma arrived at the Shaolin temple as part of a pilgrimage where he was welcomed by the monks. There he noticed that the monks were exhausted after long days of meditation. As a gift, Bodhidharma taught them 18 gymnastic exercises to strengthen their bodies and help them preserve their health, which led to the 24 fighting movements that laid the foundations of Kung-Fu. It is possible that the Shaolin temple already had prior knowledge of martial arts. Graphic representation of Bodhidarma from the year 1887.  Physical education methods Hua-Tuo System (5 animals) Created by the famous Chinese doctor Hua-Tuo who lived between 145 and 208 AD. A martial arts system based on kung-fu and inspired by the movements of five animals: tiger, deer, bear, monkey and crane. The aim of this system was to stimulate circulation, to provoke efforts that would strengthen health and help to awaken the appetite. It is a method that seeks to work on postural awareness and re-education through a series of exercises that provide elasticity, balance and muscle gain, which generally benefits the body's posture. Representation of the doctor Hua-Tuo Hua-Tuo or "5-animal" system 8  Physical education methods Siao-Lao System Aimed at the elderly, travellers and the weak people. As a novelty, it included massage as a main activity. Besides helping to improve physical condition, the Siao-Lao system had an important medicinal component. Physical education in China From the 1st century BC onwards, the basis of Physical Education in China emerged. The aim was an integral education: Intellectual Education + Physical Education. The objectives were to develop all the possibilities of the body and at the same time transmitting the traditions of Chinese culture to the young. Education was also intended to create customs and to teach obedience to the law. Physical-sports tests. Multi-sport examination compulsory to obtain the official certificate of scholar in Philosophy, which consisted of the following tests: 1. Archery 2. Weightlifting 3. Horse riding. 10 Main traditional sports in China 11  Chuiwan (Chinese golf) A sport practised since at least 1050 AD. First evidence of the game of golf, although it is closer to modern-day putting or miniature golf. A team game in which players had to hit a ball into previously dug holes. The winner was the player who holed the ball in the fewest number of strokes. The holes were 10-20 metres apart. The players hit the ball with one hand. The clubs were made of wood and bamboo and had different shapes (flat, round, triangular, etc.). The balls were made of wood or ox horn. Women were allowed to participate. 12 Emperor Xuande playing chuiwan. 1425-1435 AD. Women playing chuiwan in the Ming Different clubs and balls used in chuiwan Dynasty. 1368-1644 AD. 13  Jiju Chinese Polo Persian influence. Sport practiced by the military and aristocratic elites. In fact, for the nomination of generals and ministers, it was necessary to demonstrate good skills as a jiju player. In the matches in which the emperor participated, the game could not really start until he scored the first goal. Picture and figurines showing the game of jiju. Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) 14 Combat sports Chinese boxing (sanda): fighting modality derived from Kung-Fu. It consists of kicks and punches at high speed. The boxer seeks to put his opponent out of action quickly and forcefully through dislocations or fractures. This modality evolved into today's "Kick-Boxing". Wrestling (Kich-Li): First recorded combats since 1125 BC. Punches and stomps were forbidden. The wrestlers had to knock the opponent down using only grabs and holds. The combat ended when one of the wrestlers touched the ground just once. Combat of Kich-Li during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) Other sporting activities Bingxi: Ice skating since the 7th century A.D. Widely practiced in the cold areas of northern China. It resembles figure skating today. However, it was an exhibition of the skating skills of the soldiers, who were trained in this sport to be able to move quickly on the icy rivers. Bingxi Exhibition during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) Go: Board game between two players. It is known for more than 2500 years and is mentioned in the writings of Confucius. It is played on a 19x19 square board. Each player takes turns placing white or black pieces on the board. A piece is eliminated when it is surrounded by pieces of the opposite color. The object of the game is to control at least half of  Documentary "Alphago" (2017). Available by clicking on the image above  Cuju or Tsu-Chu Chinese football The oldest ancestor of football, dating back to the third millennium BC. It comes from Cu ("kick") and Ju ("ball"). It is believed to have been a game conceived to prevent soldiers from getting frozen feet during winter military campaigns. Later, cuju matches became standardised and a set of rules were established turned it into a structured sport. It was always highly appreciated by the Chinese elites. Matches had a head referee and an assistant referee. There were official cuju teams. The oldest known was called "yuanshe". There were transfers of players, and there were level tests for admission, for example, to be able to make 100 kicks in a row 18 Players practising Cuju. Yuan Dynasty. 1300 BC.  Cuju or Tsu-Chu Chinese football There were three main modalities: a) Fields with two goals up to ten metres high. It was played by large teams and generally in an open field. b) Matches with only one goal in which the ball had to be "basket" through a circle at a high altitude. Modality called Baida. c) Fields with 12 semicircular goals in an enclosed field. Each team had 12 players (6 defenders and 6 forwards). It was the most regulated modality. 19 Cuju or Tsu-Chu game in the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). Variant of Cuju or Tsu-Chu to a goal or 20 Cuju or Tsu-Chu Cuju or Tsu-Chu to 12 goals Cuju practiced by women 21 Classic Japan 22  Historical introduction Beginning in 660 BC with the Nara period, giving rise to the Mikado (emperor) era. From the 10th century AD to the 19th century AD, Japan was divided into regions ruled by Daimyos, or feudal lords, whose power was based on a warrior class of samurai. This government based on military force was called the Shogunate. It is estimated that there were more than 170 Daimyo. Japan lived much of its history closed to the outside world, with no foreigners allowed in, except for a few Dutch and Chinese merchant ships. In 1853, the arrival of an American navy under the command of Commodore Perry demanding a trade treaty with Japan brought about a change in traditional Japanese structures, culminating in the Meiji Revolution between 1868 and 1912. This reform would mean the opening of Japan to the West and the rapid industrialisation and social transformation of a until then medieval country. This affected traditional 23 Japanese sports, many of which were banned or stopped in Seiganto-ji Temple. 1587 AD.  Samurai The samurai were the Japanese warrior class in the service of a daimyo, or feudal lord, with whom they maintained a relationship of vassalage. Many were recruited in their youth and trained in the castles in the use of weapons, fighting and combat strategy. The code of conduct was guided by the book entitled bushido ("way of the warrior"), which laid down the duties and obligations of the samurai: A) Elitism: Bushido reinforced the idea that the samurai were an elite superior to other citizens. B) Loyalty: every samurai was obliged to give military service to his lord if he was called upon to do so. D) Zen: many samurai professed the Buddhist religion when it came to Japan from China in the 16th century AD. Zen is the branch of Buddhism that seeks spiritual balance through meditation and self-control, which helped to increase discipline. E) Seppuku or harakiri: ritual suicide that samurai performed when they failed in their task. It was considered the greatest 24 Depiction of the samurai Yamanaka Yukimori (1543-1576).  Samurai weaponry Armour: made of textile material and reinforced with sheets of iron or wood. Some weighed up to 30 kg. Sometimes a mask was worn to protect the face. Katana: curved steel sword up to 90 cm and weighing 1 kg. Samurai never took off their katana. However, the most commonly used weapons on the battlefield were the bow and the spear. Yumi (bow): bow made of bamboo that could have various sizes (from 80 cm to more than 2 metres). It is characterised by its asymmetrical shape. Nanigata (spear): Curved spear up to three metres high made of wood or bamboo and topped with a curved steel blade. It was used against enemy cavalry. Yari (spear): similar to the previous one only 25 topped Photographs with of the a straight last samurai steel of Japan. blade. 1860s. Samurai training (archery) Kyudo: Japanese art of archery. Literally "way of the bow". It is practised with the yumi bow. It has become a ritual that seeks mastery through self-discipline. Each throw must be executed in a strict order. In samurai times, training consisted of shooting 1000 arrows a day. Today, it is a sport practised by men and women seeking balance and spiritual relaxation. Yabusame: horseback archery, the mechanics of which consisted of shooting three shots at three wooden targets at a gallop. The arrows had a blunt tip. The yabusame was created to improve the samurai's equestrian skills. Samurai training (combat) Kendo: literally "way of the sword". Created for the training of samurai in the use of the katana. Calmness, restraint and waiting for the right moment were skills to be developed. It was practised with a hollow sword made of bamboo strips and black clothing that protected the body from head to toe. The sword must be gripped with both hands and only hits with the upper quarter of the sword and on the torso, head, throat or wrists are valid. Nowadays it is a competitive sport with a system of rank or danes, practised by both men and women. Traditional Japanese sports 28  Jiu-Jitsu It literally meant "gentle art". Triumph of agility over brute force Jiu-jitsu uses the energy of the opponent's attack to defeat him through counter-attacks, dislocations, chokes or strikes. Its original conception was to develop an unarmed form of fighting so that traditional Japanese soldiers could face the samurai. Jiu-jitsu served as the basis for later martial arts. Jiu-jitsu Combat in the Edo period (1603-1868) 29  Judo A martial art derived directly from Jiu-Jitsu. It was created by master Jigoro Kano in 1882 and improved by his pupil Kyuzo Mifune. Unlike other forms of combat, Jigoro Kano designed a series of grappling, takedowns, locks and chokes, both on the ground and standing, which were designed to avoid injury while offering great beauty and plasticity. Another advantage of judo was its educational character based on values such as respect for the rules and for the opponent, which made the sport one of the first Asian martial arts to be practised in the West. In judo, fights are organised according to the level of the participant, which is established by colour-coding the belts. 30 Jigoro Kano and Kyuzo Mifune circa 1930. Jigoro Kano's photograph and Judo level 31 system Sumo Japanese national sport and symbol of the country's sporting culture. The first fights date back to the 7th century AD as part of agricultural rituals to ask for good harvests. It later became a martial art with 82 permitted techniques. The aim of the combats is to knock down or drive the opponent out of the fighting circle called a dojo. In today's professional sumo, wrestlers (rikishi) must complete a mandatory nine years of training in a stable (training centre). The wrestlers are subjected to a strict lifestyle regime, including a tournament Sumo compulsoryin 1843 Sumo Sumo fights are short and intense. The preparation before the combat is very important and is charged with a great deal of ceremoniality. This ritual is even longer than the fight itself and serves at the same time for activation and focus. The lifting of the leg, or shiko, serves to banish evil spirits from the dojo by stomping heavily on the ground. The same purpose is also served by slapping the air or throwing handfuls of salt. Kemari Ball game between 6 to 12 players arranged in a circle. It has been played since the 6th century AD and is an evolution of Chinese cuju or tsu-chu. The activity consists of hitting a ball with the foot to prevent it from falling to the ground. The ball was made of leather and filled with sawdust. Each player can hit the ball a maximum of three times. It is a game that seeks abstraction, relaxation and disconnection of the mind. Players wear traditional kimonos and "duck-billed" shoes. The correct way to hit the ball is with the body straight, moving only the legs. Sometimes consecutive hits are counted. The oldest record is 5158 hits in 1683 AD. 34  Bo-taohsi Term derived from the verb “to knock down” (taoshi) and the word “post” (bo). Team game that originated as a practical activity in Japanese military academies, possibly since the late 19th century. However, its popularity grew when Japan’s National Defense Academy included it as a mandatory activity after World War II. It consists of two teams of 150 players, each divided into 75 attackers and 75 defenders. The aim is to knock down a post that stands vertically until it reaches 30 degrees from the ground. In each team, there is usually a key player called the “post rider”, who climbs to the top of the post to maintain balance. Bo-taoshi is used to perfect offensive and defensive strategies and to employ coordinated techniques that 35 involve a high number of participants, which is considered  Class activity Workshop: Exploring the Shadows of Sumo "The Hidden Side of Sumo Wrestling: Blood, Sweat, and Tears" Summary: this documentary delves into the deeply traditional yet highly demanding world of sumo wrestling, exploring its cultural significance and the challenges faced by those within the sport. It highlights the rigorous discipline, physical endurance, and mental strength required of sumo Please take notes wrestlers, on: alongside the intricate rituals and Traditional values represented in sumo. symbolism rooted in Japanese culture. Ethical and social issues mentioned. Examples of the contrast between tradition and modernity. 36 Group Discussion Group 1: Culture and Tradition What religious or cultural symbolism is evident in sumo? How do you think these traditions have contributed to its relevance in Japan? Group 2: Internal Challenges What ethical and social issues are highlighted in the documentary (corruption, abuse, discrimination)? How do these problems affect public perception of sumo? Group 3: Modernization and Globalization What is the impact of foreign wrestlers on the sport? Should sumo adapt to attract international audiences? Why or why not? 37 Traditional India 38 Historical introduction India, in Hindi Bharat. It is named after the people of the Indus Valley. It is basically divided into three main regions: Himalayas; an extensive plain, crossed by the Indus and Ganges and a central plateau, the Deccan. Around 3000 B.C. first civilisation (Dravidian, black race). Traditional social system based on hermetic classes or 'castes', with a predefined function within society. 39 40  Historical Introduction Major religions in India Hinduism: third world religion. It is a set of customs, beliefs, metaphysical teachings and cults that create a religious tradition. There are no priestly orders and no central, unified dogma. Polytheism Buddhism: Fourth world religion, based on the teachings of Siddharma Gautama (India, 5th century BC). Religion of a philosophical, humanistic and universalist nature. Sikhism: ninth world religion. They believe in one God and the teachings of the "Ten Gurus. They promote positive values (truth, joy, love, etc.). Very strict rules for daily life. Jainism. The oldest religion of India (6th century BC). Directing the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. 41 Traditional Indian sports 42 General remarks General education did not include physical education as part of the educational programme for young people. Traditionally, dance was the first physical and sporting expression associated with religious rituals. Many sports were developed as a means of achieving health, hygiene and well- being and as a way of delaying old age and achieving optimal physical condition. Indian sports are notable for the pre- 43 eminence of rhythm, choreographic  Yoga A set of postural and breathing exercises (yoga-asanas) combined with meditation. The aim is the search for nirvana or a state of mental liberation in which the individual manages to detach from worry, desires and suffering. The earliest archaeological evidence of yoga dates back to over 5000 years ago in the Indus Valley. However, it was around 300 BC that the sage Patanjali compiled 196 techniques and theories on yoga. As written representations without graphic drawings, the yoga positions were interpreted in a multitude of ways, leading to the emergence of Yogi. a large number Illustration of 1812. Kalaripayattu Dance fighting with real weapons. For many authors, it is the oldest martial art in Asia, serving as an inspiration for the rest. Students must go through several phases during their training: a) body control exercises, b) combat with wooden weapons and, c) finally, combat with real weapons. The weapons used are: batons, sabres, shields, daggers and a whip-sword (urumi) which could be used as a belt. 45  Wrestling (Kushti). Performed on a sand pit moistened with oil, buttermilk and spices. The wrestlers wear only a small pair of pants and have their bodies covered with oil or mud. In the old days, fights lasted until one opponent surrendered. Nowadays, a single takedown is enough to win, so they usually last between 5-10 minutes. The fighters are trained in gyms or akhara, led by a guru who regulates their exercises, training and lifestyle. 46  Strength training methods Gadas (clubs): clubs or elements with a long stick topped by a sphere. They range from a few kilos to a hundred. They are made of different materials. The training consists of moving the clubs in a rhythmic and repetitive way. Mallakhamb: Gymnastic exercises on a greased wooden pole up to 3.6 metres high and 40 cm thick. Participants must complete a routine that combines agility and physical strength. 47  Team sports Yubi-Lapki: "coconut robbery". A game with 7 players per team, slightly reminiscent of rugby. The ball is a coconut greased with mustard oil and water. Sometimes the players' bodies are also greased. A goal is scored when the coconut is carried into the opponent's goal. Kabaddi: Since 4000 BC. Today it is a professional sport. Two teams of 7 players. In each play, one team sends a "scout" into the opponent's field to capture an opponent. The "scout" cannot breathe, so he has to sing during the whole play. The opponents make a human chain to try to tackle the player if 48 he returns to their field. Oxen races Oxen races are held both in the dry season (oxen pulling carts) and in the wet season (oxen pulling a wooden plank). In the races, the ox (or buffalo) that takes the shortest time to cover the set distance wins. These races are a way for farmers to show off their skills as cattle breeders and, eventually, to earn significant money from the sale of the champion animals. Racing on the ground Racing on water 49  Chaturanga A board game that was the direct predecessor of chess. Its name was the combination chatur (four) and anga (members), as it was a game for four players. The pieces were pawns, knights, elephants (bishops), ships (rooks) and kings. The exact rules are unknown but it is believed that there were two ways of winning: "Choking the king", i.e. checkmating the king as in modern chess. "Stripping the king", i.e. taking all the pieces except the monarch’s  Didactic Unit III. Sport in Eastern and Pre-Columbian American Civilisations Topic 5. China, Japan, India History of Sport Prof. Dr. Alejandro Leiva Arcas Bachelor's Degree in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences