Cuju: The Ancient Chinese Precursor of Soccer
Cuju is an ancient sport similar to soccer, played in China as well as Korea and Japan. In Chinese, means kick while means ball.
Although disputed, in 2004, football’s governing body Interna- tional Football Federation (FIFA)officially acknowledged that China was the birthplace of football. The game became popular during China‘s Warring States Period (475—221 BC). Back then, Cuju was used to train military cavaliers due to the fierce nature of the sport.
The Development Stages of Cuju
During the Han Dynasty (206 BC—220 AD), the popularity of Cuju spread from the army to the royal courts and upper classes. It is said that the Han Emperor Wu enjoyed the sport. At the same time, Cuju games were standardized, and rules were established. Football match- es were often held inside the imperial palace. A type of court called “Jucheng”was built especially for Cuju matches, which had six crescent-shaped goal posts at each end.
The sport was improved during the Tang Dynasty (618—907 AD). First of all, the feather-stuffed ball was replaced by an air-filled ball with a two-layered hull. Also, two different types of goal posts emerged: one was made by setting up posts with a net between them, and the other consisted of just one goal post in the middle of the field. The level of female Cuju teams also improved. Records indicate that once a 17-year- old girl beat a team of army soldiers.
Cuju flourished during the Song Dynasty (960—1279 AD) due to social and economic development, extending its popularity to every class in society. At that time, professional Cuju players were quitepopular, and the sport began to take on a commercial edge. Professional Cuju players fell into two groups: one was trained by and performed for the royal court (unearthed copper mirrors and brush pots from the Song Dynasty often depict professional performances), and the other consisted of civilians who made a living as Cuju players.
Cuju in the Song Dynasty: Rules and Styles
In the Song Dynasty only one goal post was set up in the middle of the field. Cuju organizations were set up in large cities and were called Qi Yun Sheor Yuan She—now known as the earliest profes- sional Cuju club, whose members were either Cuju lovers or profes- sional performers. Non-professional players had to formally appoint a professional as his or her teacher and pay a fee before becoming a member. This process ensured an income for the professionals. Un- like Cuju of the Tang Dynasty, There are mainly two ways to Play Cuju: “Zhuqiu” and “Baida”. “Zhuqiu” was commonly performed at court feasts celebrating the emperor’s birthday or during diplo- matic events. This competitive match between two teams consisted of 12—16 players on each side. “Baida” was the dominant Cuju style of the Song Dynasty, attaching much importance to developing per- sonal skills. The goal became obsolete in this method, and the play- ing field was enclosed with a rope, with the players taking turns to kick the ball within. The number of fouls made by the players decid- ed the winner. For example, if the ball was not passed far enough to reach the other players, points were deducted. If the ball was kicked too far out, a big deduction was made. Kicking the ball too low or turning at the wrong moment all led to fewer points. Players could touch the ball with any part of the body except their hands, and the number of players ranged anywhere from 2 to 10. In the end, the player with the highest score would win.
Cuju began its decline during the Ming Dynasty (1368—1644) due to neglect, and the 2,000-year-old sport finally faded away.
Chinese Chess: A Traditional Art of Strategy
Together with playing musical instruments, calligraphy, painting and playing chess was considered as one of the essential qualities for ancient Chinese literati.
Among the wealth of different kinds of chesses, many were invented in China like Chinese chess , and go .
With a long history, Chinese chess experienced seven stages of development: burgeoning, growing, contending, upsurge, declining, prospering, and steady periods.
The Legends and Origins of Chinese Chess
There are many stories about the origin of Chinese chess. Some believe that it was invented by Shennong Shi, a legendary god of farming; others insist that the game emanated from the Warring States Period; while yet some think that the game was first formed in the Northern Zhou Dynasty. However, the most widespread story about the origin of Chinese chess goes that Emperor Shun invented the game to educate his younger brother Xiang, hence the name of Xiangqi.
As a traditional form of art, the game of go also boasts a number of legends about its origin. One of the best known is that when Emperor Yao married Sanyi Shi and had a son named Dan Zhu , Yao became very disheartened when the son did not behave well. So Yao made the game of go to cultivate him morally and intellectually. Meanwhile, some believe a political strategist in the Warring States Period created it.
Nevertheless, despite the legends, the fact is that the primitive form of the game of go appeared in the primitive society, and the game was a collective, rather than an individual creation from ancient China.
The Significance and Characteristics of Chinese Chess
The game of go is usually closely associated with military affairs because both attach great importance on strategies and moving forces. Chinese chess also has this characteristic.
While a lot of people believe that international chess was invented in India, some still hold the idea that the game was a creation of ancient Chinese. However, there is no substantial difference between international chess and Chinese chess. Influenced by different histories and geographies, the two games have varied ways in moving the chess pieces, representing different cultural backgrounds and characteristics.
Today, people all across China love various chesses, which are a prevailing form of entertainment. The games are highly competitive and require much brain activity, which could be good therapy for the intellectually retarded people. However, playing chess is more than only a sport in China; it is also a kind of widespread art form.
