Ancient Chinese Football, Chinese The First People to Play Football

 

Football has found its way to the most remote corners of the globe, becoming one of the hottest topics of the day. About 2,500 years ago in China there was a similar game called "Cuju", which, according to the International Football Association, was the origin of football as a sport.

 Development ofCuju

"Cu" ("to kick") and "ju" (a type of leather ball filled with feathers) became popular during theWarring States Period(476-221BC). Back then,cujuwas used to train military cavaliers due to the fierce nature of the sport.

During theHan Dynasty(206BC-AD220), the popularity ofcujugradually spread from the army to the royal courts and upper classes. It is said that the Han emperor Wu Di enjoyed the sport. At the same time,cujugames were standardized as rules were established. Football matches were often held inside the imperial palace. A type of court called "ju" cheng was built especially forcujumatches, with six crescent-shaped goal posts at each end.

Unearthed bowl with images ofcujuplaying

The sport was improved during theTang Dynasty(618-907). 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 femalecujuteams also improved. Records indicate that once a 17-year-old girl beat a team of army soldiers.

Cujuflourished during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) due to social and economic development, extending its popularity to every class in society -- from the emperor to ordinary civilians. At that time, professionalcujuplayers were quite popular, and the sport began to take on a commercial edge. Professionalcujuplayers fell into two groups: One was trained by and performed for the royal court (unearthed copper mirrors and brush pots from the Song often depict professional performances) and the other consisted of civilians who made a living ascujuplayers.

In the Song Dynastycujuorganizations were set up in large cities calledQi Yun SheorYuan She-- now known as the earliest professionalcujuclub -- whose members were eithercujulovers or professional 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.

Unlikecujuof the Tang Dynasty, only one goal post was set up in the middle of the field during the Song.

 Ways to PlayCuju

There are mainly two ways to play cuju: "Zhu Qiu" and "Bai Da"

Zhu Qiuwas commonly performed at court feasts celebrating the emperor's birthday or during diplomatic events. This competitive match between two teams consisted of 12-16 players on each side.

Bai Dawas the dominant cuju style of the Song Dynasty, attaching much importance to developing personal skills. The goal became obsolete in this method and the playing field was enclosed with thread, with players taking turns to kick the ball within. The number of fouls made by the players decided 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 two to 10. In the end, the player with the highest score would win.

Cujubegan its decline during theMing Dynasty(1368-1644) due to neglect, and the 2,000-year-old sport finally faded away.