Football vs cuju

Football as we play it in Jamaica (also called soccer) is said to be an ancient sport. It came to Jamaica from England in the 1800s, but we are uncertain of the exact date. We know for sure, though, that in 1883 Rev G.C. Hendricks founded a York Castle School 11. Now, football is one of the most popular sports played in Jamaica and in many countries the world over.

Where did it originate? For years, this discussion and debate has raged among fans and officials. We know for sure that the rules by which the game is played today are less than 200 years old. But who started it?

Evidence has shown that dating back to 476-221 BC, there was a game played in China that showed much resemblance to our modern game. This ancient game had two opposing teams kicking a ball stuffed with feathers or animal hair. Each team tried to take possession of the ball, passing it to their team members, and attempting to kick the ball between two beautifully decorated poles, guarded by a special player - the 'goalie'. There were also referees; and one of the very strict rules of the game then was that no player's hands should touch the ball except the goal guard. Sounds familiar?

The game was called CUJU, which literally translates to 'Kick ball with foot'. It is not a far cry from today's game and it did have women's teams playing even as we do now. Nothing is new.During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220), cuju was used as keep-fit training to help get soldiers in good physical shape while teaching them team work, attack and defence - skills necessary for their occupation. The soldiers loved this form of exercise and played the game a lot during their leisure time.

INTRODUCTION TO THE WEST

When this caught the attention of the upper class, the game was used as entertainment at imperial gatherings and functions, including banquets. Emperors and other high-ranking officials so loved the sport, that cuju players were highly regarded and received great favours. This resulted in the best players living a life of luxury and wealth. That has not changed in today's world.

The game evolved during and throughout several dynasties, and spread first to Japan, Korea and then Vietnam. Some historians say that it travelled to the West via the Silk Road - the famous trading route to Egypt, Rome and France. Be that as it may, wherever the game is played in its varying forms now, it is immensely popular. And though not exactly like the cuju of ancient times, there is no doubt that football today bears a definite resemblance to the ancient Chinese game.

It is also said by some researchers that China also is the origin of polo and golf, but later for that.

Cuju anyone?

This article is courtesy of the Jamaica-China-Friendship Association