KEMARI
Developed in Japan, this 1400-year old sport was derived from the Chinese sport Cuju. Unlike Cuju though the sport was played by the aristocrats who were draped in the most fashionable garms of the era.First documented in 644ad, it was revered as a sacred art…the sacred art of the kick up!
The objective of the game was in a team of 4-8 players, keep a Hacky Sack type ball (made from Deer skin), in the air for as long as possible using all body parts minus the arms and hands...No winners or losers, just pure dignity and decorum.Much like todays Freestylers the game was pure self-expression through skill with the body and ball.
Even the Samurai’s loved to Freesytle! Kemari being one of the most popular sports amongst the ancient warrior population between the 12-14th centuries.
(page from a copy of Nihon Shoki, the first known documentation of Kemari)
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