Oldest team sport in North America

LACROSSE

 

Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America, which dates back to 1100s. It was originally played by the ethno-linguistic Iroquois people from eastern North America, from what now is New York and areas in Canada bordering the state. 

The early versions of lacrosse played by Native American nations included 100 to 1,000 men or more, using wooden sticks, sometimes with net baskets made from deer's tendon, and small deer-hide-wrapped balls. 

Men from opposing villages or tribes would participate in borderless fields that spanned for miles, and the game lasted for days together. Regional variations influenced the rules of play, as there were no timekeepers, penalties or refrees. Lacrosse was played mainly to prepare them for war, and it was considered more of a social event where tribes got together for trade and sports. It was sometimes also used to settle disputes. 

While preparing for a game of lacrosse, players used paint and charcoal to decorate their faces and bodies. 

European influence on Lacrosse: In the 1600s, in Qubec, Canada, the French missionaries, who first witnessed the native Americans playing lacrosse, played the game barefoot, with no equipment and a loose set of regulations. European settlers established more stringent rules for the sport. 

Lacrosse evolved in Canada, where it was named the National Sport in 1859. In 1867, the first official rule book was published. A team of white and First Nation lacrosse players were taken to England, to play before Queen Victoria, in whose diary, the game was appreciated, according to the National Museum and Hall of Fame. 

Lacrosse, at present: Lacrosse was played at the Olympics in 1904 and 1908 and as an exhibition sport in 1928, 1936 and 1948. In 2021, the International Olympic Committee granted the sport a full recognition, paving the way for a possible Olympics return in 2028.

Musical instrument

XYLOPHONE 

The xylophone is a colourful and fun instrument that makes happy sounds! It consists of wooden or metal bars of different sizes. When you hit the bars with small small sticks called mallets, they make music. Bigger bars make deeper sounds, and smaller bars make higher sounds. 

Playing the xylophones is easy and exciting for kids. You can play songs by tapping the bars in the right order. Many xylophones for kids are colourful, making it easy to know which bar to tap.

Xylophones are used in music all around the world. They are great for making cheerful tunes and learning about music. 

Did you know? The word "xylophone" means "wood sound" because "xylo" means wood and "phone" means sound. It's the perfect instrument for learning music and having fun at the same time!

Bumpy science behind golf balls

 WHY DO GOLF BALLS HAVE DIMPLES?

Golf balls haven’t always sported hundreds of tiny dimples. Originally, golf balls were smooth wooden balls, which evolved into feather-filled leather-sewn spheres called ‘featherie’ golf balls. Over time, golfers noticed that well-used balls travelled further than new ones. This was because with every strike of the golf club, balls were acquiring dinks and dents. In any other sport, old and damaged balls are quickly replaced, but it turned out that in golf, using battered balls can give golfers a great advantage. Unknown to early golfers, each dent was interrupting the airflow around a travelling ball and reducing the amount of aerodynamic drag it experienced. Drag is a force that opposes motion and reduces an object’s speed when it’s moving through air or a fluid. When a golf ball is struck and sent flying through the air, it separates the airflow around it, causing a vacuumous zone of drag in the area behind the ball to form. Dimples work to reduce the size of that zone, and therefore the amount of drag that slows the ball down. Less drag means the ball can fly further and faster before gravity takes hold and brings the ball back to the ground. Having discovered the benefits of dimples, in the early 1900s golf ball manufacturers began making them standard. Modern golf balls are designed and manufactured to exploit the aerodynamic effects of dimples, varying their size, shape, distribution and patterns on the ball.

DIFFERENT DIMPLES: The dimpled surface of the golf ball has gone through many iterations. In 1848, the gutta-percha ball sported inverted dimples and was covered in a pattern of protruding squares to minimise drag. In 1899, American inventors Coburn Haskell and Bertram Work patented a gutta-percha golf ball with a rubber core. Their design lasted until the early 1900s, when more robust plastics were being developed. Manufacturers found that balls with concave dimples would fly better than a gutta-percha ball. Although it might be hard to differentiate between modern-day golf balls, the number of dimples and the shape of dimples can differ.

Golf ball dimples are created by filling moulds with plastic around rubber cores

Do you know:

● The average golf ball dimple depth is 0.25 millimetres.

● A golf ball with dimples can travel almost twice as far as a smooth ball.

The artful sport of China

JIANZI 

When people think of sports in China, they often envision table tennis, badminton or martial arts. However, there is a captivating and lesser-known sport that has been played for centuries--- Jianzi or Chinese shuttlecock kicking. This traditional game combines skill, agility and creativity, making it a thrilling activity for participants and a fascinating spectacle for onlookers. 

What is Jianzi?

Jianzi (pronounced "jee-an-zuh") is a sport that involves the feet and other parts of the body, except the hands, to keep a heavy shuttlecock airborne. The game is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago, during the Han dynasty and has evolved from a simple pastime into a competitive sport with dedicated athletes and tournaments. 

The shuttlecock itself is unique, often consisting of feathers attached to a heavy base. This design allows for a slow, graceful flight that players can control with an impressive precision. 

How is Jianzi played?

Jianzi can be played both recreationally and competitively. Informal games may involve a group of friends trying to keep the shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible, while more structured matches include rules and scoring systems similar to those of volleyball or badminton. Competitive Jianzi is usually played on a court with a net, where two teams face off to score points by sending the shuttlecock over the net using acrobatic kicks and well-practiced maneuvers.

Why should you try Jianzi?

Jianzi isn’t just a sport; it’s a testament to co-ordination and ingenuity. It encourages players to build agility, balance and leg strength, making it an excellent addition to any training routine. Unlike many sports that require specialised equipment or facilities, Jianzi only requires a small space and a shuttlecock, making it accessible to anyone willing to give it a try. 

Beyond the physical benefits, Jianzi carries with a cultural significance, offering insight into the communal and artistic spirit of Chinese society. It fosters teamwork, perseverance and the joy of playful competition. 

Where can you watch or play Jianzi?

While Jianzi might not be the mainstream in many countries, there are international organisations and clubs dedicated to the sport. Videos showcasing professional Jianzi players are also available online, displaying jaw-dropping performances that blend elements of martial arts, dance and football. 

For those eager to try Jianzi, all it takes is a few friends, an open space and a shuttlecock. High school students in particular may find it a fun and engaging way to enhance fitness and build community through friendly matches. 

So, next time you’re looking for a new sport to learn or share it with friends, consider giving Jianzi a go. You may find yourself mastering spins and kicks while becoming a part of a centuries-old tradition that's as enriching as it is exciting. 

KNOW YOUR ENGLISH

What is the meaning and origin of the expression ‘bucket list’?

A ‘bucket list’ consists of a list of things that you have never done, but would like to before you leave this world. It comes from the idiom ‘kick the bucket’, meaning ‘to die’. 

A ‘bucket list’ is your personal wish list, and it may include anything — climbing Mt. Everest, going sky diving, getting a picture taken standing in front of the Taj, eating your favourite dish in a well­ known hotel in the city, having a conversation with a famous author, winning a chess tournament etc. These are mostly things that you have not experienced or achieved till now, but would like to before dying. 

The expression was coined and made popular by Justin Zackham, the man who wrote the screenplay for the Hollywood film, The Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. 

Publishing more than 5000 posts on my blog! That’s one more item to add to my bucket list.

What is your bucket list?

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE LONGBOW

Yumi 

The Yumi, a traditional Japanese longbow, is a symbol of both ancient craftsmanship and marital prowess. This elegantly designed bow, often referred to as the "bow of samurai," has a rich history dating back centuries. It’s unique asymmetrical shape, with one limb longer than the other, allows for powerful and accurate shooting. 

Craftsmen dedicated to the art of Yumi-making meticulously select materials select materials such as bamboo and wood, ensuring flexibility and strength. The bowstring, traditionally made from hemp, is a testament to the bow's durability. Used in Japanese archery, or Kyudo, the Yumi embodies discipline and precision. 

Today, the Yumi is not only a revered artifact of Japan’s heritage but also a symbol of cultural resilience. It stands as a reminder of the nation's deep-rooted reverence for tradition and the enduring legacy of the samurai. 

MASTERING THE COURT

Basketball 

Basketball is a very popular sport enjoyed by millions of people around the world. From professional players to young kids just starting out, a basketball game offers a fun and exciting way to stay active and competitive.

Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in December 1891 in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. The first game was played with a soccer ball and two peach baskets as goals.

The concept of dribbling wasn’t originally a part of basketball. When the game was first created, players could only pass the ball, and it was only later that dribbling became a fundamental skill.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in 1946. There are currently 30 teams in the NBA, with famous teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.

The three-point line:- This was introduced to the NBA in the 1979-1980 season. The first player to make a three-point shot in an NBA game was Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics.

The free-throw line is 15 feet away from the basket in the NBA. Players get awarded free throws after certain fouls, and the opposing team must stay behind the three-point line during these shots.

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is one of the most exciting events in college basketball. It features a single-elimination format, and the championship game is held in April.

Basketball has been part of the Summer Olympics since 1936. The United States has been highly successful in Olympic basketball, winning numerous gold medals.

The official ball used in NBA games is manufactured by Spalding. It has a distinctive orange colour and is made of leather.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all times, Michael Jordan won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and earned five MVP awards.

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is the premier professional women’s basketball league in the world. It was established in 1996.

Basketball players need to be quick on their feet – the average NBA player runs about 2-3 miles per game!

The 2022 Tokyo Olympics marked the 30th anniversary of the debut of basketball as an official Olympic sport!

HISTORY BEHIND MOST POPULAR SPORTS PLAYED WORLDWIDE

The History Of Football

Football is undeniably one of the most popular sports played worldwide.

Around 2500 BC, the Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese played games involving a ball and feet. Most of these games included the use of hands, feet, and even sticks to control a ball.

The most relevant of these ancient games to our modern-day 'Association Football' is the Chinese game of Tsu'Chu, meaning kicking the ball. Records of the game began during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), and it may have been a training exercise for the soldiers.

Tsu'Chu involved kicking a small leather ball into a net strung between two bamboo poles, and the use of hands was not permitted. The main difference between Tsu'Chu and football was the height of the goal, which hung about 30 feet from the ground.

Football began to evolve in modern Europe from the medieval period onwards, around the 9th Century. Most towns in England would kick a pig's bladder from one landmark to another. However, it was banned during some periods of Britain's history.

Records trace the history of football to ancient China. But, it was England to transform football into the game we know today. The English are credited with recording the first rules for the sport, including forbidding tripping opponents and touching the ball with hands.

As the sport developed, more rules were implemented and more historical landmarks were set. For example, the penalty kick was introduced in 1891, and red and yellow cards were introduced during the 1970 World Cup finals. In 1930, the first ever FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay. There were 41 members of FIFA at that time. Today, it boasts of over 200 members and the World Cup is one of the biggest events which happens every 4 years.

Football Facts 

● There are more than 265 million players worldwide, and an estimated 4 billion people are actively watching the sport from time to time, which without a doubt makes it the most popular sport in the world.

● Sheffield FC is the oldest professional football club in the world and it was founded in 1857.

● A professional game is always 90 minutes long, divided into two halves of 45 minutes + stoppage time. The stoppage time is usually between 1 to 5 minutes, depending on injuries and breaks in each half of the game.

● Nawaf Al-Abed scored after just 2.4 seconds and is usually credited as the fastest goal ever scored.

● Sialkot in Pakistan is famous for making the balls for the FIFA World Cup since 1982. And, some of the best balls are manufactured by hand-stitching in Pakistan. Adidas and other high-quality balls are made here.

● The FIFA World Cup has been ongoing every fourth year since 1930, and despite 21 tournaments being played since the first one in Uruguay, only 8 different countries have won the tournament.

● Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup 5 times, which makes it the most successful national team of all time.

● Canadians and Americans are the only ones in the world who call it soccer instead of football.

● The Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang is the biggest stadium (having an area of 20.7 hectares) in the world with a capacity of up to 150,000 people.

● Football players run on average 9.65 km every game.

● Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Luis Suarez are the only 3 players to ever have scored a goal in every single minute from 1 to 90 minutes.

THE BOARD GAME

Mastermind 

The board game Mastermind is designed to be played by two persons above the age of eight. One of the players creates a code and the other tries to decipher it with the help of the clues. 

The game consists of a decoding board, code pegs and key pegs. The board has twelve rows, each with four large and eight small holes. At the two ends of the board are four large holes covered by a shutter. This is where the player creates a secret code using any of the six coloured pegs.

The code-breaker has to guess the colours of the code pegs and their exact positions. He gets twelve chances to do so. After each attempt, the code-maker provides a clue and the code-breaker responds by filling in a row of code pegs on the board. The code-maker indicates which part of the guess is right or wrong by placing flat key pegs on the board. 

The game continues until the code-breaker cracks the code or completes twelve guesses.

HOBBY

The art and joy of reading 📚 

Reading or writing is an art. When you are at it, the kind of joy that both provide has to be experienced by oneself. And when you get a book of your preference, and that too after a long wait, it evokes in you a bubbling and child-like enthusiasm. Reading may be a compulsory exercise for a student, past-time for a retired person, but a pleasure for many. 

Reading disturbs the mind, and good reading generates waves of thinking and emotion, thus the pleasure is instant, and it continues to linger in the mind. Good reading lifts you up from the harsh realities of life into the world of imagination. A motivational book impels and helps to transmute grief into joy, failure into success, pain into pleasure and fear into hope. While we read from top, an inspiring book elevates us from bottom up.

To a book-lover, nothing can be more fascinating than a favourite book, and one who is interested and absorbed in his daily occupation, wants occasionally to escape out of his drudgery into the wonderland for recreation and enjoyment. Living in an era where virtually everything has turned into 'e' mode, there are certain old and die-hard habits that will never go into oblivion, and a book in print is one such. 

ANCIENT LANGUAGES RICH IN LITERATURE

Classical Languages

The Union Cabinet has recently approved giving the status of ‘classical language’ to five more languages - Marathi, Bengali, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese. With this cabinet decision, the number of languages that have the status will nearly double from six to 11. The languages that had the tag earlier were Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia. Tamil was granted the status in 2004 and the last language to get it was Odia, in 2014. Prakrit and Pali are two distinct languages that have been derived from Sanskrit.

What is the criteria for a language to be recognised as classical?

The following criteria have to be met:

● High antiquity of the language’s early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years.

● A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.

● Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.

● The classical languages and literature could be distinct from their current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of their offshoots.

THE ULTIMATE BOOK OF ACHIEVEMENTS

Guinness Book of World Records 

Have you ever heard of the longest pizza in the world, a person who can eat the most hot dogs in 10 minutes or the tallest man to ever walk the earth? All these incredible feats, and many more, are part of the Guinness World Records, a book filled with astonishing achievements from around the globe, where people push the limits of what’s possible.

The idea for the Guinness World Records began back in 1951 when Sir Hugh Beaver, the managing director of the Guinness Brewery in Ireland, had a debate while out hunting. He and his friends were arguing over - which game bird was the fastest - but they couldn’t find the answer anywhere. This sparked the idea of creating a book that could settle all kinds of quirky arguments like this. He brought the idea to Norris and Ross McWhirter, who were twin brothers and fact-checkers. Together, they created the first edition of the Guinness Book of Records, which was published in 1955.

It became an instant hit! Originally created as a free giveaway for the Guinness Brewery, the book soon gained popularity worldwide. People loved reading about the weird and wonderful records, from the longest fingernails to the most pogo stick jumps. What began as a fact-checking book quickly transformed into a global sensation, with millions of copies sold every year.

Today, the book features thousands of records across a wide range of categories, including sports, animals, human body records and even the wackiest things you can imagine. 

For example, do you know that the world’s longest pizza measured over 6,333 feet long? 

Or that the heaviest onion ever grown weighed 18 pounds? These are just a few of the extraordinary records you’ll find inside.

What’s fascinating is that Guinness World Records has grown beyond just a book. Now, there are TV shows, live events and even a website where people can submit their own attempts at breaking records. There are official rules and judges to make sure each record is accurate and fair. Once verified, the record is entered into the book for everyone to see.

For young readers like you, this book isn’t just about outrageous achievements; it’s a reminder that anyone can push their limits and set a record of their own. With determination, practice and creativity, even the most unexpected things can become world records.

So, the next time you’re looking for some mind-blowing inspiration, grab a copy of the Guinness World Records. Maybe one day, your name will be among the world’s greatest achievers! 

YODELING

Yodel-ay-hee-whoo

When most people think about Switzerland, they think of Swiss cheese, Swiss Army knives, tall Alpine mountains, and yodeling. Most of us have seen at least one movie or television show in which someone in a traditional Swiss outfit stands on a mountainside and calls, “Yodel-ay-hee-whoo!” Maybe you’ve even watched an old Tarzan movie in which Tarzan swings through the trees and yodels his famous cry. But just what is this strange noise, what is it for, and how did it get started? 

Yodeling has been used as a means of communications in mountainous regions for centuries. While yodeling is most often associated with Switzerland, it actually originated in the 4th century BC. A Roman emperor named Julian complained about the “wild, shrieking songs” of people who lived in the northern mountains. Some people believe that yodeling may have started in Africa, probably as a way to call cattle and keep them together. In the 1200s, early shepherds in the Alpine region that includes modern day Switzerland discovered that they could alternate their voices between a regular singing voice and a falsetto (a singing voice that is unusually or unnaturally high) voice, and began using it to call their cows and communicate with each other across large areas. This kind of singing became known as yodeling in English, from the German word jodeln, which means “to utter the syllable jo” (pronounced “yo” in English).

It didn’t take long for yodeling to move from a folk tradition to a type of entertainment. By 1830, it was a popular act in theaters and music halls. It was also included in many Austrian and Swiss folk songs. In the United States, some of the traveling minstrels in the 19th century performed yodeling. In 1892, inventor Thomas Edison made a recording of yodeler L. W. Lipp for Edison’s New Jersey Phonograph Company. Singers began using yodeling in other forms of music, such as blues and country. Folk singer Jimmie Rodgers released a recording called “Blue Yodel No. 1.” He eventually recorded 13 blue yodel songs, which blended yodeling with African American blues and work songs. Rodgers’ recording created yodeling craze in the United States. Singing cowboys and cowgirls also began using yodeling in their acts.

How do singers yodel? They do it by rapidly shifting from their regular chest singing voice to their falsetto head voice, at high volume. They might be shifting several times in just a few seconds. Yodelers use the consonants AH, OH, OO for chest notes and AY or EE for the falsetto, so in the famous yodel “Yodel Ay EEE Oooo,” the EEE is sung in the high head voice and the rest in the chest voice. It takes time and training for singers to learn how to move so quickly between the two voice levels.

Yodeling has found its way into a lot of modern music as well, including punk and contemporary rock. Singer Jewel yodels in her song “Chime Bells.” Her father, who in turn learned from listening to Jimmie Rodgers’ recordings, taught her to yodel. Gwen Stefani yodels in her 2006 single “Wind It Up.” Other famous yodelers include the Muppets, Bill Murray, Julie Andrews in the movie The Sound of Music, Shakira, Gene Wilder, Disney’s Goofy, and South Korea’s former Miss World, Ji-Yea Park. Kishore Kumar was a famous Indian singer and actor who was known for his yodeling. 

Many people are trying yodeling, especially because it is said to help relieve stress. Listen to some yodeling performances (there are many on YouTube), then find a mountaintop, or at least some place where you won’t bother anyone, and give it a try. Maybe yodeling will be an easier way to communicate with your friends than texting or emailing…or maybe not.

NOT AN EASY JOB

Making a cricket bat

Cricket bat making is an art and we come across different makes of bats in International cricket. The sound of the timer and the way balls soared over the boundary is a treat to watch. But bat making is not an easy job and it undergoes many processes before taking the shape of a cricket bat. 

A cricket bat is a specialized piece of equipment used by batsmen in the sport of cricket to hit the ball, typically consisting of a cane handle attached to a flat-fronted willow-wood blade. The length of the bat may be no more than 38 inches (965 mm) and the width no more than 4.25 inches (108 mm). Its use is first mentioned in 1624. Since 1979, a rule change stipulated that bats can only be made from wood. Dennis Lillee used an aluminum bat and that was banned for use in cricket matches. Matthew Hayden used a Mongoose bat during an IPL match and that was not in use thereafter.

Cricket bat willow is a cultivated timber which predominantly grows in large plantations in wetland areas throughout England mainly in the South East. The trees are mature between the age of 12-15 years and at this stage have a circumference of over 4ft. The bulk of the Woodstock willow comes from willow specialists but each cleft is still selected by lead bat maker, John Newsome, individually. The cleft has already been split from the round using a wooden wedge, rough sawn and the ends waxed to stop splitting. The process of seasoning in the open air takes place to reduce moisture content and this takes between nine months and a year. When ready to be turned into bats the ends are cut and they pass through a five cutter milling machine to give the cleft a uniform shape.

The seasoning of the willow at various seasons is exposed to various conditions. The bats are exposed to sun rays, rain and snowfall and the wear and tear on these weather conditions makes the bat more seasoned and fit for use for making bats. The age of these willows are picked according to their age to make it a suitable one for the process of bat making. Both Kashmir willow and English willow are cut to size of bat and kept for exposure to weather and later the bat making process is undergone to make a balanced bat.

Each bat handle is spliced and fitted using a flexible wood glue making sure it is set slightly forward to ensure the perfect line of the bow. The handle is then gently tapped into place and left to dry in an upright position. Once the bat has been shaped and blended the sanding process begins. This is a time consuming process that uses several grades of paper working to a fine finish. Finally brush sanders are used to give a beautiful smooth finish. The stickers are then affixed to make it colourful and to provide the bat name of the Indian made bats are exported to other countries. An exclusive bat made in India is not available for sale in India but you can get the same across the sea when you visit Sri Lanka. In Srinagar and surrounding areas cricket bats are available on the streets and you can pick up the best piece at a cheaper price without stickers but you can buy from outside and stick on as per your own liking.

The art of making a cricket bat is lovely to watch and the youngsters should avail a chance to go through the quality of wood, a few craftsmen with serious skills, computer assisted design, and large machines in factories, which provide all about a cricket bat. A firm grip with different colours and design decorate your bat very much and show a classic look. The curve given to the bat is of advantage and attracts classy batsmen of the modern era. Once the bats get final shape then it is ready for labelling, gripping and knocking in. 

Every bat also receives a final check-over to ensure that it has been finished to a high standard and that there are no previously unspotted imperfections. The present day bats provide you the feather touch if the shot is played from the middle of the bat with perfect timing. There lies the real pleasure of playing with a perfect bat.

TRADITIONAL YET SPORTY MARTIAL ART

 Judo 

The word literally translates as “gentle way” since ju means ‘gentle’ and do means ‘way’. It is gentle because its fundamental tenet is to use your opponent’s own weight and strength against him or her, allowing a smaller person to defeat a much larger opponent through ability, strategy, technique and time. The majority of sports judo techniques can be practised by people of all ages and genders. 

History of Judo

As the knowledge of unarmed fighting arts (jitsu) spread throughout the Orient, coming last to Japan, the subdivision multiplied as did names by which the arts were known: Wojitsu, Tai-jitsu, Go shin Jitsu, Ai Jitsu, and many others. Dr Jigoro Kano, a Japanese college professor, spent many years studying various ancient fighting arts, evaluating, comparing and practising them. Finally, in 1882, he put together the techniques to create a new art which he called Judo.

Dr Kano’s vision for judo was, as he wrote: “Judo should be one all-pervading principle governing the whole field, and that principle should be the highest or most efficient use of mental as well as physical energy directed to the accomplishment of a certain definite purpose or aim. Once the real importance of this purpose is understood, it may be applied to all phases of life and activity, thereby enabling one to lead the highest and most rational life.”

Present-day Judo

Today, judo is one of the most widely-spread martial arts with over 10 million practitioners. Kodokan is judo’s main centre for training and administration (Kodokan is the name given by Dr Kano to his dojo). You need not be contest-minded to take up judo. It is not purely about physical, it’s also about good attitude, behaviour, and adhering to class etiquette and decorum. We see this reflected in the oath every student joining Kodokan takes: “Once I have entered the Kodokan, I will not end my study without reasonable cause; I will not dishonour the dojo; unless I am given permission, I will not disclose the secrets that I have been taught, unless I am given permission, I will not teach judo; pupil first, teacher second, I will always follow the rules of the dojo.”

Judo Grade

Unarmed fighting arts, in their original form, had no ranks, degrees, uniforms, or belts. Awarding a belt for proficiency is relatively new. The sports judo belt was first given some 150 years ago. One rule is absolute: An individual may not grade himself in belt rank, irrespective of his proficiency. The judgement must be made by someone who is able to evaluate the individual either by his seniority of rank or proficiency. Originally, there were only two colour belts in judo, namely white and black. Then the brown belt was introduced as an intermediate grade. Today, there are many styles in judo, variance has crept in the colour scheme for grades at kyu (learners) level. It streamlines at the black belt. When you get your black belt, you are a first dan. The highest rank awarded is the 10th dan. Only 15 individuals have been promoted by Kodokan to the 10th dan.

Technique Categories in Judo

Judo techniques are categorized by which body part is used to execute a throw. There is a whole category of how to break a fall too. As it is easier to learn how to throw than to receive it, most students joining are eager to learn how to throw. Judo techniques are broadly divided into four categories:

1. Ukemi-waza (Breakfall): Until you have learned how to fall safely, do not allow yourself to be thrown. You can hurt yourself badly and may end up with a permanent injury. It is important to learn how to break a fall when thrown from different angles at any speed. Remember, learning breakfall is a lifetime asset.

2. Nage-waza (Throwing techniques): Throws are the essence of what judo is mostly about. Throws are divided into four categories, namely: Te-waza (hand technique), Koshi-waza (hip technique), Ashi-waza (foot and leg technique), Sutemi-waza (Sacrifice technique) and Yokosutemi-waza (side sacrifice technique)

3. Katami-waza (Groundwork techniques): These are techniques to pin your opponent to the ground: Osa-komiwaza (hold down technique) and Shime-waza (strangle technique).

4. Gyaku-waza (Joints-locking techniques): There is a fifth category of technique called atemi-waza (hand and foot blow technique). These techniques are never used in free sparring (randori) or contest (shiai). Few schools offer instructions in both sport judo and self-defence. I 

Judo Matches

Judo matches are won in four ways:

● When a throw (nage-waza) is properly executed, i.e., dropping the opponent onto his back or side.

● An immobilization hold down called osaekomi, in which a person is held down, controlled on his back or side for a period of thirty seconds.

● A choke called shime-waza, directed against the blood vessels of the neck, causing the opponent to lose consciousness or to submit.

● Joint lock when applied, called gyaku-waza, directed against the elbow causing the opponent to submit so as to avoid a fracture.

Self-Defence

Sports judo training may prepare a person for self-defence. The important fact is that throwing techniques and groundwork techniques are not the best ways to cope with common street attacks. An exceptional judoka with years of training in sport judo can apply some techniques in some self-defence situations.

Techniques Snippet

Back Fall (Backward Roll cum Fall)

1. Start from a seated position, legs straight forward, hands on your knees, head slightly forward.

2. Fall gently back with a rolling (not thrusting) motion, raising your hands to get more power in the slap. Keep the body slightly curled.

3. Finish by slapping the mat with force, just before the upper back touches the mat. The head never hits the mat. Avoid jerking back into the fall. Hit the mat with the palms of your hands cupped, arms fully extended, and close to the body. Slapping absorbs impact and allows you to fall with less jarring action to your back and to your internal organs.

In conclusion, judo, with its gentle yet effective principles, remains a popular and widely-practised martial art worldwide. Its rich history, universal techniques, and emphasis on respect and discipline, make it an invaluable pursuit. Whether for sport or self-improvement, judo offers a profound path to physical and mental growth.

DO YOU KNOW

How was Detective Sherlock Holmes character created?

The adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were written by the English doctor Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

How did Doyle create these characters? This is the story.

When Doyle started studying medicine at Edinburgh University in 1877, he met Dr. Joseph Bell.

Bell was a Scottish surgeon. He made detailed observations when diagnosing his patients. To improve his observation skills, he observed people he didn’t know. He made deductions from their recent activities. He also took part in many forensic investigations in England by using his observations with his medical knowledge. With this talent, he became the pioneer of forensic science. He showed the importance of science and observation in forensic investigations.

Doyle was so fascinated by Bell’s talent and inspired by his methods that he created the character Sherlock Holmes. He wrote 56 stories and 4 novels about Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock became so popular that various films and television series were made.

CRADLE OF INDIAN TEST CRICKET

Ranji Trophy 

Ranji Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket championship in India played by teams representing different states and regions. Organised by the board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Ranji Trophy is undisputedly the most important tournament in India's domestic cricket season. It is considered the "cradle of Indian Test cricket", as the finest talents from its matches are selected for the Indian test cricket team. The tournament, which was launched in 1934, is named after Ranjitsinhji alias Ranji (1872 - 1933), an Indian prince who played test cricket for England and who is regarded as one of the finest players of all time. 

Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji, the Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, to give his full name and official title, was born in Kathiawar in British India. As a child, he was chosen as heir to a distant relative, Vibhaji, the Jam Sahib of Nawanagar. He studied at the Rajkumar college in Rajkot and went on to Trinity College, Cambridge. Here he gained a place in the Cambridge University cricket team, becoming the first Indian to win a cricket Blue. In 1895, he began playing for Sussex. In 1896, he made his test debut for England against Australia. In a test career spanning 15 matches, Ranjitsinhji scored 989 runs including 2 centuries and 6 half-centuries, with an average of 44.95 runs and a high score of 175 runs. He also played 307 first-class matches, scoring 24,692 runs that included 72 centuries and 109 half-centuries, with a high score of 285 not out In 1907, he became the Jam Sahib of Nawanagar. In his political role, he was Chancellor of the Indian Chamber of Princes and represented India at the League of Nations. He died in 1933. The following year, when the BCCI decided to start a domestic tournament, the Maharaja of Patiala offered to donate the trophy which he proposed should be named in honour of Ranjitsinhji. The first Ranji Trophy winner was Bombay, who defeated North India in the final. 

Although Ranjitsinhji never played for India and and considered himself an English cricketer, he was remembered as the first famous cricketer of Indian origin. 

SPORT WITH MUSIC AND DANCE

Bossaball

Bossaball is a unique and dynamic sport combining elements of volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, capoeira, music and dance. It was invented in Spain in 2004 by Filip Eyckmans, who sought to create an engaging and entertaining team sport.

Bossaball is played on an inflatable court that features trampolines on each side of the net. The court is divided into different zones, including the attacking and back zones. The objective of the game is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent's court in a way that the opposing team cannot return it. Teams consist of three to five players on each side, with one player positioned on the trampoline to gain height and perform aerial acrobatics to spike or block the ball. The other players on the ground use any part of their bodies (except for their hands) to keep the ball in play, combining elements of soccer and volleyball. 

What makes Bossaball unique is the incorporation of music and dance. Each team has its own designated "Samba referee", who provides the rhythm with musical instruments and leads the team in dance moves during the game. The lively atmosphere created by the music adds to the fun and excitement of the sport. 

JAPANESE FORM OF POETRY

Haiku

Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry which originated hundreds of years ago. It is distinctive because it is very brief. It captures a single moment or thought in few words. In the Japanese language which is written in characters, a haiku is typically composed using just seventeen sound units (similar to syllables in English) and is expressed in three short lines. There are five syllables in the first line, seven in the second and five again in the third line. Another distinctive quality about Haiku is that it does not rhyme. 

In the 17th century, haiku also emerged as an art form in Japan. Almost all Haiku poems relate to the beauty of nature and the Japanese Zen philosophy. Other topics that haiku poems deal with are animals, season of the year, or something as simple as a rain drop or a snowflake. 

Example: In a pouch I grow, 

                 On a southern continent 

                  Strange creatures I know 

Rabindranath Tagore composed haiku too and also translated some Japanese haiku into Bengali. Newer forms of haiku in English experiment with a wide range of topics. 

BRUSH UP YOUR TENNIS VOCABULARY

Tennis A to Z

Ace: A serve that the opponent doesn't touch with the racquet. An ace wins the point immediately for the server.

Backspin: A shot which forces the ball to spin and and reduce its speed at impact. It is also known as 'slice' or 'underspin'.

Career Golden Slam: A term associated with a player who has won all the four major titles and also an Olympic gold medal. So far only four people have achieved this feat: Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams. 

Deuce: A score of 40-40. A player must score two consecutive points from deuce if he has to win the game. A player to score the first point from deuce is said to have an advantage. If he scores another, he wins the game. But if the opponent scores then the score goes back to deuce. 

Error: A loss in point due to the shot not landing correctly in the opponent 's court. 

Frame shot: A shot coming off the frame of the racquet rather than off the strings. Usually it is a mishit. 

Grunt: Noises made by the players while serving or hitting the ball. Notable players who grunt are Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova among others. 

Hopper: A large container that holds tennis balls. 

Jam: To hit the ball at or near to the opponent's body forcing him/her to hit back awkwardly. 

Kick Serve: A type of serve which spins tremendously causing the ball to change the direction when it bounces. 

Lucky loser: A player who loses the final qualifying round but still gets to enter the tournament when another player withdraws. 

Mis-hit: A shot that fails to hit the middle of the racquet. 

No man's land: The area between the service line and the base line is said to be a no-man's land. 

Overrule: A decision is said to be overruled when the umpire reverses the decision of the line judge. 

Poaching: In doubles, a player hits a shot, mostly a volley, which was intended for his/her partner. 

Qualifier: A small competition held to choose a specified number of players for the main tournament. 

Return ace: A shot in which the opponent serves, the player returns the serve, and the opponent is unable to hit the ball. It’s the opposite of ace wherein the server serves and the receiver is unable to hit the ball.

SABR (Sneak Attack by Roger): It is an attack devised by Roger Federer in which the serve returner rushes toward during a serve to upset the opponent's rhythm.

Tandem: It is a doubles formation in which each partner is responsible for one half of the court as divided by the centre line.

Umpire: An arbitrator who usually sits on a high chair next to the tennis court. 

Volley: A shot in which the ball is struck before it bounces on the ground. 

Western grip: A type of grip used by a player to generate a lot of topspin on the groundstrokes.

Zero pointer: Top 10 players who withdraw from a commitment tournament receive a mandatory zero pointer (no points) on their rankings.