Ancient paintings depict Chinese forerunners of Olympic sports

Jiaodi: Chinese-style wrestling

Qing Dynasty court painter Lang Shining's painting depicted the scene of a jiaodi contest in the royal court. [Photo/Artron.net]

Ancient jiaodi was performed by athletes wearing ox horns and wrestling with each other imitating wild oxen. Jiaodi was a major military training program during the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476BC), and later during the Sui (581-618) and Tang dynasties, it was highly favored by emperors. It is said that Emperor Muzong of the Tang Dynasty watched jiaodi performance every three days.

During the Song Dynasty, jiaodi was even more popular, and specialized organizations were set up among jiaodi fans. There were two types, one for contests and the other for performance. The book "Jiao Li Ji (A record of Jiaodi)" detailed the evolution and skills of jiaodi, and was the first book about wrestling in China.

A special organ was founded in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) court which undertook the task of researching and practicing jiaodi. Every 23rd day of the twelfth month, a wrestling contest was held in the royal court and some ancient paintings depicted the scene.

A detail from the painting above. [Photo/Artron.net]