e origins of the modern sport of footbag (or Hacky Sack) can be seen in many games which existed in ancient cultures throughout the world. One of the oldest
can be traced back to a game called Kemari
nike air max 90 essential womens , documented in Japanese literature around 1400 years ago. It was played by noblemen in a flat area surrounded by
trees and the object of the game was to keep a small deerskin ball in the air
for as long as possible without it touching the ground. In Kemari the ball is
called the Mari and the one who kicks the ball the Mariashi, it is an extremely
athletic activity and requires great flexibility and balance, especially if more
complicated moves are to be performed. All parts of the body may be used to keep
the Mari in the air except for the arms and hands. Kemari is still played today
in Japan with the players wearing traditional costumes and often watched by
large crowds. Also still popular in the modern day is Sepak Takraw which is
played throughout East Asia and is especially popular in Malaysia and Thailand.
It uses a larger ball and is often played by two competing players over a net,
with players awarded points for getting the takraw to hit the ground on the
opponent?s side of the court. This game was invented by the Malaysian Royal
family around 500 years ago and has since spread right across Asia (known in the
Philippines as Sipa, in Burma: Chinlone, in Laos: Kator and in Indonesia: Raga).
Other similar games that have disappeared over the ages are Tsu Chu (which
originated in China and is thought to have influenced the development of
Kemari), and a game played by Native American Indians involving kicking around a
small pellet filled animal hide bag. The modern game of footbag was invented in
1972 by John Stalberger and Mike Marshall of Oregon in the USA. They came up
with the name ?Hacky Sack? but also registered it as a trademark
nike air max 90 essential mens , hence the two different terms that are used to describe the sport today (footbag and Hacky Sack). In its basic form
footbag does not have winners, losers, or direct competition between players,
making it somewhat unique among sports. Of course in footbag tournaments a
competitive element has to be introduced and comes in two forms; footbag ?net?
and footbag ?freestyle?. The first, as the name suggests, is played by kicking
the footbag over a net in a game with rules similar to volleyball (and Sepak
Takraw). The second allows a player a set amount of time (usually a couple of
minutes) in which to perform a pre scripted routine involving linking a series
of tricks together, often to music. The world?s best players can put together
some incredible sequences which become an almost balletic art form as well as a
competitive sport. The International Footbag Committee (IFC) is the body
responsible for overseeing international footbag competition and agreeing the
rules of the sport (they publish a rule book and update it annually). The
International Footbag Players Association (IFPA) is the other large
international footbag organization
nike air max 90 essential canada , they are ?a non profit public benefit organization dedicated to the growth of footbag play world wide, as lifetime
recreation and as a competitive sport? and their long term goal is ??to have the
world wide sport of footbag become recognized by the International Olympic
Committee and other international amateur sports organizations? (quoted from the
official website of the IFPA). Every year many footbag events take place in
countries across the world and competitions attract thousands of spectators and
competitors. As has been mentioned, freestyle footbag in the streets is very
different from competition footbag. There are no winners, making it very easy
for people to pick up and have a go. There are very few other activities where
it is normal for complete strangers to join in a game and for novices to be
welcomed and encouraged to try it out a basic trick from someone who is learning
the ropes is applauded just as much as an advanced trick from an experienced
player. As someone who has spent many hours in the sunshine kicking a little
sand filled bag around with a circle of friends, I personally have a real love
for the game and the things it stands for. Rather than being a competitive
pastime, freestyle footbag is more about group participation and appreciation of
the skills of others. The two main rules are that you must always pass to
someone else if you are the one starting off a game, and that there is no
apologizing when the footbag is dropped. Footbag is all about having
fun
nike air max 90 pink womens , advancing your skills and showing off your latest tricks. Footbag is a growing sport, and with such deep roots in cultures
around the globe it is only going to get more popular. The values of respect and
sportsmanship that go with it are things that will only benefit the game and the
people who play it. Footbag is also a great sport for improving flexibility,
balance and reactions, and for general fitness, so grab yourself a hack, get out
there, and give it a go. Author's Resource Box Content by hacky sack supplier
http:www.kemari.co. International distributor of footbags (aka hacky
sacks)Article Sourweakening housing market
nike air max 90 red womens , together with other financial currents in the U.S. Economy, represents the potential final impetus to a 'Perfect Storm'
brewing over the American Middle Class, and, without luck or prompt legislative
action, may lead to disaster, especially for homeowners." So says Warren R.
Graham, a New York Bankruptcy Attorney. The other prevailing currents
threatening to collide over the heads of an unsuspecting public
nike air max 90 womens canada , claims Graham, include rising interest rates, limited recourse to bankruptcy relief and the virtual elimination of
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