Two female Judosers play the newly modified sport Judose in Shenyang Sport University on Tuesday, July 01, 2008. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

A playground game with over a thousand years of history in China has been adapted into a sport.

Played by standing on one leg and grasping the other, Judose is a physically competitive game with one simple rule, to knock your opponent over.

The popular folk game has been modified into a formal sports event with categorizations based on players' weight and equipment such as knee pads.

Originating from ancient China, Judose was initially promoted on university campuses such as Shenyang Sport University, Hebei Normal University and Chengdu Sport University.

Shang Yuanchang, a junior from Shenyang Sport University, is one of the first groups of athletes to participate in Judose.

"I am one of the first groups of people who played Judose. We participated in this sport in March, 2006. "

Nine months later, due to his muscular build and expert training, he was awarded the title of "Judoser King" in the first national competition.

Shang Yuanchang and his mixed-gender team members are currently preparing for an upcoming tournament to be held in Shenyang, the capital of northeast China's Liaoning Province from July 3 to July 6.

"We are all selected through a trial held by our university. Many of us have played this game in our childhood, and we're interested in it. So we show great enthusiasm in training."

Zou Benxu is the coach of the Judose team from Shenyang Sport University. He says the sport is not restricted to boys.

"A girl can also take part in this sport which is quite easy and simple if only she is interested in it."

In addition, Zou and his colleagues are working hard to introduce this sport to more people.

"We have edited a book about Judose. The Higher Education Press plans to publish it. We have finished the draft. We keep on modifying the rules of this sport. We have modified some rules so as to solve problems we met during the practical training and competition."

A national competition organized by over 100 television stations in China is planned be held in the near future. Organizers are attempting to promote this sport throughout China, and are selecting players through public trials.