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Sumo was then performed ritually as a preparation for war in a dance-like fashion, from which comes its second meaning of “bare hands dance." Sumo became very popular and its influence is still apparent in Chinese opera. Later still, during the Chi'in and Han periods, sumo came under the influence of kemari, a kicking game designed to develop the feet for war, and gave birth to another form of fighting called shubaku. Both kemari and shubaku are documented on scrolls from this period, rich in wars and upheavals, which also saw the development of the principles of war by a warlord named Sonshi. It is interesting to note that in China today, modern martial arts are still called shubaku.

During the enlightened T'ang dynasty (A.D. 618-970) , kempo was restored to favor. Huge competitions were organized on the steps of the Imperial Palace and in every public square throughout the country. The winner, Ruidai champion, was the one who survived all of the fights held on the stage (ruidai). Champions were crowned inside the palace and became immensely popular.