"Jumping Squadron Rope ★ Rangers" demonstrate top skills to show how much fun jump-rope can be
Popular with Japanese Children
Jump-rope is a free and easy sport that anyone can enjoy, anytime, any place with just one rope.Virtually nobody can say they have "never jumped a rope", as jump-rope is incorporated into physical education lessons in Japanese elementary schools.
Elementary pupils doing jump-rope in a PE lesson (left) and staff from the "Japan Jump-Rope Project" explaining how to jump "Double Dutch" using two ropes ©JJRP/Japan Jump-Rope Project
This kind of jump-rope is coming up with new, up-to-date styles and ways of having fun.
It's good for your health and can be enjoyed alone, or as part of a group
According to groups that are spreading the fun of jump-rope across Japan, its first attraction is that it is good for the body. Jump-rope is a whole-body exercise that works the body's muscles, and as such it is very effective at improving physical strength and promoting health. Anyone can do it - practicing at their own pace and level to polish their technique and becoming able to perform extreme skills.
There is also great appeal in big jump-rope sessions where a large number of people take part. Games such as "Double Dutch" and the "Figure of 8 Jump," where a big rope is turned by two people and a number of others jump the rope in turn, are also popular at elementary school. Here it is necessary for both the turners and the jumpers to match their timings perfectly.
An elementary school in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture took on a challenge to see how many times a team of 14 could jump one long rope. The team was awarded a Guinness World Record when it completed 225 jumps on February 10, 2017 - 8 jumps more than the previous top record.
A Guinness World Record is awarded for 225 jumps/minute in a "Figure of 8 Jump" at an elementary school in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture
The moment the Guinness World Record was achieved
Dance Sensation - the Latest in Jump-Rope
The latest to hit the scene is "dance sensation" jump-rope, where you skip in time to music or a rhythm. Performance groups demonstrating various jump-rope techniques in time to music are also actively involved, visiting elementary schools across Japan and showing how much fun jump-rope can be through media such as TV etc. Showing off their skills, the performers in their colorful costumes look just like action heroes.
With a brilliant performance, "Jumping Squadron Rope ★ Rangers" show how much fun jump-rope can be
Jump-rope is evolving as the number of elementary and junior-high pupils inspired by these activities grows; pupils who then start to think about new techniques, as well as original styles of jumping.
Use "Jumpie" the light-up rope for skipping that feels like dancing ©TAKARATOMY
And it's not just the skipping styles and techniques in jump-rope... Cool ropes are also being developed. This skipping rope released by a toy maker in 2017 that lights up and flashes is popular among fashion-conscious young girls. A lot of dance-like poses and techniques have also been introduced and skipping in time to music is fantastic - just like a dance team.
"Jumpie" features original grips that can be held in a variety of ways and light-up LEDs ©TAKARATOMY
Jump-rope is a simple game, yet it has a number of possibilities. Have fun remembering techniques, performing extreme skills and jumping along with everyone.
Why not step outside and try some energetic skipping?
Related Article