The first known version of Jianzi was in the 5th century BC in China. The name Ti Jian Zi (chin.: tījiànzi 踢毽子), means simply 'kick shuttlecock'. The game is believed to have evolved from Cuju, a game similar to football that was used as military training to promote physical fitness and improve the stamina of the soldiers. Over the years, its popularity grew and extended to people from all walks of life.
In a formal game, you can play a duel with two people or five to ten people. You can also play freestyle Jianzi which is when you show your best moves.