Mongolian and Inner Mongolian ver-
sions of this wrestling style. The Mon-
golians wear a traditional Mongolian
cap (which is removed by the referees
prior to each match), traditional Mon-
golian boots, and briefs and a short
tight-fitting top, both made out of
heavy cloth and silk, though today rip-
stop nylon often replaces the silk. The
top has long sleeves and comes midway
down the back. The front of the top is
cut away, exposing the chest. A rope is
attached to both sides of the top and is
tied around the stomach. This keeps the
top on the wrestler and is used as a grip
point for the opponent.
Inner Mongolians wear a heavy
leather top with metal studs, which is
short-sleeved and exposes much less of
the chest. In addition they wear long,
baggy pants and a more ornate boot.
They do not use the cap at all, but do
have the addition of a necklace, called a
jangga,for wrestlers of rank.
Legend says that the increased
exposure of the chest and the switch to briefs in Mongolia were the result
of the success of a female wrestler disguised as a man several hundred
years ago.
In addition to the difference in dress, Inner Mongolian wrestling has
several traditions and rules different from those practiced in Mongolia. The
Inner Mongolian wrestler cannot grab an opponent’s leg with his hands. In
addition, any part of the body above the knee touching the ground signals
a loss. Another major feature change is that in certain tournaments a circle
is used as a ring boundary and a time limit is employed.
In both versions of the wrestling form, a variety of throws, trips, and
lifts are employed to topple the opponent. In both versions, strangles and
striking are illegal. The absence of groundwork in Mongolian wrestling is
grounded (so to speak) in history. The Mongol military was entirely com-
posed of cavalry units (except in the case of conscripts); therefore a soldier
on the ground would likely be trampled by horses or killed by his opponent
with a weapon. Though no longer explicitly practiced, wrestling on horse-
back was also a tradition that was found in Mongolia.346 Mongolia
Two Inner Mongo-
lian wrestlers await
the match. (Cour-
tesy of Almaz Khan)