Bringing Shuai Jiao, the Mongol Way, to the USA
Lavell demonstrating Chohoo, a classic Mongolian sweeping technique
Photo Credit: https://www.genekimproductions.com/
A dream was born years ago, but the time for its manifestation was beyond the horizon. Yet in September 2024, we saw the opportunity, the demand for the dominant wrestling of the Mongolian steppe to be brought to the West, and we seized the day.
Despite hiccups and hurdles, Lavell Marshall (AKA American Hangai) was able to get to America at the tail end of Naadam season, and after a brief reunion with his family, still jetlagged and weary, he began to spread Shuai Jiao, the Mongol Way.
See, the jacket wrestling art of Shuai Jiao (now referred to as Chinese Wrestling) was descended from Manchu Buku, which was essentially their take on Mongol Bökh (Mongolian wrestling). While there are now many Han and Hui Chinese doing Shuai Jiao, with their own approaches and specialties, the Mongols have their distinct approach and a competitive record expressing undeniable dominance. What makes their wrestling so special? Americans were about to find out...
North Carolina Wrestling Training Camp
Lavell “Hangai” Marshall showing Mongol wrestling concepts with Vincent as a demo partner
Photo Credit: https://www.genekimproductions.com/
On the warm plain upon which Raleigh sits, back in September 2024, a few dozen people got to work, attempting to embody Shuai Jiao, the Mongol Way. They were gathered at East Cloud Kung Fu, whose owner Imari Colón had so graciously opened it's doors to us. We were also joined by a North Carolina Sumo contingent, organized by Jared Faulk. These two were instrumental in getting us situated.
Lavell "Hangai" Marshall began by explaining to the crowd the mentality he wanted them to have going into this, the psychology which is every bit as important as the tactics and techniques. While Vincent Tseng barked at the crowd and lead them through the warm up movements, Lavell encouraged people to loosen up, correcting their movements when the mistakes were egregious and assuring them that we'd get to all the applications. The most important part was to get moving. Movement was followed by gripping drills, unbalancing and eventually several signature throws of Shuai Jiao and Mongol Bökh. This eventually led to sparring.
Lavell's storytelling was mixed into the hefty schedule of drilling and sparring. He spent the last 5-6 years in China's Inner Mongolia, immersing in the world of rural Mongols and professional wrestlers. He shared his personal experiences, some hilarious and some harrowing, but each episode conveyed a bit more of the Inner Mongolian context. The wrangling and wrestling of the herd animals such as horses, camel and sheep. The long days in the vast expanse of the harsh steppe. The habit of the people to play at wrestling and develop a deep sense of kinesthetic awareness that way... and the overall outlook and unique culture of the Mongols. From the context and movement come the concepts.
Mongol wrestlers are famous for their skill in employing a wide variety of sweeps, kick outs and leg hooks
Photo Credit: https://www.genekimproductions.com/
Pre-Wrestling Ritual Dance, the Magshikh
Photo Credit: https://www.genekimproductions.com/
The trainees learned to move one another using the circular and straight movements, attacking off of these and chaining those techniques together. They learned to stick, to pressure, and to make efficient use of their limbs. They learned to redirect the ego and to commit in their play - the only way to learn, improve and also get fully relevant feedback. While Lavell pressured, encouraged, and taught, Vincent went around giving tips, working with anyone and everyone, and sparring some.
After two and a half grueling days, the weary but enthusiastic crowd was led through a mock naadam (in the Inner Mongolian style). After many pictures, hugs and good laughs, the Bökhinayin entourage would leave North Carolina.
New Jersey & Massachusetts Seminars
Grip work is fundamental
Photo Credit: https://www.genekimproductions.com/
Driving up the East Coast of the USA, retracing the roads and highways of their old haunts, Lavell and Vincent, along with Lavell's wife Li Dongyue and his student Dr. Alex Hui, descended upon the quiet town of Swedesboro. There in the cozy dojo of Swedesboro MMA, Lavell and Vincent gave the assembled jiujitsu folks a crash course in Shuai Jiao concepts, from gripping to moving and a few throws. At Redline Fights Sports in Cambridge, just north of Boston, Lavell shared with the crowd key concepts in the Mongol way of Shuai Jiao. Gripwork, movement, pressure, sticking and a body intelligence that the Boston area rarely sees. As in the previous locations. Vincent assisted with the coaching, managed the crowd, and was the professional demo partner - taking falls to illustrate the concepts and wrestling tech.
Lavell and company would take a much needed rest day before heading to their last destination...
California Weekend Intensives
Great energy from the San Diego crowd
Heavy breathing and heavier thuds would punctuate the atmosphere of an otherwise calm and climatically blissful San Diego. Lavell and Vincent were in this sunny city of Southern California to teach and the people assembled were getting after it. Saturday and Sunday, 4 hours each day, there was a lot to cover. Coach JJ of Honu Sumo made sure we had a clean and welcoming dojo to train at. Lavell's passionate storytelling and explanations were paired with Vincent's calm directions and assistance. In addition to the concepts and techniques taught in previous locations, Lavell and Vincent had the trainees engage in various belt wrestling games.
On the first day, James Lin and Dr. Mark Cheng spectated, noting the importance and rarity of this event. On the second day we were blessed by the attendance of Professor Renato Migliaccio of Sampa BJJ, a veteran grappler, whose quickness in adopting the strategies within walking and gripping gave us all inspiration. As we all dispersed into the warm San Diego evening, I believe we all had the feeling that we were at the leading edge of a movement, and all agreed to keep in touch and keep training.
We thank you ALL for giving us the opportunity to spearhead this movement, being the destination for a bridge between two worlds. This was the first time, and we will be following up with more visits to spread the art of Chinese and Mongolian wrestling.
— Vincent Tseng @the.wandering.warrior
If you’re interested in learning more about Shuai Jiao, the Mongol Way, enroll in our new Online Course.
Without Coach Hohoo, none of this would have been possible. Rest in Peace.
