Inner Mongolian Wrestling Uniform Breakdown

Ever seen the Inner Mongolian wrestling outfit? Ever wanted to learn more about it? Here’s a breakdown and explanation of the beautiful uniform worn by these Mongolian Wrestlers. The Mongolian Bokh outfit consists of these key features:

Jangga: The colorful ribbon necklace which symbolizes the rank of a good wrestler. In order to be awarded a jangga, a person must win a 256 man wrestling competition. The more a wrestler wins, the more ribbons are added to the jangga.

Jodag: The Jodag is made of leather with metal studs. The studs and the emblem on the back help absorb the impact from falling on hard earth. Mongolian wrestlers are accustomed to wrestling outside because their naadams (competitions) are most often held outside on the bare ground of the grasslands. In the ancient times the soldiers would turn their armor backwards and wrestle each other which is why the emblem is on the back of the jackets. You can purchase Bokhin Ayin’s very own Mongol Bokh Jodags by clicking HERE.

Tuhuu: These are the leg sleeves worn over the pants of the wrestler. They are traditionally made by Mongolian women and the sleeves show the special skills of the artwork done by these women.

Banjil: These are the bokh pants worn under the tuhuu.

Gutal: There are two common types of boots worn by Mongolian wrestlers in Inner Mongolia. In this photo, Hohoo (left) is wearing the Outer Mongolian Khalkha style wrestling boots worn in Mongolia the country. It is said that the boot goes upward to protect the grasslands in the way that as a person walks, they won’t crush all the grass with the upturned toe of the boot. Lavell “Hangai” (right) is wearing Inner Mongolian style boot that is rounded at the toe and made for faster footwork since the Inner Mongolian style of wrestling is based more on sweeping techniques and fast counters.

In recent years, young Mongolian wrestlers have began popularizing “Mongolian striped wrestling pants”. The striped pants were originally worn by bodybuilders, lifters, and strongmen but have now been adopted by the Mongolian wrestlers and athletes of all styles along with fitness enthusiasts and everyday people. If a competitor does not wear the full traditional Mongolian outfit, they will likely wear these style of pants. One thing to note is that in order for a wrestler to wear his Jangga, he MUST wear the complete traditional garment. That is why you will never see a wrestler wearing the striped sweatpants and wearing jangga at the same time. In the picture above, you will see Hohoo (left) wearing the complete traditional Inner Mongolian outfit and Lavell “Hangai” (right) wearing the striped Mongolian sweatpants. You can purchase Bokhin Ayin’s very own Mongol Bokh striped sweatpants by clicking HERE.

One thing to note is that women Inner Mongolian wrestlers do not wear the traditional Inner Mongolian uniform. Traditionally a jangga is only awarded to men and as a result, the women neither wear jangga nor the tuhuu or banjil. It is common to see women wearing the Mongolian striped wrestling pants or other sweatpants of their choosing.

Mongolian wrestlers take great pride in their art and take special care of their uniforms. You must never step over a Mongolian jodag if it is laid out on the ground, and a jangga must always be properly respected.

-Written by Lavell and Ariela