Wrestling, also called “Banga” in Sani Yi language literally, is the product of early worship for rain and defense for the village. Later it gradually became a folk sports competition. There is a proverb in Yi ethnic group, saying: “there is no treat without liquor and no fun without wrestling", showing the special significance of wrestling competition to Yi people. During festivals, you can see many people aged from 3 to 90 in the wrestling field, reflecting long history of this traditional sport. According to historical records, this activity originated in Tianbao period of Tang Dynasty and has been passed down from generation to generation. There are many Sani wrestling masters including Bi Youheng, champion for more than 20 years; Bi Hongrong, champion of the National Games; and Huang Bixing, two successive national champions and runner-up of Outer Mongolia Intercontinental Competition, etc.

Yi ethnic wrestling in Shilin is close to international freestyle wrestling. The competition is divided into five levels according to weight. Wrestlers enter the stadium in lines with background music with drumbeats, walk round the stadium, and two of them will compete first. Wrestler uses his hands to grasp the other's belt from both sides, and wins by landing the opponent with both shoulders on the ground through waist lock, leg lock, back suplex, crotch-hold, and arm lock slam, etc. Wrestling competition generally takes best of three. Loser leaves and another athlete will be allowed to play. The winner stays until others no longer challenge him, he will be honored as a "Hercules” and rewarded with red cloth. This sport is not only ornamental but also a classroom for Yi people to cultivate brave, friendly, intelligent and strong men.

At present, this traditional competition has been included in the list of China Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Wrestling