The shoulder pole is an important tool for the Miao ethnic group in daily life. The Miao people have suffered invasions from outsiders throughout history. They simulated the motions of tiger, cattle, sheep and daily labor to create a kind of shoulder pole boxing. It is easy to learn and practical for Miao people living in the mountains. It played an important role in local people's struggle against outsider invasions.

Xiaoguankou village in Qiyanqiao town of Anshun was named as "the hometown of martial arts", as everybody practices boxing and martial arts. Shoulder pole boxing is usually performed by eight Miao girls and four men.