Sanda

Sanda, formerly known as Sanshou is a holistic and full contact fighting system that combines traditional Kung Fu with modern combat methods. The fighting system, which was developed by the Chinese military, is multifaceted and includes close range kickboxing with grappling techniques, throws and sweeps. Sanda is also referred to as Chinese Kickboxing.

Meaning

Free Fighting

Country of Origin

China

Primary Focus

Striking

Orientation

Sport, Self-defence

Type

External

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Brief History

This Martial Art originated as a form of bare-handed practice and pressure test for soldiers in the Chinese military. Soldiers engage in free full contact fighting to hone their hand-to-hand contact skills.

These free fighting contests were similar to the Lei Tai (elevated fighting arena) contests by rival masters to test and showcase the superiority of their Martial Art.

Aspects

This full contact Martial Art emphasises free fighting and comprises of:

Da – Upper Body Strikes
Ti – Lower Body Strikes
Shuai – Throws
Chin-Na – joint-locks, chokes and submission holds

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The Martial Art in Practice

Sanda is a diverse Martial Art that combines elements of traditional kung fu with modern combat disciplines. It is full-contact and is an effective form of self-defence. Practitioners learn a broad range of skills and techniques from striking to throwing and takedowns.

Striking is very comprehensive and consists of: