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.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you, I’ll earn a commission. Know that I only recommend products and services I’ve personally used and stand behind. When you use one of my affiliate links, the company compensates me, which helps me run this blog and keep my Martial Arts content free of charge for my readers (like you).
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
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:
- Jab
- Hook
- Straight Punch
- Cross
- Uppercut
- Backfist
- Vertical, horizontal and diagonal elbow and knee strikes
- Front thrust and snap kicks
- Side kick
- Hook kick
- Spinning back kick
- Roundhouse kick
- Axe kick
A wide set of takedowns are also included in this fighting system, such as
- Sweeps
- Trips
- Double and single leg takedowns
- Kick-catch takedowns
Throws are executed from the hip and shoulders.
Styles
- Junshi Sanda - Military variation
- Wushu Sanda – a standard curriculum of Sanda that is part of the overall Wushu used in sports competition
Travel for Martial Arts
Is there any way we can improve upon the details of this martial art? Please Contact Us to let us know
More on Martial Arts

The Anatomy of Fighting
Sunday, 27 March 2022 15:29As a Martial Artist, one of the most daunting and difficult elements of training is sparring or fighting. It spurs on feelings of anxiety and excitement at the same time. The dangers are real, and a...

Hung Ga Kuen
Saturday, 04 December 2021 10:56Hung Ga Kuen is a Martial Art that originated in Southern China and has its roots in Southern Shaolin Kung Fu. The Martial Art is characterised by strong stances and a focus on hand techniques.

Muay Thai - Thai Kickboxing
Saturday, 04 December 2021 10:42An effective and brutal striking Martial Art, Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and has gained popularity and prominence due to its extensive use in Mixed Martial Arts - MMA. Muay Thai is...