Sanda (also known as Sanshou) is a Chinese combat sport that combines Wushu styles with an influence from western boxing & Muay Thai, incorporating both striking and stand-up grappling, Sanda is a dynamic full contact martial art and highly effective self defence system. The striking elements of Sanda can be considered similar to modern Muay Thai, incorporating boxing, kicking, kick-catches as well as catch wrestling (Shuai) style throws & joint locking. What makes Sanda unique is during a Sanda match, opponents can execute single and double leg takedowns, hip throws, reaps and trips. The three second grappling time encourages quick takedowns and a strong grappling defence.
“Sanshou” (free hand) is a much older term than “Sanda” and is used to describe unstructured fighting techniques that are not necessarily allowed within the combat sport of Sanda.
Sanda has been popularised by UFC fighter Cung Le, One Championship fighter Eduard Folayang and world Lethwei champion Dave Leduc is from a Sanda background.
Sanda fighting includes the four main fighting categories of:
Ti (Kicking)
Da (Striking)
Shuai (Wrestling)
Na (Joint locking or Submissions)
SANDA/SANSHOU HISTORY
The roots of Sanda and Sanshou can be traced back to ancient China, where martial arts were developed for self-defence, military training, and physical fitness. The concept of “Sanshou” (free hand) is much older than “Sanda” and was used to describe unstructured fighting techniques.
Sanda can also be traced back to ‘Lei Tai’ challenge fights carried out in China & Hong Kong island. Lei tai fights are a traditional form of Chinese martial arts competition that take place on an elevated platform known as a “Lei Tai.”
The concept of the Lei Tai dates back to ancient China, with its origins possibly tracing back to the Qin dynasty. However, it became more formalised during the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD). Lei Tai fights were no-holds-barred contests that combined various martial arts techniques, including striking, grappling, and wrestling. These matches could be bare-knuckle or involve the use of deadly weapons, and they often had no rules, making them extremely dangerous.
Today, the Lei Tai is used in modern Sanshou around the world. These contemporary matches are more regulated, with safety measures such as protective gear and standardised rules to ensure the well-being of the participants. Despite these changes, the essence of the Lei Tai as a platform for testing martial prowess remains intact.
CHINESE BOXING DEVELOPS THE BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT…
Sanda is suitable for all ages, whether you want to get fit, learn self defence or fight competitively. Beginning students will learn to use their hands and their feet for striking, kicking, defensive and offensive manoeuvres, and closing the gap in a fight. They will be trained in all the basic strikes and kicks and learn to use them with the use of kick shields, focus mitts, and heavy bags. Beginning students will also have the opportunity to practice defensive and offensive drills with a partner with a minimal amount of contact. Intermediate and advanced students will continue where the beginning students leave off by delving deeper into the striking and kicking combos and exploring the vast amount of takedown techniques contained in Sanda. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in live sparring on mats and use all the techniques at their disposal.