Sanda

Sanda (散打), also known as Sanshou (散手), is the modern Chinese combat sport that evolved from traditional Chinese martial arts, especially Shaolin Kung Fu, combined with elements of modern combat training.

The word “Sanda” literally means “free fighting” (散 = free, 打 = fight), while Sanshou means “free hand”. This reflects its nature as a system of practical, unrestricted combat techniques, as opposed to pre-arranged forms (taolu).

Historically, Chinese soldiers trained in striking, wrestling, and weapon defense as part of their martial preparation. Over time, these methods were systematized into a sport format, creating Sanda in the mid-20th century as a modern expression of Chinese martial arts adapted for full-contact fighting.

Key features of Sanda include:

• Punches and kicks drawn from traditional Kung Fu styles.

• Throws and takedowns, influenced by Chinese wrestling (Shuai Jiao).

• Defense techniques against strikes and grappling.

Unlike many striking-only combat sports, Sanda blends striking and grappling seamlessly, making it a versatile system. In competition, fighters score points with effective strikes, clean throws, and ring control, while knockouts are also possible.

Today, Sanda is practiced worldwide both as a competitive sport and as a realistic self-defense system. It is also the official combat sport of Chinese martial arts tournaments and is closely connected to the training of professional Wushu athletes.