Sanda

Master the art of full-contact fighting in the ancient tradition of Shaolin martial arts
Combat
Martial arts
Sanda
Two shirtless male boxers with shaved heads, one wearing yellow gloves and the other wearing black gloves, in fighting stances facing forward.
Fight

The way of warrior combat

Full-contact fighting system rooted in Chinese martial arts tradition

Combat

Sanda techniques and training methods

Sanda transforms traditional martial arts into a dynamic fighting discipline. It demands precision, strength, and mental discipline.

Sanda (散打), also known as Sanshou (散手), is a full contact fighting system and combat sport developed from Chinese martial arts. Although the term is traditionally used to refer to any form of free-fighting in Chinese martial arts, the term today more commonly refers to the modern combat sport. Both terms, Sanshou and Sanda, are interchangeable.

Two shirtless men engaged in a martial arts sparring session wearing padded gloves and loose pants, one delivering a knee strike.martial art london Shaolin Xiu
History

Evolution of Sanshou to modern Sanda fighting

Originally the term ‘Sanshou’ (free-hand) was used as a euphemism for the violent sport and gained popularity throughout the world. In recent years there has been a push by the governing bodies to officially adopt the term ‘Sanda’ (free-fighting) which is more familiar in China.

Shirtless male martial artist in gray hakama pants throwing a punch while wearing boxing gloves.
Two shirtless male martial artists in fighting stances wearing boxing gloves and loose pants, one with yellow gloves and brown pants, the other with black gloves and gray pants.martial art london Shaolin Xiu

Sanshou training in modern martial arts

Sanshou is not seen as a style itself, but rather is considered as just one of the two components of Chinese martial arts training and is often taught alongsidetaolu (forms) training. However, as part of the development of sport wushu by the Chinese government, a standard curriculum for sanshou was developed. It is to this standard curriculum that the term Sanshou is usually applied. This curriculum was developed with reference to traditional Chinese martial arts. This general Sanshou curriculum varies in its different forms, as the Chinese government developed a version for civilians for self-defense and as a sport.