Chinese Boxing (Sanshou/Sanda)
Chinese Boxing (Sanshou/Sanda) is a modern Chinese martial art. It blends traditional Kung Fu with modern combat sports. Often called Sanda or Sanshou, it focuses on full-contact fighting. It integrates techniques from striking, wrestling, and throwing. Sanda is a response to the need for a more practical, combat-ready version of Chinese martial arts. It is now a common tool in competitive sports and military training.
Origins and Evolution
Sanda originated as part of the Chinese military’s hand-to-hand combat training program. The designers initially created it to prepare soldiers for combat. They combined Kung Fu with Western boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling. Over time, this martial art became a sport for civilians. Its competitive format emerged in the 1980s.
Key Features of Sanda
Sanda differs from traditional Kung Fu forms. Those often emphasize philosophy, internal energy (Qi), and artistic movement. People know Sanda for its practicality and effectiveness in real combat. It features:
- Sanda fighters use boxing punches, as well as Muay Thai and taekwondo kicks.
- Throws and sweeps: A unique aspect of Sanda is its wrestling techniques. These include trips, throws, and sweeps to off-balance or incapacitate opponents.
- Defence: The art encourages blocking, slipping, and parrying strikes. It also promotes footwork to evade attacks.
- Competitive Rules: In Sanda competitions, fighters wear protective gear. The rules emphasize striking and throwing. Judges award points for clean hits, knockdowns, and throws.
Influence of Kung Fu and Modern Combat Sports
Sanda draws from traditional Chinese martial arts. It focuses on Shaolin Kung Fu and other external styles. It also borrows techniques from global combat sports, like Muay Thai, kickboxing, and judo. It is a versatile martial art. It blends Kung Fu’s precision and fluidity with the raw power and efficiency of modern fighting styles.
Military and civilian applications.
Sanda is still used in military training for Chinese soldiers. They practice the martial art to improve their hand-to-hand combat skills. Sanda is now popular with civilians. It’s a sport and a self-defence system. In international competitions, Sanda fighters often face other striking martial artists. The sport has grown globally, with athletes from many countries excelling in it.