Sanda is the sport-oriented side of san shou , with strict rules regarding the techniques that may be used. It is also known as Chinese kickboxing.
San shou is a form of Chinese martial art and fighting sport . It consists of free-fighting and incorporates various elements from different styles within wushu.
Origin of Sanda
San Shou was developed by the Chinese military in the 1960s on the orders of the Chinese government. This followed their experiences during the Korean War. Various traditional styles were studied, and a selection was made, combined with modern insights.
It can therefore be seen as a modern form of wushu, in which an attempt has been made to combine the essence of various traditional styles. As an unarmed self-defense art, san shou is complete, as it includes throws, joint locks, strangulation techniques, kicks, strikes, punches, etc.
Rules of Sanda
Sanda is a full-contact competitive sport. It is practiced in tournaments. Certain techniques that are part of the self-defense art, such as elbow strikes, chokes, and armlocks, are not permitted, with the exception of X-treme sanda.
Furthermore, it is possible to win by knocking the opponent out of the ring, which would of course be an unimportant criterion in self-defense. Originally, the ring or mat should be an eight by eight meter platform, sixty cm high.
This represents a mountain or the roof of a building. Allowed techniques include punches, kicks, and throws. A win can also be achieved by knockout or on points.
Sanda is practiced with head and chest protection, shin guards, a mouthguard , and boxing gloves. There is also 'X-treme' sanda, which is without chest, head, and shin protection. Knee and elbow techniques are often allowed in this version.
