03/09/2026
π₯ WHAT IS SANDA? β CHINESE BOXING / SANSHOU
Sanda (ζ£ζ), also known as Sanshou (ζ£ζ), is a modern Chinese combat sport developed from traditional Chinese Boxing.
Unlike many striking-only systems, Sanda combines a wide range of fighting skills, including:
π₯ Punching
𦡠Kicking
π€Ό Throws & Takedowns
πͺ Wrestling
π‘οΈ Defensive Techniques
π₯ THE LEITAI
Traditional Chinese martial arts have a long history of competitive fighting on elevated platforms known as Leitai (ζε°).
Modern Sanda competitions take place on an elevated platform 8m Γ 8m and 80cm high, with protective padding surrounding the platform.
Competitors wear protective equipment including headguards, chest protectors and gloves, along with a mouthguard and groin protection.
π₯ HOW DOES A SANDA FIGHT WORK?
A standard bout consists of 3 rounds, with each round lasting 2 minutes and a 1-minute rest between rounds.
Sanda allows athletes to combine striking and throwing techniques from across the Chinese Boxing styles, creating a fast-paced and highly versatile form of combat.
Legal striking areas include the:
π₯ Head
π₯ Trunk β chest, abdomen, waist and back
𦡠Legs
Points are awarded for successfully executed techniques according to the competition rules.
The winner is generally the athlete who wins 2 out of the 3 rounds, although a bout can also end early through a knockout or other decisive result.
Sanda is a unique combination of Chinese striking, throwing and wrestling, making it one of the most complete forms of Chinese combat sport.
π₯ STRIKE β’ THROW β’ GRAPPLE β’ ADAPT
If you're interested in learning Chinese Boxing, Sanda and practical martial arts, get in touch with us about our classes.
www.lichingwu.ie
