Sanda
散打
Sanda (散打, sǎn dǎ) — also called Sanshou (散手) — is the full-contact fighting component of Chinese wushu (武術). It combines kickboxing with takedowns and throws, fought on a raised lei tai (擂台, lèi tái) platform.
AI-generated content — may contain inaccuracies
Sanda is one of the most well-rounded striking arts, combining effective stand-up fighting with shuai jiao (摔跤, Chinese wrestling) takedown ability. It produces versatile fighters who transition well to MMA.
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Kickboxing combinations with Chinese flavor
Shuai jiao (摔跤, Chinese wrestling) throws
Lei tai (擂台) platform fighting strategy
Takedown defense and sweep counters — fang shuai (防摔)
Combination striking into throws — da shuai jie he (打摔結合)
Your First Class
Wear athletic clothing. Expect pad work, kicking drills, and possibly light sparring or throw practice. Classes run 60-90 minutes.
Watch & Learn
Legends of Sanda
Huo Yuanjia (霍元甲)
Huo Yuanjia became a national hero in early 20th-century China by challenging foreign fighters who mocked Chinese martial arts as weak. He founded the Chin Woo Athletic Association to modernize kung fu training, and his legend — immortalized in films starring Jet Li — symbolizes Chinese martial pride.
Cung Le
Muslim Salikhov
Wei Rui
Related Styles
Kung Fu
Kung Fu — gongfu (功夫) — is a broad term for Chinese martial arts, or wushu (武術), encompassing hundreds of styles. Training typically includes forms — taolu (套路) — conditioning, and combat applications with an emphasis on philosophy and tradition.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is a stand-up combat sport that combines boxing punches with kicks. It encompasses several rulesets including full-contact, low-kick, and K-1 rules.
MMA
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) combines striking and grappling from multiple disciplines into a unified combat sport. Competitors fight using techniques from boxing, wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, and more.
Wushu
Modern Wushu (武術, "martial art") is the standardized, sport-oriented form of Chinese martial arts. Taolu (套路, forms) emphasize acrobatic, athletic performance, while sanda (散打, sparring) provides full-contact competition.
Wrestling
Wrestling is one of the oldest combat sports, with Olympic roots dating to ancient Greek pankration (παγκράτιον) and wrestling events from 708 BC. Modern competitive wrestling includes Freestyle and Greco-Roman styles, emphasizing takedowns, control, and pinning.
Popular With
Ring Warrior
You thrive in the heat of battle.
Ready to train Sanda?
Find schools near you and book a free trial class.