China is a home of many martial arts out of which Sanda(formerly known as Sanshou) might be the most popular modern one. People often mix it with other striking arts like Muay Thai because of the appearance of similar techniques and rules. But Sanda is a unique fighting system, much more versatile than most other striking arts. 

Sanda is a full-contact martial art, often seen as a sport version of Kung Fu. It consists of hand strikes, kicks, elbows, and knees as well as trips, throws, and wrestling takedowns. In some way, you can look at Sanda as kickboxing with takedowns and grappling.

But there is more to Sanda that makes this martial art even more unique than other styles of kickboxing. Keep reading this article to learn more about Sanda and what makes it one of the best striking arts. We will explore its history, techniques and see how it compares with other similar arts.

History of Sanda 

Sanda emerged in the 1920s in China. At the time, the military needed a new combat system to improve the fighting abilities of its soldiers. They created a Sanda, which means “free fighting”, as a mix of techniques from various Chinese arts like Kung Fu, Lei Tei, Shuai Jiao. Later on, they would add techniques from western arts like boxing and judo. Over the next four decades, police and military were the only ones trained in Sanda.

But it would all change in the 1960s when the Chinese government regulated Sanda as a combat sport. Their main goal was to gather techniques and rules from all Chinese arts, and put them into one style of fighting. The final result was a fighting system that is a mix of striking and grappling techniques. However, the Sport version differs a lot from the military as it is much safer. And it also doesn’t include techniques like chokes, joint locks and elbow strikes. 

It’s worth pointing up that Sanda wasn’t that popular because it wasn’t seen as pure Chinese art. Although it has its origins in Kung Fu and other Chinese arts, it also includes a lot of techniques from non-Chinese arts like boxing and judo. It looks a lot like Muay Thai or western kickboxing with wrestling techniques.

In modern times, Sanda is among the most popular combat sports in the eastern world and countries like Russia, China and Armenia. Although it is not that popular in the west, we can see the sport rising at a steady pace.

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Is Sanda A Real Martial Art? 

Yes, Sanda is a real martial art and there is a strong reason why this is so. First, it has a long history and origins in various other famous Chinese arts like Kung Fu. But Sanda is far more practical in real life as it teaches you only techniques you can apply in real combat.

As a result, Sanda is a much better option when it comes to self-defense. Techniques you learn in training are simple, practical, and can help you get out of trouble. Students do a lot of sparring and live drills which are the best methods to prepare for combat. Most other Chinese fighting systems that have a status of martial art do not include sparring at all and do not work well in real-life fighting situations. 

In Sanda, fighters rarely train alone, do kata, or any other pre-arranged practices. These practices won’t help you much to prepare for matches or self-defense. Instead, the focus is on sparring in a spontaneous action with the partner, and training for a real combat. This doesn’t mean that Sanda is the best fighting style, but it meets all the criteria to be real martial art. 

What Are Wushu Sanda Rules? 

Sanda is a very popular combat sport, notably in the eastern world. The rules differ between organizations, but the general ones are very much the same. Here are the most important rules in Sanda matches:

• Fighting area: Sanda fighters compete on an elevated square platform. This platform originates from “lei tai” and is 80cm in height, 8m in width, and 8m in length. Around the platform, there is a 30cm thick cushion to prevent fighters from getting hurt when falling off.
• Protective gear: chest protector, headgear, mouthpiece, pair of full padded gloves, and a jockstrap.
• Length of the matches: Sanda matches have 3 rounds in total with each round being 2 minutes long. There is a 1 minute rest period between the rounds
• Techniques: Sanda fighters can strike both the upper and lower body areas. They can strike with punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. When it comes to grappling, they can use various wrestling moves, trips, and throws from judo.
• Weight classes: Sanda competition includes 7 weight classes for women and 11 for men.

(Side note: “Wushu” is the Chinese term for “martial arts”)

Does Sanda Have a Belt System?

Yes, Sanda has a belt ranking system. The beginners start from the white belt (level 1) and they must go all the way up to the red and black belt (level 10). Once a student completes 10 ranks, they must pass an exam to qualify for the black belt rank. However, their Sanda journey doesn’t end here as the black belt is further divided by another 10 ranks. 

Is Sanda Good For Self-Defense? 

Sanda is good for self-defense as all techniques you learn work in real life as well. It is one of the rare fighting systems that teach you how to use your entire body as a weapon. It is a versatile system that covers both the striking and grappling aspects, which is really important for self-defense. Once you get in trouble on the streets, the one who has better skills and more weapons wins the fight in most cases.

The best thing about Sanda is that it teaches you how to fight at all ranges. You will learn how to fight at distance, at close range, in the clinch, or even some basics of ground fighting. Students learn how to use kicks, punches, elbows, knees, and wrestling takedowns and throws. 

No matter if a fight is in the parking lot, or in the bar, you will have weapons to use to defend yourself. Even if the opponent is bigger and manages to get a hold of you, Sanda trains you how to use leverage to throw them down to the ground. The grappling aspect is crucial because most average people don’t know how to defend wrestling or judo moves. It doesn’t matter how big or strong they are, it takes years to learn how to defend against these moves.

Although Sanda has many pros, the biggest downside is that you may have a hard time finding a gym to train. The sport is not that popular in the western world, which might force you to take classes in other similar arts like Muay Thai or Kickboxing.

Is Sanda Good For MMA? 

Sanda is a versatile art that is more than present in modern MMA. Although not as much as other arts like Muay Thai for instance, many top-level UFC fighters have a strong base in Sanda. Some of the most popular ones are Weili Zhang and Muslim Salikhov.

Overall, Sanda is a solid base for MMA. The way you learn how to keep distance, move, and mix kicks with the punches would help you a lot in cage fighting. Still, the aspect that stands out is the speed of strikes and movement. 

Bear in mind that even the most skilled Sanda fighters must attend wrestling and BJJ classes to succeed in the game. You can’t expect to shift over from Sanda to MMA and do well without any cross-training. 

Although Sanda covers both striking and grappling aspects, there are more than a few cons. For instance, grappling throws and takedowns you learn in Sanda might look like you can use them in MMA. But these techniques are not advanced enough.

In modern times, just about every MMA fighter has a good takedown defense and will defend against your Sanda attacks. That’s why even the UFC standout Zhang needed to cross-train to develop all-around skills and not just rely on her Sanda skills.

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Is Sanda Hard To Learn? 

Sanda training is very hard and it takes a lot of time and practice to become a skilled fighter. People tend to think that Sanda is easy but bear in mind that training differs a lot as the emphasis is on hard sparring and endurance. This means that workouts are intense, and hard on your body. The risk of injuries is not that high, but you can get hurt while trading strikes in sparring or matches.

Training session lasts around 2 hours, but this depends on the school and level you are at. As a beginner, you won’t have a hard time picking up the basic techniques. It’s not that hard to learn how to stand in a proper stance, and basic kicks, punches, and how to mix them together. You may find the classes to be physically hard, but it all gets much easier as you get stronger and more flexible.

The biggest downside of training is the fact that Sanda is not that popular outside of China. It’s very hard to find Sanda schools in the US for instance, and even if you do, we are not sure if the quality of the classes is the same as in China.

Are Elbows and Knees Allowed in Sanda? 

Yes, Sanda is one of the rare arts that includes elbow and knee strikes, but only in training. Due to safety reasons, elbow strikes are not allowed in competition, but you can utilize knee strikes. This is the main reason why Sanda matches look a lot like “K-1” as the rules are quite similar.

Elbow and knee strikes do not play a big role in Sanda as much as in other arts like Muay Thai. The emphasis is on throws and mixing kicks with the punches due to rules that forbid elbow strikes.

Even if they change the rules and allow elbow strikes, it would not make a big difference. According to rules, fighters can clinch just for a few seconds which is often not enough to land knees or elbows as you can do in Muay Thai. Sanda fighters would rather use these couple of seconds to execute judo throws or wrestling moves to take the opponent down.

Overall, Sanda includes knee and elbow strikes and students learn how to use them in training. You can later apply these techniques in a self-defense scenario, but not in matches.

What Is The Key Difference Between Sanda and Kickboxing?

These two arts may look the same on paper. Both teach you similar techniques and the rules are very much the same. So much, that people often see Sanda as kickboxing with takedowns.

The key difference is that Sanda is a much older martial art that includes elbow and knee strikes as well as grappling moves. Kickboxing, on the other side, is a combat sport that includes punches, kicks, and knee strikes. Here is a detailed look at how these two fighting systems differ from one another:

What Is the Key Difference Between Sanda and Muay Thai?

Sanda and Muay Thai have a lot in common. But there are also many differences. Here is a detailed look into how Sanda and Muay Thai differ from one another:

Kickboxing has many styles and forms out of which one of the most popular styles is the “American Kickboxing” or now recognized as “Full Contact Kickboxing”. It is a unique style that differs a lot from other styles like Dutch and K-1. This is notably true when it comes to rules and emphasis.

American Kickboxing style emerged in the 1970s that is based on both western boxing and karate techniques. This unique style of kickboxing prohibits striking below the waist. Striking above the waist was for perceived safety reasons when American Kickboxing was created.

Keep reading this article to find out more about American kickboxing and how it compares with other styles. We will also explore its history, rules, and most famous fighters.

History of American Kickboxing

The story of American Kickboxing begins in the 1970s. At the time, the most popular combat sports were full-contact karate and western boxing. But with kickboxing rising in other parts of the world, the Americans wanted to create their version of this sport. And it all started when martial art gyms started to mix karate and boxing techniques together. They used full contact karate as a base on top of which they added western boxing. 

On January 17, 1970, the American audience saw the first ever kickboxing bout. The match took place between Shorin Ryu fighter, Joe Lewis, and Kenpo fighter Greg Baines. The people who put this event together were Lewis himself, and the promoter, Lee Faulkner. These two are pioneers of kickboxing in the U.S and the American style.

Lewis and Baines fought under the full contact rules. They could use punches, kicks, knees, as well as elbows and sweeps. The fight ended with Lewis scoring a KO in the second round. These initial events were promoted under the karate association and called “full-contact karate”. But later on, this new combat sport would change its name to “kickboxing”.

Kickboxing officially became a combat sport in the US with the birth of “Professional Karate Association” in 1974, and “World Kickboxing Association” in 1976.

James “The Dragon” Turner, who is the current IKTA European Kickboxing Champion, informed us that the sport is now known around the world as “Full Contact Kickboxing.”

The term “American Kickboxing” is often used, but it is usually used to distinguish the sport from others. The actual name of the sport or discipline in the combat sports world is “Full Contact” or “Full Contact Kickboxing.”

What Are The Rules of American Kickboxing?

American kickboxing rules are also known as “full contact” rules, which is a term from karate. The rules differ a lot from the other styles of kickboxing when it comes to rounds, gear fighters have to wear, and forbidden strikes. Here are the most important rules:

• The length of the matches goes from 2 to 10 rounds with each round being 2 minutes long. The exception: in some very early prototype matches circa 1974 and for a while afterward, some matches featured three-minute rounds. By the time the general rules of the sport were consolidated by the late 1970s, it was and remains universally recognized in all organizations that Full Contact has two-minute rounds.
• The rest period between the rounds is 1 minute.
• Fighters can strike with kicks and punches only. They are not allowed to strike with knees, elbows, or fight in the clinch. However, they can use sweeps to throw the opponent down to the ground.
• Striking below the waist is NOT allowed. This means no leg kicks.
• Spinning techniques like backfists are legal as long as the strike connects with the glove.
• Fighters compete wearing long pants, pair of boxing gloves, and kick boots.

What’s The Key Difference Between Muay Thai and American Kickboxing?

Muay Thai and American Kickboxing are two styles that do not have much in common. These two striking styles are a world apart when it comes to emphasis, strategies, and rules. Here is all you need to know about it.

Emphasis and Techniques

Muay Thai is a versatile style where fighters use all limbs as weapons. They can do damage with kicks, punches, elbows, knees at all ranges, including in the clinch. The emphasis is on hard kicks and fighting in the clinch using elbows and knees. And, fighters prefer throw single power strikers rather than to have a high output. They use punches just to set up the kicks, or to close the distance to fight in the clinch.

American kickboxing, on the other side, is more limited than Muay Thai because American kickboxing is technically a different entity Fighters compete using punches and kicks to strike above the waist only. Knee and elbow strikes are not allowed, as well as fighting in the clinch. The emphasis is on high kicks, and mixing them with western boxing techniques. Fighters tend to fight at a much higher pace than their colleagues from Muay Thai.

Muay Thai vs. American Kickboxing – Difference and Comparison:

What’s The Key Difference Between Dutch Kickboxing and American Kickboxing?

Dutch Kickboxing and American styles of kickboxing differ a lot from one another. The main difference is that the American style doesn’t allow strikes below the waist, while Dutch does. Also, the matches are much shorter in the Dutch style, and fighters can use knees in the clinch.

Emphasis and Techniques

Dutch-style is a mix of western boxing, Kyokushin karate, and Muay Thai techniques. The emphasis of this style is on boxing and mixing the punches with the fast low kicks, and knees in the clinch. You can spot a Dutch-style just by the way a kickboxer is focusing more on hand strikes rather than on kicks. They also tend to fight at a high pace and have a high output of strikes. You will rarely see them throwing one strike at a time.

On the other side, the American style is a mix of western boxing and full contact karate techniques. The emphasis is on hand strikes and high kicks because the rules do not allow you to strike below the waist. The matches last much longer than in Dutch style (from 2 to 10 rounds), and fighters are not allowed to fight in the clinch or use knee strikes to do damage.

Dutch Kickboxing vs. American Kickboxing – DIfference and Comparison:

Is the American Kickboxing Style Effective in MMA?

The skills you learn in American kickboxing work quite well in MMA fighting. But on the other side, this style is not as popular as some others like Dutch, K-1, or Muay Thai. This is mainly because the American style(Full Contact) is a bit limited due to its rules.

If we look at MMA, fighters can strike with kicks, punches, knees, and elbows, targeting the entire body area. They also fight in the clinch and can execute various throws and sweeps. American style fits well when it comes to punches, and mixing them with high kicks and footwork.

But its biggest downside is the lack of low kicks, which play a big role in modern MMA. You won’t learn how to throw or defend against kicks below the waist at all. And since they don’t have to worry about leg kicks, American-style fighters tend to stand in the wide stance and put a lot of weight on the lead leg. In MMA, this leaves them open for vicious leg kicks and takedowns.

The other issue with the American style in MMA is the lack of clinch, and knee and elbow strikes. It won’t teach you how to throw or defend against these strikes, or against trips and throws.

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Best American Kickboxing fighters

Joe Lewis — is a pioneer of American kickboxing and, perhaps, the most famous fighter of this style. He became the first heavyweight champion in 1971, and PKA world champ in 1974. He deserves a lot of credit for making this sport popular in the US.

Dennis Alexio — is a former world kickboxing champ in three separate weight classes. In his career, he won WKA, ISKA, and PKA world titles and was one of the best in history. What made him special was the fact that Alexio is a master in multiple striking arts like Muay Thai, boxing, and karate. He retired from the sport with 68 wins, out of which 63 were KOs.

Rick Roufus — is the older brother of the famous MMA coach, Duke Roufus. Rick had a solid career, and he won the world titles in PKA and IKF, and ISKA organizations. He used to have really fast hands, and very powerful kicks which he developed training Taekwondo.

Benny Urquidez — won multiple world titles in kickboxing and is one of the most popular American fighters. He was the first one to travel to Japan and beat their fighters in kickboxing, and he also won PKA, WKA, and STAR world titles.

Don Wilson — is an 11-time kickboxing world champ. In his career, he won ISKA, PKO, WKA, PKA, and STAR world titles, fighting across three different weight classes. He is also a famous actor and you can see him in movies like “The Martial Arts Kid” and “Ring of Fire.”

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What Is The Best Kickboxing style?

What is the best kickboxing style? That is a matter of strict opinion. That being said, many MMA experts consider the Muay Thai style to be the best striking art. This is because the Muay Thai style has greatly influenced many MMA fighters who have had great success in stand-up fighting in MMA matches.

Their success in stand-up fighting using Muay Thai techniques has greatly influenced public opinion about what is perceived as the best style due to the popularity of MMA. This is not to say other kickboxing styles are inferior to the Muay Thai style.

Muay Thai is often seen as a total package when it comes to striking because its fighters use all limbs as weapons. It is a versatile style that fits well in MMA fighting because it will teach you how to mix kicks, punches, elbows, knees, and the basics of grappling together. Muay Thai is one of the very few striking arts that will teach you how to fight at all ranges, notably in the clinch, which plays a big role in cage fighting.

Some people may find Muay Thai too brutal. But on the other side, it will train you for real combat scenarios, both mentally and physically. Training is cardio intense, and the emphasis is on sparring, which is a great way to train a person for real-life fighting.

Students learn how to fight on all ranges but the emphasis is on hard kicks, and fighting in the clinch with knees and elbows. Every single technique you learn in classes works in real life, and this makes it very effective for self-defense.

Other styles like K-1 and Dutch-style are also very effective. But you can’t compare them with Muay Thai simply because these two are not versatile enough.

What is K-1?

K-1 is a popular kickboxing promotion from Japan that has origins in “Seidokaikan karate”. Back in 1993, Kazuyoshi Ishii founded K-1 with an idea to find out which striking art is the most effective, and which striker is the best. In the early days, the world saw many style vs style matchups, and fighters competing under unique K-1 rules. Here is a brief look into K-1 rules:

• Matches include 3–3 minute rounds with a 1-minute break between. There is one extra round if the fight ends in a draw.
• Fighters can strike with kicks, punches, and knees in the clinch.
• They can land strikes both above and below the waist.

It didn’t take long for K-1 to become very popular all around the world. The matches were very exciting mainly because fighters fought at a high pace all the time. The fights rarely went to a decision, often ending in brutal KOs. K-1 was so popular that it was bigger than modern MMA during the 2000s and even bigger than boxing. Winning the K-1 title meant that you are the best striker in the world. It was the most prestigious title. The two main K-1 competition formats were:

• K-1 World Grand Prix
• K-1 World Max

K-1 is more than present in modern times, but it is not as popular as it was in the 90s and 2000s. 

What is Dutch kickboxing?

Dutch kickboxing is the most popular style of kickboxing. It emerged in the 1970s thanks to Jan Plas and other martial artists who brought kickboxing to the Netherlands. In the following years, they would make a lot of changes, and create a unique Dutch style. They used Kyokushin and Muay Thai as a base on top of which they added techniques from western boxing. The final result was a style with an emphasis on hand strikes, forward pressure, low kicks, and high output. 

Fighters trained in Dutch Style used to dominate in K-1 during the glory days of this promotion in the 90s and 2000s. Even in modern times, people see the Dutch style as the best kickboxing style.