All existing martial arts have a free style of combat, so wushu is no exception, it has certain regulations to prevent injuries to practitioners for both common training and competition. Did you know this?
Welcome to this special article! Where we will focus on everything related to sanda
Why is it called sanda?
Sanda, also known as "sanshou", is a mixed martial arts system focused on one-on-one combat based on traditional wushu techniques. It is fought through punches, kicks, throws, defensive techniques and fighting elements.
Where is sanda competed?
The official (senior) sanda competitions take place in a ropeless ring called "leitai" which is 80 cm high and measures 8 x 8 meters on each side of the cloth, the ground around the platform is protected by 30 meter mats. cm high and 2 meters wide, minimizing the risk of injury to athletes if they are ejected from the platform.
For smaller competitions or for certain age groups (children and youth), a space with the same dimensions is used, but without a raised platform.
What equipment do I need to practice sanda?
To protect themselves, competitors wear a helmet, chest protector, and eight to ten ounce gloves, as well as a mouth guard, wrist and ankle bandage, gloves, and mouth guard.
All teams will be the same color, red, black or blue, and will have to be “plain”, without logos or markings.
How to compete in sanda?
The official sandas contest has eleven weight categories for men and seven for women, although this may vary depending on the particularities of each competition.
Within the framework established by the regulations, athletes can use hitting or throwing techniques of any style of wushu; although there are some prohibited movements.
It is valid for hitting the head, the torso (including the chest, abdomen, waist and back) and the legs.
The fights are resolved in three rounds, each lasting two minutes, with a one-minute break between each.
Sanda promotes technical combat, awarding a score after each round for successfully executed techniques.
The athlete who wins at least two of the three rounds or who knocks out his opponent will be declared the winner.
Who can practice sanda?
In order to bring sanda closer to different segments of the population, many countries have chosen to establish different types of competition, depending on level, interests or age group, which guarantees that everyone can have their fight.
This competition structure would have the following levels:
- Sanda IWUF: The official sanda according to the regulations of the international federation, full contact.
- Semi-sanda: Seek technical superiority, limiting techniques and impact zones. Within these margins you can make moderate contact, or avoid trying to score punches without putting real pressure on your opponent.
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