Sanda's competitive history is rooted in barehanded elevated arena or Lei Tai fights in which no rules were observed. [6] However, Sanda as a competitive event developed in the military as these bouts were commonly held between the soldiers to test and practice barehanded martial skills, ability and techniques. Rules were developed and the use of protective gloves etc. was adopted. It was originally used by the Kuomintang at the first modern military academy in Whampoa in the 1920s. [7] [ failed verification] Later it was also adopted as a method by the People's Liberation Army of China. Sanda's curriculum was developed with reference to traditional Chinese martial arts. This general Wushu Sanda curriculum varies in its different forms, as the Chinese government developed a version for civilians for self-defense and as a sport. Matuszak, Sascha (October 21, 2015). "Sanda:China's most popular combat sport". Vice . Retrieved 2015-10-22.

Casarella, Antonello; Ghetti, Roberto (15 July 2017). A Complete Guide to Kung Fu. Enslow Publishing, LLC. ISBN 9780766085428 . Retrieved 11 March 2019– via Google Books.

Testimonials

Da – Upper-Body Striking – using fists, open hands, fingers, elbows, shoulders, forearms and the head

One can see Sanda as a synthesis of traditional Chinese fighting techniques into a more amorphous system and is commonly taught alongside traditional Chinese styles, from which Wushu Sanda techniques, theory and training methods are derived. The emphasis of Sanda is on a more amorphous fighting ability. As part of the development of sport wushu by the Chinese government, a standard curriculum for Sanda was developed. It is to this standard curriculum that the term Wushu Sanda is usually applied. Sanda may also involve techniques from any other fighting style depending on the teacher's mode of instruction. [5] History [ edit ]The International Wushu Federation (IWUF) promotes wushu and is the governing body for wushu in all its forms worldwide. Sanda and taolu (forms) are the two categories of competitive sport wushu . The IWUF is recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

MMA fighters in struggle for recognition in China - People's Daily Online". en.people.cn . Retrieved 2022-05-16. Many Chinese martial art schools teach or work within the rule sets of Sanda, working to incorporate the movements, characteristics, and theory of their style. Chinese wrestling methods called Shuai Jiao and other Chinese grappling techniques such as Chin Na. It has all the combat aspects of wushu.