Sanshou Rules

Sanshou, also known as sanda, is a Chinese form of martial arts focusing on hand-to-hand combat and self-defense techniques. It is not merely a fighting technique, but a popular sport as well, especially in its originating country. The largest annual tournament is the National Sanda Championships, also known as "King of Sanda." Sanshou competitions usually take place on a raised platform called a lei tai. Multiple rules cover sanshou competitions.

  1. The Lei Tai

    • The lei tai is a raised platform where traditional sanshou competitions take place. The fighting area is marked by a solid outer line and measures 24 feet by 24 feet. The whole platform measures 32 feet by 32 feet. In the United States, both boxing rings and a lei tai are used to host sanshou competitions.

    Equipment

    • Mandatory equipment in amateur competition differs from that of professional competition. In amateur competition, shin pads, a groin cup, a mouthpiece, hand wraps and fighting gloves (8 to 12 ounces) are mandatory. The only piece of equipment not mandatory is a headgear, except in all tournament matches and fights taking place in the United Kingdom. In professional competition, a groin cup, a mouthpiece, hand wraps and fighting gloves (8 to 12 ounces) are mandatory. Head gear and shin pads are not allowed in any instance.

    Methods of Scoring

    • In sanshou fighting, there are two ways to score points:
      A takedown: If a fighter completes a successful takedown, the referee will stop the action and award the necessary amount of points to that fighter.
      A standup: A group of judges will award one to three points to a fighter who converts a successful punch or kick while standing. The strike must be clean, with power and not touch the gloves of the opponent. If a fighter lands a kick but has his strike caught by the opponent, and the opponent counters with a clean strike of his own, it does not count for points.

    Scoring Guidelines/Judge Rulings

    • Scoring guidelines work on a point score. Striking attempts of any kind can range from zero to three points.
      Zero points:
      -If neither fighter shows control during an attempt in either the standup or takedown position.
      -If fighters end up side by side on the ground after a takedown by either person.
      -A kick to the legs of an opponent.
      One point:
      -A clean strike by way of a punch or kick. A punch to the head receives a point and a kick to the body receives a point.
      -Control for one second on the ground following a takedown. An opponent can make a reversal and receive a point even if he was taken down.
      Two points:
      -A knockdown from a strike and the opponent is able to immediately rise to his feet.
      -A clean kick to the head.
      -A throw with a lower amount of difficulty (determined by judges).
      -Causing an opponent to fall by way of dodging or tripping when they attempt an offensive move.
      Three points:
      -An explosive and devastating throw.
      -A knockdown from a strike where the referee is forced to use a standing eight- count for the fighter to be able to stand up.
      -A hard sweep of the opponent's legs where the legs fly out from under him and he lands directly on his back.
      Deductions:
      Half point: All warnings by the referee after the first warning or stepping off of the mat without being forced.
      One point: If an opponent steps off of the mat even if he was forced by an opponent's legal technique. If a fighter pushes an opponent off of the mat, he will lose a point.
      Five points: If a fighter uses a technique that forces himself off of the mat, his opponent is awarded the points.
      All points are added up at the end of each round. The fighter with the most points will receive a point for the round. A sanshou fight consists of five rounds, each lasting three minutes. A fight ends in one of four ways:
      -All rounds have been completed or it is impossible for the opponent to win by decision. Essentially, the first fighter to win three of the five rounds will win the fight by decision.
      -A fighter is counted out following a knockdown by his opponent. This is called a technical knockout.
      -If a fighter forces his opponent off of the mat three times, it is considered a TKO for the fighter and he is disqualified.
      -A referee deems a fighter is unable to continue because of injury.

    Legal Techniques

    • -Punches to the head and body
      -Kicks to the head and body
      -Throws and takedowns
      -Knees

    Illegal Techniques

    • -Head butting
      -Biting
      -Attacks on the joints (in both strikes and throws)
      -Strikes using the elbows
      -Open-hand strikes
      -Strikes to the knees, back of the head, spine or groin areas
      -Holding an opponent before hitting