History:-
Sanshou (Chinese: 散手; pinyin: sǎnshǒu; literally "free hand") or Sanda (Chinese: 散打; pinyin: sǎndǎ; literally "free fighting") or an "unsanctioned fight" is a Chinese hand-to-hand self-defense system and combat sport. Not seen as a style itself, rather it is considered as just one of the two components of Chinese martial arts training and is often taught alongside taolu (forms) training
. However, as part of the development of sport wushu by the Chinese government, a standard curriculum for sanshou was developed. It is to this standard curriculum that the term "Sanshou" is usually applied. Techniques and Strategies :-
Fundamental sanshou techniques include punching (da), kicking (ti), throwing (shuai), blocking and parry (dang & shan), along with the mobile and efficient footwork that governs all the techniques. The synthesis of punching, kicking and throwing techniques in sanshou affords an immensely versatile system of strategy. In general, the simple strategy for beginners is kicking for long range, punching for short range, and throwing at body contact. The sequence usually starts with kicking or punching which requires a distance for acceleration in order to effectively deliver the power. The momentum that accompanies kicking and punching may result in body contact. While actions are usually stopped when the opponents are clutching onto each other in boxing, taekwondo, karate, and kickboxing, however, in sanshou, the action will continue into the throwing (shuai) stage. When opponents attempt to unbalance each other and in the meantime, to prevent themselves from being thrown, grappling techniques naturally become the next skill of application. Of great importance is to be able to "borrow force to exert force" (Jie li shi li) which requires sensitivity and a capability of yielding, neutralizing, and leading in response to the aggression while controlling the opponent’s body momentum. Sanshou emphasizes the strategy of "start later, but reach first" (Hou fa xian zhi). For instance, round kick (bian tui, whip leg) takes a longer time to reach the target because of its curvilinear trajectory, while side kick (ce chuai) takes a shorter time because of its linear trajectory. Side kick is thus favored to counter round kick as well as other curvilinear techniques. Throwing can be effectively performed following aggressive kick catching (jie tui) which makes the opponent think twice before performing any kick. Unbalancing through leg grabbing (bao tui) can be a powerful technique against good boxers. Just as in most other combat sports, a sequence of combined fake, real, and effective counter techniques that is both physically and psychologically challenging often proves to be a key to the victory. The Scoring System in San Shou Tournaments:-
This curriculum was developed with the Chinese military experiences in close range and hand to hand combat with reference to traditional Chinese martial arts. This general Sanshou curriculum varies in its different forms, as the Chinese government developed a version for civilians for self-defense and as a sport. The International Wushu Federation composed rules and regulations into this fighting system and made it a combat sport, renamed it San Shou. San Shou became an official medal sport under Wushu in the 1990 Asian Games. Apparently, San Shou competitions have been held worldwide in over 75 countries including Malaysia. In competitions sanctioned by the International Wushu Federation, San Shou exponents are permitted to kick, box and grapple until at least an exponent is knocked out. Strikes to the back of the head and groin will be penalized. The fighters wear head guards, body protectors, gloves, mouth piece and groin guard. A hand strike to the head or body earns a point. A kick to the head or body earns 2 points. A kick to the thigh scores 1 point. A clean takedown scores 2 points. In the event that both fighters fall, the one that falls later earns a point. A knock down scores 2 points. Knocking or pushing the opponent out from the platform earns 2 points whilst knocking, throwing and pushing the opponent off the platform are legal. When the opponent is off the platform twice, the round is over. So, every fighters intention is to knock the opponent out from the platform. Its best of 3 rounds. 2 minutes per round. 1 minute interval.
