Sanshou is a modern hand to hand combative sport that adapts various components of the Chinese martial arts. Sanshou also known as “Sanda” entails a full contact striking, kicking, and throwing competition between two athletes held typically on a 4’ raised platform known as a “Leitai”. The champion is decided through the results of either a final point tally at the end of three (3) – two (2) minute rounds, by point accumulation, absolute victory, default or by knock out.

Points in Sanshou competition vary based on the method of attack and as well the targets aquired. Legal striking techniques include punches, low kicks, high kicks, throws, takedowns and in higher levels reverse spinning techniques. Emphasis is placed on clean and clearly visible attacks to either the legs, trunk or head of an opponent. However, the most valuable ability of a fighter is to throw or push an opponent off the “Leitai” platform.

Fighters are only allowed to clinch or grab for a few seconds. If the clinch is not broken by the fighters, and if neither succeeds in throwing his opponent within the time limit, the referee will break the clinch. Elbows, knees, attacks to the back and joint locks are not allowed in Sanshou competition and are penalized.

Points for Sanshou are determined by 3-5 corner judges and the rules are enforced by a platform referee and the head judge. A fighter must earn the approval of the majority of corner judges to win each round, or by successfully taking an opponent off the “Leitai” twice within the round.

Most Sanshou competitions held are based on a “knock out” system, whereas only the winner of each bout continues to fight.

Fighters wear an internationally adapted set of equipment that include head gear, chest protector, 8-14oz gloves and in some classes leg protection. There are 11 Internationally recognized weight categories for men and 7 for women but may vary based on the requirements of each competition.