Sanshou
Functional Chinese Gung Fu Art
San Shou
San Shou, also known as Sanda, translates roughly to “free hand” or “free fighting.” Rather than functioning as a standalone style, San Shou is a fluid and adaptable combat system that draws its self-defense and fighting methods from a variety of traditional Chinese Kung Fu arts. It blends kickboxing—including elbows and knees—with kick catches, takedowns, throws, and sweeps.
Today, San Shou exists in three primary forms: military combat, civilian self-defense, and sport competition, the latter featuring rules similar to modern MMA. While there is no single standardized curriculum, most San Shou schools emphasize kickboxing-based striking, leg catches, explosive takedowns, and powerful throwing mechanics.
San Shou in Our Kali Combat System
In our training, we focus on the practical applications of San Shou, seamlessly integrating its dynamic striking and takedown techniques within our Kali Combat System. This fusion creates a highly effective, well-rounded, and adaptable approach to self-defense and real-world combat.
