Introduction: What is Sanda?
In the kaleidoscope of martial arts, Sanda stands as a dynamic and expressive form of combat, seamlessly blending traditional Chinese martial arts with modern techniques. Also known as Sanshou, meaning “free hand” in Mandarin, Sanda has evolved into a distinct and formidable fighting style renowned for its emphasis on practicality, agility, and explosive power. As we delve into the world of Sanda, we uncover a martial art that transcends cultural boundaries, offering a unique fusion of ancient wisdom and contemporary athleticism.
How does Sanda differ from other disciplines, such as Muay Thai or Boxing?:
Sanda distinguishes itself from Muay Thai and boxing through a unique synthesis of techniques, drawing from the diverse array of Chinese martial arts. Unlike Muay Thai, which heavily incorporates elbow and knee strikes, Sanda places a strong emphasis on swift and explosive kicks, showcasing its roots in traditional Chinese kicking styles. Additionally, Sanda stands out from Western boxing with its incorporation of throws, sweeps, and trips, derived from the rich tradition of Chinese wrestling and grappling techniques. The artistry of Sanda lies in its versatility, seamlessly blending striking with agile footwork, throws, and sweeps, offering practitioners a comprehensive toolkit for both offensive and defensive strategies.
The 2023 Singapore National Wushu Sanda Championship:
This year, the event was held on 25 November 2023 and had a total of 8 contestants. The small number of contestants was due to inadequate preparation in the lead up to the fight.
This year’s contestants:
56 KG: Lim Sheng Rong, Chow Cheng Yong
65 KG: Ong Yin Wei, Gerris Elias Tan
70 KG: Ye Min Oo, Trevor Toh
80 KG: Travers Tan, Tao Ren Quan
Behind the Scenes:
Beyond the roar of the crowd and the clash of fighters in the ring, the National Kickboxing Tournament unveils the untold stories of discipline, sacrifice, respect and resilience. As valiantly as they fought, all contestants displayed good sportsmanship before and after the fight.
Conclusion:
In summary, Sanda is overlooked in the world of combat sports. It has a unique ruleset which showcases quick and high paced strikes, with the elements of takedowns, trips, and sweeps. It is a sport with good room for development, as it showcases sportsmanship, respect, resilience, along with other values.
