Chinese boxing combines the techniques and strategy of both boxing and kicking, and is one of the most popular and fastest growing martial arts today. The roots of Chinese boxing can be found to date back over 2,000 years ago. Many temples in China, including the famous Shaolin Temple, had played a part in the development and spreading of Chinese boxing, which is the forerunner of all other forms of martial arts in the East. In many parts of Asia, Chinese boxing was practised as a self-defence discipline.

San da (also called san shou) is the full contact fighting art of modern wushu. In the 1960's, the Chinese government brought together the masters of kung fu from all over China to define a standardized martial system. The resulting art became the standard combative training for the Chinese military and police forces. San da, therefore, incorporates techniques of wushu and kung fu, including kicks, hand strikes, grappling, and throws.

In most san da competitions two competitors fight as in a kickboxing match, except that the fighters get to use takedowns. In san da competition, fighters can win by scoring points, knocking out their opponent, or by forcing their opponent out of the ring. There are some limitations: knee, elbow, and head butt strikes, and joint locks and chokes, are forbidden.

Qing da (meaning light contact fighting) is designed to cater for the majority of athletes who train on a non-professional basis and therefore cannot risk the effects of full contact matches (san da). To encourage the sport for all ages, different age groups have been set up. The rules are similar to san da but certain techniques have been omitted and others toned down.

Training

Chinese boxing has gained recognition as a highly effective martial art for both ring fighting and for holistic fitness. While Chinese boxing first developed in Asia as a martial art, then for tournament fighting, in recent days it has become very popular, especially with women, because the Chinese boxing workout is excellent for developing body toning, burning fat, and at the same time developing confidence.

Students who wish to gain the benefits of sparring training without the additional techniques and forms of Kung Fu can specialise in Chinese boxing.

During your Chinese boxing training with Siu Lum Gar you will be taught footwork, hand techniques, foot techniques and both attacking and defensive manoeuvres. Drills are always done with partners to develop rhythm and timing. Free sparring practice develops an ability to improvise against an opponent.

Siu Lum Gar incorporates three levels of development for students of Chinese boxing ranging from beginner, intermediate and advanced. Each level, building skills in a progressive manner. Rankings give students a defined goal to strive for and recognises their achievements.

• Qing Da,
• San Da (or Sanshou),
• ISKA,
• Koshiki

Chinese Boxing Grades...

Siu Lum Gar Chinese boxing students are graded to three different levels, ranging from beginner (Yellow Sash), intermediate (Orange Sash) and advanced (Purple Sash).

For each grade the student must accomplish and show their competency in given stances, hand and foot techniques, fitness, flexibility and sparring.

Vital equipment required for all gradings...

• Current membership card
• Siu Lum Gar Chinese boxing uniform
• Skipping rope
• Focus mitts

Compulsory equipment...

• Mouth-guard (men & women)
• 16oz gloves - men
• 8 or 10oz gloves - women
• Groin guard - men
• Chest guard - women

Optional equipment...

• Head guard (men & women)
• Hand-wraps
• Ankle supports
• Shin guards
• Bag gloves