SIMA KUNTAO SAN SHOU
Sanshou; literally “free hand” or free fighting” is the Chinese hand-to-hand self-defense system and combat sport. Not seen as a style itself, rather it is considered as a component of Chinese martial arts training. Sanshou is composed of Chinese martial arts applications including most aspects of combat including striking and grappling, Sanshou was developed as a combat sport with restrictions made for safety reasons. However many schools, whether traditional or modern, practice it as an all round martial arts systems with no restrictions, only adapting their training in relation to specific rules prior to competition.
Sanshou’s competitive history involved barehanded or lei tai fights in which no rules existed. However, even sanshou as a competitive event developed in the military as these bouts were commonly held between the soldiers to test and practice barehanded martial skills, ability and techniques in a non-lethal manner. Rules were developed and the use of protective equipment was adopted.
One can see Sanshou as a synthesis of traditional Chinese fighting techniques into a more amorphous system and is commonly taught alongside traditional Chinese styles which Sanshou techniques, theory and training methods are derived from. The emphasis of Sanshou is on realistic fighting ability.
As an unarmed self-defense, close combat system, Sanshou includes the full range of martial techniques including striking and throws. Sanshou as a sport has a very great emphasis on throws.
Sima Kuntao Sanshou uses the framework of Sanshou to practice the Kuntao techniques in a non-dangerous manner. Tony Felix takes his extensive Kuntao Silat knowledge and experience as British, European and World Sanshou champion to create a safe and fun practice that appeals to all levels of practitioner.