5 ways to improve your sanda kickboxing

Introduction

Sanda also known as Sanshou kickboxing is a style of combat sport with its roots in Chinese martial arts. Uniquely it is the only modern combat sport that has come out of China and is also the only kickboxing style that mixes wrestling and kickboxing techniques.

As in all martial arts styles the point of Sanda kickboxing is to combine technique, power and efficiency over brute strength. How a fighter combines these principles is the difference between success or failure in the ring. In this article we will explore concepts that will help you improve your kickboxing and become an effective Sanda fighter.

1. Power Comes with Technique, Not Strength

There is a reason that body builders can’t throw a good punch or kick, muscles alone cannot win fights. Don’t get me wrong strength is the foundation for power, but strength without technique is like having a bow without an arrow, sure you can smash someone over the head with the bow, but it is not what the most tactically efficient way of using the bow.

Proper technique through body mechanics, leverage and precision create effective strikes and throws. You may be able to throw and strike effectively using only brute strength but you will quickly gas out and soon not be able to produce the same power you did in the start of the fight. A good kickboxer will be able to produce the same power from bell to bell.

2. Speed and timing Beats Power

Being faster and more precise than your opponent is a huge advantage in a kickboxing fight. If you can move in and cause damage then move out before your opponent has landed a strike then you are winning the exchanges and therefore winning the fight.

A fast technical fighter is like water over rock, eventually the water will grind the stone to nothing. Having speed, timing, precision and movement is so much more important than just relying on strength and power.

3. Managing Range Through Footwork Is Everything

Controlling the range of a fight is everything across all combat sports. Being able to use footwork, timing and positioning better than your opponent in a fight will allow you to dictate the pace of the fight. This will open up attacks, make you more defensively sound, set up counter strikes and throws.

Whoever controls the range in a fight through footwork determines the outcome of the fight so ensure you are incorporating footwork into your kickboxing drills, pad work and sparring.

4. Master Your Basics Through Repetition

I have said it before and I will say it again basics are everything in combat sports. Being able to utilize your fundamental techniques in kickboxing requires one key thing, repetition, repetition, repetition.

Repetition of techniques will not only allow you to hone your techniques but will also mean that you do not need to think about tactics and techniques if your brain stops working in a fight.

5. Learn to Relax and Breathe

You may have noticed a them to this article; that is the heavier and more powerful you try to be the slower become and the faster you tire out. A great way to counteract this is to learn to relax and a great place to start is to learn how to regulate your breathing. If you hold your breath you will automatically be tense by learning to use your breath with your strikes you automatically become more relaxed and be a faster, smoother, better kickboxer.

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