Sanda Throws vs. Judo Throws: Overview

Sanda, also known as Chinese kickboxing, employs a throwing system distinct from Judo due to differing competition rules. While Judo emphasizes upper-body grip fighting and jacket control, Sanda—particularly in its sports iteration—focuses on lower-body attacks due to restrictions on clinching and joint locks. The fundamental difference lies in how each system initiates and executes throws: Judo uses kuzushi (off-balancing) through upper-body control, while Sanda practitioners attack the legs directly during forward momentum from striking.

Morote Gari: The Double-Leg Takedown

The Morote Gari appears frequently in Sanda competition and is executed by dropping level and reaping both legs without necessarily lifting the opponent. Unlike Judo's Morote Gari, which often involves prior upper-body unbalancing through gi grips, Sanda practitioners can exploit the natural vulnerability created when an opponent lunges forward to strike. The technique emphasizes a sweeping reap rather than a vertical lift, making it faster and more energy-efficient in a sport where clinching is restricted.

Single-Leg Takedown: Calf Encirclement Variation

Sanda features an efficient variation of the single-leg takedown in which the practitioner grips the calf from the inside while remaining low, then pins the leg outward to execute the takedown. This differs from traditional Judo's single-leg or the pipe-running technique used in BJJ and wrestling, where the attacker must stand and drive forward while vulnerable to submissions like the guillotine. The Sanda approach eliminates the need to stand and reset, reducing exposure to striking and submission counters.

Ko Soto Gari: Lower-Body Reaping with Waist Control

Ko Soto Gari in Sanda relies on lower-body leg control rather than the upper-body gripping emphasized in Judo. The Sanda practitioner drops down, grabs the opponent's leg and waist, then reaps at the heel or Achilles tendon. Upper-body control remains important to shift the opponent's weight onto the leg being reaped, ensuring effective execution without relying on gi grips or traditional kuzushi from the jacket.

O Uchi Gari: Inner Thigh Reap from Leg Control

O Uchi Gari in Sanda involves directly gripping the kicking leg—a technique frequently seen in Muay Thai and karate—rather than the upper-body control prioritized in Judo. Where Judo practitioners establish kuzushi through sleeve and lapel grips before reaping, Sanda athletes seize the attacking leg immediately, then sweep it inward. This direct leg control reflects Sanda's lower-body emphasis and the sport's prohibition on extended upper-body clinching.

Ashi Guruma: Knee-Level Wheel Takedown

Ashi Guruma in Sanda is executed by placing the leg on the opponent's knee level, scissoring the attacking leg, then dropping the opponent forward over the hooked knee. This contrasts with traditional Judo's Ashi Guruma, which involves a spinning motion using upper-body control via sleeve and lapel grips to wheel the opponent over the attacker's own leg. The Sanda version sacrifices the overhead rotation to rely instead on direct leg trapping and lower-body positioning.

Judo VS Wushu Sanda 散打

Chadi

Sanda Throw

3 min read·6 key moments·PT8M47S video

Key Takeaways

•Sanda Throws vs. Judo Throws: Overview
•Morote Gari: The Double-Leg Takedown
•Single-Leg Takedown: Calf Encirclement Variation
•Ko Soto Gari: Lower-Body Reaping with Waist Control

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about sanda throw?

This video covers sanda throws vs. judo throws: overview, morote gari: the double-leg takedown, single-leg takedown: calf encirclement variation. It provides detailed instruction from Chadi.

How long does it take to learn sanda throw?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.