AgentZ
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stav said:San shou to the best of my knowledge was developed to compete with Mu Thai.
China used to challnge Thailand in tournaments where they pitted there best Kung fu (Wu Shu) practitioners against good Thai fighters.
If my history is correct all Chinese fighters were destroyed in under 30 seconds of the first round year after year. There static form of Wu Shu ill equipped them to handle the brutal and efficient fighting style of Mui Thai.
San Shou was develpoed after years of embarresssing losses where they adapted a more mobile style of fighting or a "free style". It retains some elements of the original Kung fu style however adds western boxing and footwork into there style. (This is what i have been told and read)
From what i here San Shou is quite efective but i think your mate was having u on or shit talking u when he was talking about strikes that kill.
I heard another version...
That San Shou was 'created' during the cultural revolution when fighting or sparring was banned in China. Fighters used to have underground tournaments in shady bars and places like that. Thats where the unique raised circle platform comes from. Its kinda like illegal rooster fights, people would bet on their fighter and such.
Russia was a big influence in China around this time too, what with the whole cold war and communism going on. So I think a lot of Sambo was borrowed, as well as Chinese Wrestling... which is why it looks very similar to Judo and BJJ.
I also think the Chinese Military wanted to create a fighting style for their troops and decided on San Da and to keep the troops active they would hold anual San Shou tournaments.
Tthere are lots of guys who do San Shou on sherdog, I'm sure they can add on/correct me.