Chinese Kickboxing (Sanda & Lei Tai) Training in Madison, WI
Chinese Kickboxing training at the Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association (ZYKFA) takes place in the guan (traditional training hall) under controlled and supervised conditions. Training includes Sanda and Kuoshu Lei Tai practice, conducted under the direct supervision of Shifu Nelson Ferreira, certified instructors, and trained assistants to ensure safety and proper instruction.
Unlike street fighting, Chinese Kickboxing (Sanda) follows established rules and safety standards designed to reduce unnecessary or life-threatening injuries. Training begins with structured drills and controlled partner work, allowing students to analyze and develop techniques safely before progressing to higher-intensity practice.
Safety & Protective Equipment
All Chinese Kickboxing classes require the use of appropriate protective equipment. Students must purchase and maintain their own gear appropriate to their training level (Beginner Sanda or Advanced Kuoshu Lei Tai).
Mandatory protective equipment includes:
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Mouth guard
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Groin guard
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Gloves
Additional protective gear may be required as students advance.
Program Eligibility & Training Philosophy
The ZYKFA Chinese Kickboxing Program is designed for students who have dedicated sufficient time to studying Northern Shaolin Kung Fu fundamentals and who demonstrate an understanding of ZYKFA school culture and training ethics.
Participation in Chinese Kickboxing is optional for general students, but required for those pursuing ZYKFA Instructor certification.
Program Requirements
To maintain a safe, positive, and disciplined training environment, students must meet the following requirements to participate in the Chinese Kickboxing Program:
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Must be 16 years of age or older
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Must not have a history of severe concussions
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Must be of sound mind and body
What is Sanda ( 散打 )?
Sanda, which literally means “free fighting,” is commonly known as Chinese Kickboxing. It is a modern Chinese combat sport originally developed in Mainland China (PRC) by the Chinese military as a practical fighting system.
In 1991, Sanda evolved into a widely practiced amateur combat sport, often referred to as Sanshou, created as a counterpart to the modern Wushu sport forms competitions promoted in China since the mid-1970s. While terminology varies, many practitioners use Sanshou to describe the amateur level and Sanda for the advanced or professional level of competition.
Sanda Rules & Techniques
Sanda competition rules allow a wide range of effective striking and grappling techniques, including:
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Punches
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Kicks
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Throws
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Takedowns
Points are awarded for clean, properly executed strikes, throwing an opponent to the ground, or forcing an opponent off the fighting area.
Required Sanda Protective Equipment
To ensure athlete safety, Sanda training and competition require the use of protective equipment, including:
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Head guard
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Chest guard
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Shin guards
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Groin guard
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Gloves (10 oz boxing-style)
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Mouthpiece
Why Train Sanda?
Sanda Chinese Kickboxing training develops real-world combat skills, timing, conditioning, and controlled sparring experience while maintaining safety through rules and protective gear. It is one of the most effective stand-up fighting systems within traditional and modern Chinese martial arts.
What is Kuoshu Lei Tai ( 國術擂台 )?
Kuoshu (國術)—also spelled Guoshu in Pinyin—literally translates to “National Techniques” and is a shortened form of Zhong Guo Wu Shu (中國武術), meaning Chinese Martial Techniques. Kuoshu Lei Tai (國術擂台) refers to a traditional Chinese full-contact fighting rule set first introduced in Nanjing, China in 1928 by the Central Guoshu Institute (中央國術館) during its inaugural national tournament.
Often regarded as a precursor to modern MMA, Kuoshu Lei Tai allowed practitioners of any martial arts style to compete under full-contact rules, making it one of the earliest open-format combat sport systems.
History of Kuoshu Lei Tai Competition
Following its introduction in 1928, the Kuoshu Lei Tai rule set continued to evolve and was further refined in Taiwan (Republic of China) throughout the 1960s. In 1975, Kuoshu Lei Tai was introduced internationally at the First World Kuoshu Tournament, establishing it as a globally recognized Chinese combat sport.
Kuoshu Lei Tai Rules & Techniques
The Kuoshu Lei Tai rules allow a broad range of effective striking and grappling techniques, including:
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Punches
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Kicks
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Elbows
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Knees
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Throws
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Takedowns
Points are awarded for clean strikes, throwing an opponent to the ground, or forcing an opponent off the Lei Tai platform. Due to the smaller glove size and allowance of elbows and knees, knockdowns and knockouts are common in Kuoshu Lei Tai competition, emphasizing power, control, and technical precision.
Required Kuoshu Lei Tai Protective Equipment
To ensure fighter safety, Kuoshu Lei Tai training and competition require the following protective equipment:
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Head guard with cage
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Mouthpiece
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Gloves (4 oz MMA-style with covered thumb)
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Groin guard
Kuoshu Lei Tai Training at ZYKFA
The award-winning Zhong Yi Kung Fu Association (ZYKFA) Lei Tai Program, has produced regional, national and world champions for since its inception in the mid-1990's as it follows a progressive training model. Students begin with Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing) to develop foundational sport-fighting skills, conditioning, and ring awareness. Once students demonstrate sufficient experience and technical proficiency, they advance to Kuoshu Lei Tai training.
This progression reflects both safety best practices and historical lineage, as Kuoshu Lei Tai was further developed in Taiwan, where our school’s traditions and history are deeply rooted. Notably, past masters within our lineage were directly involved in the Kuoshu movement of the 1930s, with some having competed in the original 1928 Nanjing tournament.