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San Shou (散手) or San-Da (散打) is a relatively new martial art, which was originally developed by the Chinese military based upon intense study of various traditional methods.
The influences on this rich and diverse style are obvious and originate from Master Leon Chiu's broad background in martial arts. Most prominent perhaps being his time spent studying the Wing Chun and Hung Gar branches of Shaolin derived Kung Fu as well as Korean Taekwondo.
He is the founder, chief instructor and examiner of the Chugarkwon Academy. In 1991, China introduced an amateur sport version of San-Da and in 1992 Master Chiu began teaching in London. In 1997, the first attempts were made both in China and in the United States to establish professional matches. These matches are referred to as San Shou, a newer term which the Chinese use to describe full contact tournament fighting.
This eclectic martial art teaches traditional formwork, physical and mental development, Shaolin Chin Na, practical self-defense and oriental philosophy. The 1st Degree foundation course consists of ten grades of advancement moving up a ranking system that denotes seniority and experience. Step by step, each grade teaches new aspects of fundamental principles through repetition and application. From 2nd Degree onwards the emphasis on training gradually shifts from the extrinsic to the intrinsic systems including Qigong for promoting health and vitality.
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