Ask most people in Toronto about kickboxing and they’ll picture the style they’ve seen in a typical gym. Sanda is different, and it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the city’s combat sports scene.

What is Sanda, exactly?

Sanda is a modern Chinese combat sport that blends striking with clinch work and throws. Unlike most Western kickboxing styles, Sanda allows takedowns from the clinch, which means you’re not just trading strikes, you’re managing distance, angles, and balance the entire fight.

Why it’s different from traditional kickboxing

Traditional kickboxing is strikes only. Sanda adds a wrestling and throwing element on top of the striking, which makes it a more complete, more demanding sport. It rewards athletes who can think on their feet, literally.

Taught by a Sifu who’s lived it

Our Sanda kickboxing program is led by Sifu Justin Chin, a lifelong martial artist who grew up training Kung Fu before building his career around kickboxing and grappling. His approach blends discipline, technical precision, and real fight IQ.

Who should try it

If you want a striking style that’s more dynamic than standard kickboxing, or you’re a grappler looking to round out your standup game, Sanda is worth your time. It’s demanding, but every class builds real skill you can feel.

Curious what a class feels like? Come try Sanda kickboxing for free at The Academy Toronto in Midtown.