How do you score points in sanda?
B · Beginner · Scoring · 3 of 6A punch to the head or body scores one point, and so does a kick to the thigh. A kick to the head or body scores two. Putting the opponent on the floor while staying on your feet scores two, and so does the opponent falling off the platform. Fouls by the opponent also add points.
How it works
- One point: a valid punch to the torso or head.
- One point: a valid leg technique to the thigh.
- Two points: a valid leg technique to the head or trunk.
- Two points: the opponent falls down while the fighter remains standing.
- Two points: the opponent falls off the platform.
- Two points: the opponent is given a forcible count.
- Two points: the opponent receives a warning. One point: the opponent receives an admonition.
- One point: the opponent, ordered to attack, does not within five seconds.
- A valid strike: the technique is clear, lands on a scoring area and has an effect.
- How judges decide: they look at the attack, at whether it was defended and at whether the body was moved, and they listen for the sound.
- Who scores: the sideline judges, round by round.
The glossary has the scoring in sanda, the scoring areas, the sanda officials, the forcible count, the admonition and warning and the leitai.
Tricky cases
A fighter lands three quick punches on the opponent's guard. Any points?
No. A technique that "is not clear and lacks effect" scores nothing, and the arms are not a scoring area.
A punch lands while the two fighters are holding each other. Does it score?
No. A strike made while in a hold or clinch is not awarded.
A kick to the body is partly blocked but still knocks the opponent back a step. Can it score?
Yes. Judges are told to look at whether the opponent's body "sways or is displaced due to the strike".
Is a knockdown from a punch worth more than a punch?
Yes. If the opponent falls, the standing fighter scores two points for the fall. If the judge gives a forcible count, that is also worth two.
Why the rule exists
The scale pays most for what is hardest and most decisive. A kick to the head or body has to travel further and risks being caught, so it is worth double a punch. A throw that leaves the thrower standing shows complete control, and it scores the same as the best kick.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Punch to head or torso | 1 point | Sanda Rules, Art. 5 (slide 58) |
| Kick to thigh | 1 point | Sanda Rules, Art. 5 (slide 58) |
| Kick to head or trunk | 2 points | Sanda Rules, Art. 5 (slide 47) |
| Opponent down or off the platform | 2 points | Sanda Rules, Art. 5 (slide 43) |
| Strike in a clinch, or unclear | No points | Sanda Rules, Art. 5 (slide 60) |
From the rule book
International Wushu Federation, Sanda Rules and Judging Methods (2017 rules, as set out in the federation's 2023 judges' training course slides), Scoring Criteria (Article 5). Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Sanda Competition Rules and Judging Methods (not saved; a training copy was used).