What is a count in sanda?
I · Intermediate · Scoring · 4 of 5When a fighter is dazed, staggered or knocked down by a legal blow, the platform judge stops the fight and counts. This is the forcible count. If the fighter is fit to go on, the count still runs to eight and the opponent gets two points. If not, it goes to ten and the bout is over.
How it works
- Forcible count: given after a heavy legal punch or kick leaves a fighter dazed, staggered or down.
- Count of eight: even if the fighter signals at once, the judge counts to eight before restarting.
- Signal: the fighter raises a hand to show they can continue.
- Two points: to the opponent for each forcible count.
- Count of ten: if the fighter does not signal by eight, or seems not fully conscious, the judge counts to ten and the opponent wins the bout.
- Twice in a round: the opponent wins the round.
- Three times in a bout: the opponent wins the bout.
- Stop counting: if the fighter is unconscious or has a dislocation or fracture, the judge stops, removes the gum guard and calls the doctor.
- Counts after a foul: the judge may also count over a fighter hurt by an illegal technique. That count is not held against the fighter.
The glossary has the forcible count, the absolute victory, the sanda officials, the scoring in sanda, the admonition and warning and the bout.
Tricky cases
A fighter is knocked down, jumps up and raises a hand at the count of two. Does the fight restart at once?
No. The judge "still has to count to eight" before continuing.
A fighter is counted twice in the second round. What happens?
The opponent wins that round. A third count in the bout would end the bout.
A fighter is dropped by an illegal blow to the back of the head and cannot continue after ten. Who wins?
The injured fighter, if the doctor confirms the injury. They win the bout but may not fight again in the event.
What if the doctor finds the fighter was pretending?
Then the fighter who committed the foul still receives a warning, and is declared the winner of the bout.
Why the rule exists
A hurt fighter will almost always say they are fine. The count takes the decision away from them for eight seconds and gives the judge time to look at their eyes and balance. Making counts add up to a lost round or bout stops a fighter from being counted again and again.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Forcible count, fighter fit at eight | Fight resumes; 2 points to the opponent | Sanda Rules, Art. 5 (slides 52, 55 and 57) |
| No signal by eight | Count to ten; opponent wins the bout | Sanda Rules, Art. 5 (slide 56) |
| Two forcible counts in a round | Round lost | Sanda Rules, Winner and Loser (slide 72) |
| Three in a bout | Bout lost | Sanda Rules, Winner and Loser (slide 71) |
| Count after a personal foul | Not a forcible count; the offender is warned | Sanda Rules, Art. 5 (slides 51 and 54) |
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) and Determining Winner and Loser (Article 1). Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the federation's Sanda Competition Rules and Judging Methods (not saved; a training copy was used).