How is a round won in sanda?
B · Beginner · Fouls and results · 5 of 6A round goes to the fighter the sideline judges have scoring higher. Two things win a round outright: the opponent being given two forcible counts in it, or the opponent falling off the platform twice in it. If the scores are level, the fighter with fewer warnings wins, then fewer admonitions, then the lighter fighter.
How it works
- By points: "The result of each round will be determined by the scoring by the sideline judges."
- Two forcible counts in the round: the opponent wins the round.
- Two falls off the platform in the round: the opponent wins the round.
- Level scores: the fighter with fewer warnings wins.
- Still level: the fighter with fewer admonitions wins.
- Still level: the fighter who was lighter at that day's weigh-in wins.
- Still level: the round is declared a tie.
- Twelve points clear: a lead of 12 points in a round, confirmed by at least five sideline judges, wins the whole bout.
The glossary has the sanda officials, the scoring in sanda, the forcible count, the leitai, the admonition and warning and the weight class.
Tricky cases
A fighter is ahead on points in a round but is pushed off the platform twice. Who wins the round?
The opponent. Two falls off the platform in a round decide it, whatever the points.
The judges have a round level, with one warning each. What next?
Admonitions are compared. If those are equal too, the lighter fighter at the day's weigh-in takes the round.
Can a round be drawn?
Yes. If every tie-break leaves the fighters level, the round is a tie.
Do points from the first round count in the second?
No. Each round is decided on its own scoring.
Why the rule exists
Scoring each round on its own keeps a bout close and rewards a fighter who adjusts between rounds. The tie-breaks follow a clear order: the cleaner fighter first, then the smaller one, on the view that the lighter fighter did more to stay level.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Normal round | Sideline judges' scoring | Sanda Rules, Winner and Loser (slide 72) |
| Two forcible counts, or two falls off the platform | Round to the opponent | Sanda Rules, Winner and Loser (slide 72) |
| Level round | Warnings, admonitions, lighter weight, then a tie | Sanda Rules, Winner and Loser (slide 73) |
| Lead of 12 points | The bout ends | Sanda Rules, Winner and Loser (slide 71) |
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), 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).