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Background Sanda is a dynamic and practical Chinese martial art that was developed as a modern combat sport in the late twentieth century by the Chinese People's Liberation Army, drawing on traditional kung fu and contemporary close-combat methods. Sanda emphasizes a combination of full-contact punching, kicking, throwing, and clinch-control techniques, making it distinct from many other striking-based martial arts. Objectives This review examines several benefits of Sanda training for youth athletes, including improvements in physical health, intellectual resilience, and talent. Methods We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI from 2015 to October 2025, identifying records; after screening and applying inclusion criteria, studies on youth Sanda or closely related combat sports were retained for narrative synthesis. Results The article discusses the most common accidents related to Sanda, providing strategies to prevent damage and the role of recovery. It also highlights the importance of vitamins and rest for optimal overall performance and long-term athletic development. Ultimately, we examine Sanda's effectiveness compared with other martial arts and suggest areas for future research to enhance educational methods, safety protocols, and overall performance tracking. Conclusions Through an integrative approach to education and development, Sanda offers youth athletes a stable foundation for success in martial arts and the past.
Jiang et al. (2026) studied this question.