BECOME STRONGER AND MORE CONFIDENT WITH SANDA KICKBOXING

Chinese Full-Contact MARTIAL ARTS

Our intensive Sanda Kickboxing classes push students to move faster, hit harder and think on their toes—whether in the ring or on the street.

GENERAL INFORMATION

WHAT IS SANDA?

Translated as “Free Fighting” in Chinese, Sanda is a style of kickboxing that also utilizes wrestling and takedown techniques.

Unlike other styles of kickboxing, Sanda places a stronger focus on the use of deception and timing, with an emphasis on adaptability within different ranges of combat. Furthermore, practitioners often train in both striking and ground techniques, making Sanda a more versatile discipline compared to traditional forms of kickboxing, which may concentrate predominantly on stand-up striking alone.

WHY SHOULD I LEARN SANDA?

Great for Competition & Self Defense

Sanda Kickboxing has many different applications for both self defense and competition. With striking, grappling and wrestling skills, our program will have you prepared for anything.

Transferable Skills into MMA and Muay Thai

Many of our Sanda Kickboxing students enjoy fighting in either kickboxing, Muay Thai and/or MMA competitions. Learning Sanda allows for a seamless transition into any of these styles and competition rules.

Better Self Confidence and Fitness

Our classes empower students to think and move faster, as well as to build focus and discipline, in order to shape them into more confident people in and out of the gym. Technique-focused drills and sparring help to reinforce concepts and timing, while also providing a fully-comprehensive workout.

Coach Ariel Tyre Wesley of EP Martial Arts with a student at a local competition
Students in a kickboxing class performing martial arts drills with training partners
Martial arts students in a kickboxing class sparring with partners

WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING

  • I’ve had the pleasure of training here in Sanda, BJJ, and a bit of MMA. All of the coaches are helpful and positive people with tons of experience. There’s classes for everyone whether you want to just get a workout in or are looking for full contact competitions. I came with no martial arts training from a typical sport background and learned a ton here. Special shout out to Ty and Marco, but all coaches and teachers are terrific!

    – Andrew Camacho

  • I’ve been doing Sanda Kickboxing for four years and have since fought in a number of competitions as part of the Fight Team. The quality of the instruction and the community have made my time here the most positive martial arts experience I’ve had in my life. Ty Wesley is a phenomenal coach and I recommend his Sanda classes for anyone trying to get into kickboxing.

    – Chris S.

  • Both of my boys have been coming to EP Martial Arts for 5 months now. I love the variety of different arts taught (for one low price) and that there is a class 5/6 days a week to keep them busy. Each class not only teaches them different techniques but discipline and they do not let the kids goof off during class. EP Marital Arts was EXACTLY what I was looking for and would highly recommend them!

    – Tonya Gloria

  • Great school that’s closeby. Bart runs the Krav Maga and Sifu Ty teaches the SanShou, Wing Chun and kids Kung Fu. Great school to learn self defense and martial arts. If you're into competition they will support you and take you there. Very friendly people and school.

    – Stefan Fischer

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Coach Ariel Tyre Wesley of EP Martial Arts with a female student
EP Martial Arts co-founders Ariel Tyre Wesley and Bart Axelrod with Rhode Island news anchor

SIFU ARIEL TYRE WESLEY

For over 30 years, Ariel Tyre Wesley—or “Sifu” Ty—has been teaching martial arts to both adults and families in Rhode Island. He is a Level 10 full instructor in traditional Wing Chun Kung Fu, having trained under Sifu Saladin Abdullah, and being certified under Master Anthony Arnett—a direct student of Grandmaster William Cheung.

Book Your First Free class.

Take the first step towards becoming stronger by signing up for your first free class at EP Martial Arts. Join our supportive community and empower yourself with the confidence, discipline, and skills you need. Begin your martial arts journey today.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Don’t see your question here?

We’re eager to answer your questions! Please feel free to contact us at info@epmartialarts.com.

  • All students need the following items:

    • Kickboxing/Muay Thai shinguards

    • Boxing hand wraps

    • Boxing gloves preferred, but MMA gloves or hybrid gloves are optional

    Students will not be allowed to spar unless they have…

    • Mouth guard

    • Boxing helmet

    • Jock cup

    We have most of these items ready for you at our store.

  • Nope! T-shirts, tank-tops and shorts are fine. Rashguards and leggings are recommended for cold weather.

    Visit our store for any of your apparel needs!

  • No one has to spar if they don't feel comfortable! Typically, we require any new students to come to class consistently for at least 6 months before they're allowed to spar. Even then, it will always be up to their comfort level.

    The only exceptions to this are…

    • Students have had prior kickboxing and/or sparring experience.

    • Both the student and instructor agree that the student is ready to spar.

    If you have any other questions or concerns about sparring, please talk with your instructor.

  • Unless a new student has had previous martial arts training, we require any new students to have trained with us for at least a year—including sparring in class—before signing them up for competitions or tournaments. Aside from coming to class, students who want to compete will be assessed based on their level of technique and fundamentals.

    Competitive fighting of any sort is highly risky to anyone's health, and should be considered with the utmost care. While we applaud and support anyone who wants to compete in local fights or martial arts tournaments, we put a priority on safety before anything else.

    For anyone to be eligible for competitions, they must meet the following requirements:

    • Must be no younger than 16 years of age.

    • Must have proof of health insurance (either parent/guardian's or own policy)

    • Must have their own gear and equipment that is up to the organization's standards