It is a CQB system that covers the skills of striking, grappling, wrestling, ground fighting, and weapon defences. It is based on a variety of different fighting styles. These include traditional martial arts (Kung Fu, Shuai Jiao, Chin Na) as well as foreign systems (Sambo, Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, and Western Boxing). The aim was to develop a realistic system of unarmed fighting for the Chinese military. Junshi Sanda employs striking, head-butting, elbows, kicks, knees, stomping, sweeps, joint locks, strangulation, takedowns and throws.
Junshi Sanda is based on sciences ranging from physics, anatomy, biomechanics and human physiology. All are employed to help develop the most effective combat system. It focuses on applying the principles of combat rather than concentrating on or memorising specific techniques.