At the primary level, students learn fundamental techniques in punching, kicking, and throwing through target and bag work in order to develop body coordination and conditioning. As they progress to the intermediate level, students learn through experience by interacting with sparring partners to develop sense of timing, swift reaction, and intuition. Also emphasized are enhancement of stamina, regulation of breathing, channeling of power, and resistance to strikes. The ultimate goal of sanshou training is to develop an agile, powerful, versatile, and well-rounded martial artist skillful in long and short range fighting based on total control over the mind and body as well as moral righteousness.

ASSA is dedicated to promoting the teaching of authentic sanshou training techniques to motivated students who are interested in developing effective skills, self-confidence, and strong mind and body. Students who are not interested in contact sparring will also find the training helpful in developing and improving one's physical state for better health, and mental state to be able to deal with adverse situations with greater ease. Since sanshou transcends the boundaries among different styles of martial arts, practitioners of any martial art backgrounds are welcome, and they are encouraged to continue with their current affiliation to other martial arts organizations. The comprehensiveness of sanshou offers a learning opportunity to the essence of a wide variety of martial arts styles.