Zhao Xuejun

Zhao Xuejun (; born October 1966) is a Chinese martial artist, Sanda coach and former Sanda practitioner. He has played a key role in the development of Sanda and later Mixed martial arts (MMA) in China. Because of this he is considered one of the Godfathers of MMA in China alongside Andy Pi.

Early life and education Zhao was born in October 1966 in the Inner Mongolia province of China.

In 1984, he attended Beijing Sport University. He originally wanted to be a volleyball player but lost interest in it as he felt it wasn't competitive enough. In 1985, he joined the university's sanda team under tutelage of Zhu Ruiqi. During his three years in the team, his best result was third nationally in the 65 kg category. In 1988, Zhao graduated and his coach Zhu Ruiqi invited him to remain at the school but Zhao chose to return to his hometown where he served as a Physical Education teacher.

While at Xi'an, the new team didn't have much resources and the training conditions were difficult. Nonetheless, the team achieved strong results in tournaments such as WKA - King of Sanda. Seeing the success, the school provided more resources for the team including a new training hall. In 2002, Zhao was awarded the national sports medal of honor. At the 2005 National Games of China, his students Gele Qing and Qin Lizi won a gold and silver medal respectively in Sanda.

In 2005, Zhao met Andy Pi who was then looking for fighters in China to participate in his MMA promotion, Art of War Fighting Championship. Zhao convinced Pi that looking for pure grapplers was misguided and that Sanda fighters he recommended were also suitable for MMA .

Since then Zhao has changed his focus to MMA and has spent more time promoting it in China. Zhao believes that MMA is the closest sport to actual combat. When it comes to styles, Zhao has stated fighters from China should use their inherent advantages which it is in stand-up fighting rather than trying to match others in grappling which China has less experience in. Aori Qileng - UFC fighter Wu Yanan - UFC fighter Jumabek Tursyn - UFC fighter

Personal Zhao is currently deputy director of Wushu department as well as Head Coach of the Sanda team at Xi'an Physical Education University. He is a member of the Chinese Communist Party.