Where did San Da come from?

My Shaolin Kung Fu school has this cl called San Da. I've tried researching this to see what it is. I've heard Chinese kickboxing and "free fighting". What is it exactly? Who came up with it? Is it even part of the (Northern) Shaolin Kung Fu system? Is it considered traditional? If not, is it better or worse that traditional on a street fight? I'm not talking about sport San Da. I'm talking about using those techniques on the street.