Introduction
Sambo (Russian: са́мбо) is a Russian martial art developed by the Soviet Red Army to enhance hand-to-hand combat skills. The term “Sambo” is an acronym for ‘Samozashchita Bez Oruzhiya’ (Russian: самозащита без оружия), meaning ‘self-defence without weapons.’ It is the official combat sport and tactical system of Russian special forces and is recognized internationally as a combat sport by FILA, included in the World Wrestling Championships alongside Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling.
Sambo techniques draw from Judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, and various traditional Russian styles, integrating diverse fighting systems from across Russia, Mongolia, and Cossack traditions into an efficient combat system.
Table of Contents
Brief history of Sambo
Brief history of Sambo
During the Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905), Russian forces experienced significant losses in close-quarters combat against the Japanese. This highlighted the need for improved hand-to-hand combat training. After the Bolsheviks assumed power in 1917, efforts to unify and enhance close-combat training were initiated, leading to the development of Sambo.
Russian troops were outmatched by a well-prepared Japanese military during the Russo-Japanese War. Learning from these shortcomings, Russia subsequently developed Combat Sambo to enhance their close-quarters battle tactics and training, aiming to prevent future military deficiencies.
Key Figures
Three men were instrumental in creating Sambo: Vasili Oshchepkov, Victor Spiridonov, and Anatoly Kharlampiev.
- Vasili Oshchepkov Oshchepkov was one of the first Russians to study judo and karate in Japan under the martial arts pioneer Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan Judo Institute. He earned a black belt, a significant achievement for a non-Japanese at the time. Upon returning to Russia, he worked as a hand-to-hand combat instructor. Oshchepkov incorporated many judo techniques into Sambo, emphasising throws and ground work. His contributions were fundamental in forming the technical base of Sambo, focusing on efficiency and adaptability in combat scenarios.
- Victor Spiridonov was a veteran of World War I and had been injured, which led him to develop a system of self-defence that could be used effectively despite his physical limitations. His style, called “Samoz,” focused less on strength and more on technique, including joint locks and leveraging the opponent’s force against themselves. Spiridonov’s approach was highly influential in Sambo’s technical diversity, particularly in adding methods that required minimal effort for maximum efficiency.
- Anatoly Kharlampiev Often credited as the father of modern Sambo, Kharlampiev conducted extensive research on various national wrestling styles throughout the Soviet Union. He was instrumental in organising these techniques into a comprehensive system and advocating for Sambo as a competitive sport, not just a martial art for military training. Kharlampiev’s efforts led to the official recognition of Sambo as a sport by the Soviet sports committee in 1938. He played a key role in the formalisation and systematisation of Sambo, promoting it within the Soviet Union and on the international stage.
The founders of Combat Sambo (left to right – Victor Spiridonov, Vasili Oshchepkov and Anatoly Kharlampiev.
The Great Purge
The development of Sambo was significantly influenced by the political changes and social climate of the Soviet Union. During Stalin’s Great Purge in 1937, the martial art nearly faced extinction. Vasili Oshchepkov, due to his close ties with Japan, was accused of being a double agent. Despite his crucial contributions to Soviet sports and the training of the Red Army, he tragically became a victim of the Stalinist purges, leading to his arrest and subsequent death in a gulag.
Twenty years after Stalin’s death, Oshchepkov was posthumously exonerated, and his reputation was restored. However, his associations with Japan had earlier cast suspicion on Sambo, subjecting the martial art to intense scrutiny by Soviet authorities, wary of any foreign influence during the tense regime.
This monument in Moscow honours Vasili Oshchepkov and Anatoly Kharlampiev, pivotal figures in the development of Sambo, celebrating their legacy in shaping this combat art.
Recognition and Growth
Despite these adversities, Sambo continued to develop. Anatoly Kharlampiev played a pivotal role in reframing Sambo’s historical narrative, emphasising its Russian origins to ensure its survival and gain official endorsement. Sambo schools spread throughout the USSR, and it gradually became a cornerstone of Soviet athletic training.
The 1960s and 1970s saw Sambo ascend internationally, recognized by the (International Amateur Wrestling Federation) FILA in 1966 and marked by the inaugural World Sambo Championships in Tehran in 1972.
FIAS and the Olympics
The establishment of the International Federation of Amateur Sambo (FIAS) in 1984 further institutionalised Sambo globally. FIAS has been instrumental in including Sambo in multi-sport events such as the Asian Games and the World Games. In 2018, the sport achieved a milestone with full recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), setting the stage for its potential inclusion in future Olympic Games.
Timeline
- 1917: Following the Bolshevik Revolution, the new Soviet government emphasizes the need for improved hand-to-hand combat training for the Red Army.
- 1920s: Vasili Oshchepkov and Viktor Spiridonov begin to lay the foundational techniques of what would become Sambo. Oshchepkov, having trained in judo in Japan, and Spiridonov, developing his system known as “Samoz,” integrate their knowledge with traditional Russian wrestling techniques.
- 1938: Sambo was recognized as an official sport by the National Committee of Physical Culture of the USSR.
- 1966: Accepted as an international sport and recognized by FILA.
- 1972: First World Sambo Championships held in Tehran, Iran.
- 1983: Formation of the International Amateur Sambo Federation (FIAS).
- 2005: Included in the World Games.
- 2019: Full recognition by the International Olympic Committee.
Note: Although Sambo is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, it has not been included as an Olympic sport.
Influences
Sambo is a syncretic martial art that integrates techniques from a multitude of styles. Its founders were well-versed in various fighting systems, aiming to harmonise these into a cohesive discipline.
Grappling Influences:
- Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling: The Baltic states (Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia), had extensive ties to Western Europe. Powerful hip throws from Greco-Roman wrestling and leg techniques from freestyle wrestling were incorporated into Sambo.
- Traditional Jacket Wrestling: Practised in the Caucasus Republic of Georgia, this style involves wearing a tight-fitting jacket that competitors can grasp to execute throws. This influenced the Sambo uniform and taught practitioners to use an opponent’s clothing as part of their technique.
- Ossetian Grappling Arts: Wrestling in Ossetia, a region in the Caucasus, is intensely practised both as a sport and for self-defence.
- Azeri/Turkish Wrestling: Practised in Azerbaijan, this style is similar to the Icelandic sport of Glima, where competitors wear pants that can be grasped for throws. This influenced the use of belt-grasping techniques in Sambo.
- Khokh (Armenian Wrestling): The national wrestling system of Armenia, likely influenced Sambo’s development.
- Russian Folk Wrestling Styles: Various folk wrestling styles from across Russia contributed techniques, including arm and leg locks.
- Chinese and Mongolian Wrestling Systems: Including Chinese Shuai Jiao.
- Kôdôkan Jûdô: Vasilij Oshchepkov incorporated elements from Judo, likely introducing chokeholds used in military Sambo.
Striking Influences:
- Japanese Atemi-waza: Both Spiridonov and Oshchepkov were familiar with these Judo techniques that focus on striking vital points on the human body.
- Western Boxing: Known for its superior hand-striking skills, boxing influenced the punching techniques in Sambo.
- French Savate: This kicking art was practised in the Russian Empire before the Revolution of 1917, and likely contributed to the kicking techniques in Sambo.
Combat Sambo has been shaped by a variety of fighting arts from both domestic and international origins, incorporating techniques from Western boxing, Judo and traditional Russian wrestling styles.
Types of Sambo Practised
Today, several types of Sambo are practised, but the two most well-known are Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo.
Combat Sambo
Combat Sambo (Russian: Боевое Самбо) was developed for military applications, making it more aggressive than Sport Sambo. It incorporates techniques that are considered too dangerous for other wrestling sports and closely resembles modern Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Combat Sambo allows:
- Punches, kicks, elbows, and knees.
- Brutal techniques like soccer kicks, headbutts, and groin strikes.
- Throws, holds, chokes, and locks.
Combat Sambo is designed for real-world self-defense and military applications, this form emphasizes practical, aggressive techniques including strikes, throws, and submissions.
Chokeholds in Combat Sambo are designed to cut off the air or blood supply to the head, either by blocking the windpipe or squeezing the carotid arteries. Practitioners also train in unarmed combat techniques against knives, clubs, and firearms, emphasising disarming an opponent.
Sport Sambo:
Sport Sambo (Russian: Борьбa Самбо) is the civilian variation and a composite style of jacket wrestling developed to unify the diverse wrestling styles of the former Soviet republics. Sport Sambo focuses on:
- Takedowns and takedown defence.
- Throwing techniques.
- Groundwork and submissions.
Sport Sambo is a competitive sport focusing on throws and grappling without strikes, emphasizing technical skill and compliance with sportive rules for safe, athletic competition.
Sport Sambo has few restrictions on gripping and holds, but chokeholds are not allowed. It continues to grow as an international sport, widely practised in Russia, Eastern and Western Europe, former Soviet states, the Americas, Japan, and the Middle East.
Offshoots of Sambo
While Sport and Combat Sambo are the most prominent, other variations also exist:
- Freestyle Sambo: Developed by the American Sambo Association in 2004, Freestyle Sambo aims to attract non-Sambo practitioners to the sport. This style is distinct because it allows chokeholds and other submissions that are not permitted in Sport Sambo, encouraging a broader participation in Sambo events.
- Self-Defense Sambo: Self-Defense Sambo teaches civilians effective techniques for street confrontations, with a focus on defending against both unarmed and armed attacks. The training emphasises using an opponent’s aggression against them, a philosophy similar to those found in jujitsu and aikido.
- Special Sambo: This version of Sambo is tailored for Russian Special Forces, including Spetsnaz and SOF units. Special Sambo is akin to Combat Sambo but is designed to be even more lethal, with adaptations specific to the needs and scenarios faced by these elite units.
- Beach Sambo: Beach Sambo is a rapidly growing variation of the sport, played on sand. This version modifies traditional rules to fit a beach setting: matches last three minutes, are conducted without penalties or mat wrestling, and are fought exclusively in the standing position. Athletes wear modified uniforms, and victory is awarded after a throw that results in the opponent landing on any part of the body other than the feet.
Techniques and Strategies in Sambo
Tactical Application of Techniques
Combat Sambo’s techniques are strategically designed for control and submission. Efficient throws are used to destabilise opponents and potentially disorient them through shock upon impact with the ground. Once on the ground, practitioners secure positions using pins to facilitate joint locks or set up strikes. Joint locks are tactically applied by exploiting the opponent’s movements and attempts to counter, making them highly effective for quick incapacitation in close combat scenarios.
Sambist’s excel in striking from a distance but thrive in close quarters, where they skillfully maneuver to bring the fight to the ground.
Integration of Striking and Grappling Techniques
Combat Sambo seamlessly integrates striking and grappling, allowing practitioners to fluidly transition between the two based on the combat situation. Strikes, including punches, elbows, knees, and kicks, are used to weaken or distract opponents, creating opportunities for throws or locks. Striking in Combat Sambo is integral, used to disrupt balance or defences and complement grappling manoeuvres. Conversely, grappling can lead to situations advantageous for striking, such as after a throw that leaves an opponent vulnerable. This dual emphasis allows Combat Sambo fighters to stay offensive at any range, adapting to the dynamics of the fight, whether standing or on the ground. Their training fosters agility, strength, and strategic acumen, equipping them for diverse combat situations, from sports to self-defence.
Key Techniques
- Throws: Designed to take the opponent to the ground while maintaining control, throws are commonly executed from various grips and positions.
- Joint Locks: Target arm and leg joints to force submissions. Techniques like arm bars, knee bars, and ankle locks are prevalent.
- Pins: Control the opponent on the ground to neutralise their attacks. Used to set up joint locks or further strikes.
- Strikes: Integrates punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. Used to weaken or distract opponents, creating openings for throws or submissions.
In Sambo, a solid strategy is to use strikes to weaken the opponent and break their defenses, setting up a takedown. Once the takedown is secured, the practitioner can finish with a pin or submission.
Training in Sombo
Combat Sambo training integrates a mix of technique learning, drilling, sparring, and live training sessions to prepare practitioners for realistic combat scenarios. Initially, trainees learn a range of strikes, throws, and submission holds, advancing from basic manoeuvres to complex combinations. This progression is reinforced through repetitive drills that build muscle memory and improve execution under pressure. Sparring sessions, where practitioners test their skills against resisting opponents in a controlled environment, are crucial for understanding practical application, timing, and distance management.
Sambo training focuses on a blend of grappling, throwing, and striking techniques, emphasizing practical combat skills and physical conditioning. Often children in Russia begin their journey in Sambo at a young age.
Physical conditioning is also a central component of Combat Sambo, encompassing strength training, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, agility, and speed. Strength exercises help in executing effective throws and maintaining control, while flexibility training enhances motion range and injury prevention. Cardiovascular workouts improve stamina for high-intensity bouts, and agility and speed drills boost reflexes and the quick execution of techniques. This comprehensive conditioning ensures practitioners are well-prepared for both competitive and self-defence situations.
Rules and Competition
Combat Sambo competitions are known for their dynamic and comprehensive rules, which allow a blend of striking and grappling techniques. Matches typically consist of one continuous round lasting 5 minutes (for adults). Competitors wear jackets known as ‘Sambovka’ or ‘Kurtka,’ similar to the Gi used in judo, tailored to withstand the rigorous grips and maneuvers typical in Sambo matches. They also wear shorts and ‘Sambovki’ shoes, flat boots akin to those worn in wrestling competitions. In Combat Sambo, where striking is permitted, headgear is also worn for added safety. There are several weight classes, ranging from light to heavyweight, ensuring fair fights. Competitors must weigh in on the same day as the competition to qualify for their respective weight class.
(Left) Sambo fights take place on a specially designed mat that provides grip and cushioning for safety during throws and grappling exchanges. (Right) The uniform that Sambists wear varies depending on the type of Sambo practiced. In Sport Sambo, practitioners wear a jacket similar to a judo gi, shorts, and Sambo shoes. In Combat Sambo, the uniform includes the same jacket and shoes but also incorporates additional protective gear such as headgear, shin guards, and gloves to accommodate the inclusion of striking techniques.
Scoring
Sambo fights take place on a specially designed mat that provides grip and cushioning for safety during throws and grappling exchanges. Scoring in Combat Sambo rewards both striking and grappling techniques. Points are awarded for successful throws, effective strikes (including punches, kicks, knees, and elbows), ground control, and submission attempts. Throws that bring an opponent to the ground with impact are highly scored, especially if the thrower remains standing. Submission techniques like arm bars, chokes, and leg locks can end a match instantly if the opponent taps out. Victory can also be achieved through knockouts (KO), technical knockouts (TKO), points accumulation, disqualification of the opponent due to illegal actions, or an opponent’s withdrawal or forfeit. Additionally, removing an opponent from the combat area can result in a win by awarding points to the opponent who remained within the combat circle.
Referees in Sambo play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the competitors and the fair enforcement of the rules, overseeing the match to make sure all actions are within the regulations and stopping the fight if necessary.
Refereeing
Referees in Combat Sambo can issue penalty points for various infractions to maintain the competition’s integrity. Passivity, or lack of aggression, is penalised to encourage continuous action and engagement, preventing fighters from stalling. Illegal actions, such as biting, eye-gouging, and striking prohibited areas, also result in penalties. Additionally, holding the mat to avoid being thrown and intentionally stepping out of the competition area can lead to penalty points. Accumulating too many penalty points can significantly impact the match’s outcome, ensuring fighters adhere to the sport’s rules and spirit of fair play and respect.
Street Effectiveness
Combat Sambo is designed for real-life threatening situations, making it fast, explosive, technical, and competitive. It focuses on the most efficient techniques, discarding less effective ones.
Combat Sambo is highly effective in real-life street fights due to its emphasis on practical techniques, such as strikes, grappling, ground fighting and submissions, which are designed to quickly neutralize threats and handle unpredictable situations.
Its effectiveness in street fights is well-documented through the dominance of Combat Sambo fighters in MMA tournaments. Street fights often transition to grappling or ground fighting, and Sambo equips practitioners with skills to gain the upper hand. Combat Sambo’s striking elements, including punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, can be devastating to an average street fighter.
Training ensures practitioners are well-conditioned, not afraid to take hits, and resilient in grappling. Rigorous sparring and competition build confidence in handling difficult positions, making Combat Sambo highly effective for real-world self-defence.
Bodyguarding
in Russia, it is quite common for bodyguards and security personnel to be trained in Sambo as well as Systema. Both martial arts are highly valued for their practical self-defense techniques and effectiveness in real-world situations. Sambo, with its emphasis on grappling, throws, and submissions, and Systema, known for its focus on fluid movement, strikes, and defensive tactics, provide comprehensive training that is well-suited for bodyguard and security roles. This training ensures that bodyguards are prepared to handle a variety of threats and protect their clients effectively.
Bodyguards often have only a split second to react to attacks, making it difficult to draw firearms quickly. This is where Sambo and other grappling arts are particularly useful. Sambo’s emphasis on grappling, throws, and submissions ensures that bodyguards are prepared to handle a variety of threats and protect their clients effectively.
Sambo Today
Sambo’s popularity has surged in recent decades, largely due to the success of Sambists in Mixed Martial Arts (see below for more details on famous Sambists who have made their mark in MMA). Promotions like UFC and Bellator have featured Sambo practitioners who have made significant impacts, showcasing the art’s effectiveness and versatility.
Sambo is practised in many countries, gaining popularity beyond Russia. It is well-established in nations such as Bulgaria, Belarus, Mongolia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Serbia, Japan, the US, and the UK.
Governing international bodies for Sambo in the US and UK. USA Sambo and British Sombo Federation.
Sambo’s philosophy promotes personal development, self-discipline, friendship, and respect. Practitioners benefit from improved strength, stamina, and endurance, making it suitable for both adults and children. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the subsequent flow of information, Sambo’s popularity continues to grow worldwide, standing out as one of the most influential and effective fighting styles of the twentieth century.
Recent times have seen even greater recognition and support for female athletes, further contributing to the sport’s development worldwide.
Famous Practitioners and Their Contributions:
Fedor Emelianenko
Fedor ‘The Last Emperor’ Emelianenko, a legend in both Sambo and MMA, has secured numerous world championships in Combat Sambo, including four World Combat Sambo Federation (FCS) Championships. His MMA career is marked by a nearly decade-long undefeated streak and victories over many heavyweight elites. Fedor was the PRIDE Heavyweight Champion and won multiple tournaments, becoming one of the most revered figures in MMA history, often celebrated for his tactical intelligence and formidable Sambo techniques.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Sambo skills translated seamlessly into MMA, where he retired with an impeccable record of 29 wins and no losses, one of the longest undefeated streaks in MMA history. He was a two-time Combat Sambo World Champion before dominating the UFC Lightweight division. Khabib captured the UFC Lightweight Championship in April 2018 and successfully defended it on three occasions before retiring in 2020. His career is distinguished not only by his undefeated record but also by his dominance in each fight, often grounding and controlling opponents with techniques refined through his Sambo training.
Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev, following in the footsteps of his mentor Khabib, has used his Sambo background to climb the ranks in the UFC’s lightweight division. He won the UFC Lightweight Championship in 2022 and has successfully defended his title, maintaining a near-perfect record in the process. His victories often showcase a mastery of grappling and control, hallmarks of Combat Sambo, making him one of the top fighters in the division and a formidable champion.
Note: Transition to MMA
Combat Sambo practitioners transition seamlessly to MMA due to their comprehensive skill set, particularly in grappling, takedowns, and scrambling. The martial art’s emphasis on throws and takedowns gives them an edge in controlling opponents and dictating the pace of the fight. Their grappling techniques, including joint locks and chokes, are crucial for submissions, making them formidable on the ground. Additionally, Combat Sambo’s training in striking ensures they can effectively engage in stand-up exchanges. This blend of skills, combined with their adaptability and strategic mindset, can give Combat Sambo practitioners an advantage over fighters not from grappling or ground-fighting backgrounds.
Conclusion
Sambo has evolved from its origins in early 20th-century Soviet military training into a globally recognized martial art, celebrated for its effectiveness in both competitive sports and real-world self-defence. Its development, influenced by a variety of martial arts like Japanese judo and traditional Russian wrestling, showcases a unique blend of techniques that emphasise adaptability, efficiency, and comprehensive readiness.
Today, renowned practitioners such as Fedor Emelianenko, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Islam Makhachev exemplify Sambo’s values of discipline, respect, and continual personal development. With its inclusion in international competitions and recognition by global sporting bodies, Sambo not only enriches the martial arts landscape but also continues to foster a legacy of cultural strength and versatility.
If you have enjoyed this post please share or feel free to comment below 🙂
Related Posts
Our Other Posts
The Benefits of Yoga Practice
Introduction I was introduced to the benefits of Yoga practice whilst undertaking my Personal Training
