Everything You Need to Know About Sambo (The Martial Art)

Sambo is an internationally practiced martial art and combat sport with soviet origins. It is a relatively new discipline that is mostly practiced in Russia and developed in the early 20th century. However, it has gained a lot of popularity worldwide, and it is now recognized as an Olympic sport. Sambo is a versatile martial art that combines techniques from several other combat sports, including Judo, wrestling, and boxing. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Sambo, including its history, techniques, and benefits for practitioners.

History of Sambo

Sambo was developed in the early 1920s by a group of Russian martial artists, led by Vasili Oshchepkov and Viktor Spiridonov. They combined techniques from Judo, wrestling, and other martial arts to create a new discipline that would be effective in both unarmed combat and self-defense situations. Sambo was officially recognized as a sport in the Soviet Union in 1938, and it has since gained popularity in many other countries around the world.

Techniques in Sambo

Sambo techniques are based on throws, grappling, and ground fighting. It is similar to Judo and wrestling in this regard, but it also incorporates striking techniques from boxing and other combat sports. Some of the most common techniques in Sambo include:

Throws – Sambo has a wide range of throws, including hip throws, shoulder throws, and foot sweeps.

Grappling – Sambo emphasizes grappling techniques, such as arm locks, chokes, and holds.
Striking – While Sambo is primarily a grappling art, it also includes striking techniques, such as punches and kicks.

Difference between Sport sambo and combat sambo

Combat Sambo and Sport Sambo are two branches of the art of Sambo. While they share some similarities, there are significant differences between the two.

Combat Sambo

Combat Sambo is a form of Sambo that is designed for military and law enforcement personnel. It is a practical and effective form of self-defense that incorporates techniques from a variety of martial arts, including Judo, wrestling, and boxing.

Combat Sambo is focused on real-world scenarios, and its techniques are designed to be effective in a wide range of situations. This includes both armed and unarmed combat, as well as self-defense against multiple attackers. Combat Sambo practitioners are trained to use their environment to their advantage and to be able to defend themselves in any situation.

One of the key differences between Combat Sambo and Sport Sambo is the emphasis on striking. While Sport Sambo includes striking techniques, such as punches and kicks, Combat Sambo places a greater emphasis on striking and defense against strikes. This is because in real-world scenarios, the ability to strike effectively can be a critical factor in determining the outcome of a fight.

Sport Sambo

Sport Sambo (sometimes referred to as “wrestling sambo)” is a competitive form of Sambo that is recognized as an Olympic sport. It is a grappling-based martial art that emphasizes throws, takedowns, and submissions (but usually not striles). Sport Sambo is popular around the world, and competitions are held at both the national and international levels.

Unlike Combat Sambo, Sport Sambo does not include striking techniques. Instead, it focuses on grappling and submission techniques, including arm locks, chokes, and leg locks. Matches are won by scoring points for throws, takedowns, and submissions.

One of the primary goals of Sport Sambo is to promote fair competition and sportsmanship. Rules are in place to ensure the safety of the athletes, and matches are closely monitored by officials to ensure that all competitors are following the rules.

Another key difference between Combat Sambo and Sport Sambo is the equipment used. In Combat Sambo, practitioners typically wear protective gear, such as helmets and body armor, to simulate real-world scenarios. In Sport Sambo, athletes wear a uniform (gi) and protective gear, such as a mouthguard and headgear, but they do not use any additional protective equipment.

Benefits of Practicing Sambo

Practicing Sambo can have numerous benefits, both physical and mental. Here are some of the key benefits:

Improved Physical Fitness – Sambo is a high-intensity sport that can improve your overall fitness and cardiovascular health.

Self-Defense Skills – Sambo techniques are practical and effective for self-defense situations.
Increased Confidence – Learning a martial art like Sambo can increase your confidence and self-esteem.
Stress Relief – Practicing Sambo can be a great way to relieve stress and improve mental well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Sambo a dangerous martial art?

A. Like any martial art, Sambo can be dangerous if practiced incorrectly. However, with proper training and supervision, it is a safe and effective martial art.

Q. Can anyone practice Sambo?

A. Yes, anyone can practice Sambo, regardless of age or fitness level. However, it is always advisable to consult with a doctor before starting any new physical activity.

Q. Do I need any special equipment to practice Sambo?

A. You will need a Sambo uniform (gi) and protective gear, such as a mouthguard and headgear. Some schools may also require additional equipment, such as knee pads and elbow pads.

Notable sambo fighters

Sambo has produced numerous famous martial artists and fighters, including:

Fedor Emelianenko: Widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Emelianenko has a background in both Sambo and Judo.

Khabib Nurmagomedov: Dominating the UFC lightweight division with an undefeated record of 29-0, Nurmagomedov is a highly skilled Sambo practitioner.
Oleg Taktarov: Competing in the early days of the UFC, Taktarov is a former Sambo world champion and has also appeared in numerous films.
Rustam Khabilov: A UFC veteran and former M-1 Global lightweight champion, Khabilov has a background in both Sambo and Judo.

Khabib Nurmagomedov
(Source: mmakicks.com)

Conclusion

Sambo is a versatile martial art that offers numerous benefits, both physical and mental. It is a relatively new discipline that combines techniques from several other combat sports, including Judo, wrestling, and boxing. Sambo techniques are based on throws, grappling, and ground fighting, and they are practical and effective for self-defense situations.

The other interesting aspect of training Sambo is that you train in a Gi/Kimono, so you get to work on grips and throws that can be less common in NoGi. Whether you are looking to improve your physical fitness, learn self-defense skills, or relieve stress, Sambo is an excellent martial art to consider.