About Sambo

Sambo is an acronym in Russian that stands for self-defense without weapons. Sambo is a hand-to-hand combat system that is used by Russian Special Operation Forces - elite army and law enforcement units. It was created out of necessity to teach newly formed Soviet military and militia efficient combat techniques that would be absolutely devastating to an opponent. After meticulous reality-based research, Sambo was shaped into a system that covered all aspects of real fighting - standing up, on the ground, with or without weapons. Basically, Sambo evolved into the ultimate martial system because it was able to combine striking, kicking, effective and effortless throws, and superb submissions. Forged in real combat, Sambo became synonymous with effectiveness and it continues to gain more fans and practitioners around the world.

To create an effective combat system, Sambo’s founders researched various fighting styles from many nations within the Soviet Empire as well as beyond its borders. The key to success was to adopt combat proven techniques or simplify more ornate or complicated techniques (like many traditional Japanese techniques) to achieve maximum effectiveness. Sambo adopted and transformed techniques from such arts as Russian fist fighting, Japanese Jiu-jitsu, Georgian Chidaoba, American freestyle wrestling and others. Also, Sambo brought about its own very distinct techniques, including particularly devastating leg-locks. The effectiveness of Sambo is based on its natural movements, principles of evasiveness, balance, cognizance of anatomy and physical mechanics. Moreover, Sambo is not insular; it is an evolving art that is open to new ideas and techniques so long as they prove themselves effective by withstanding the test of combat.

Due to the Soviet’s policy of protecting national secrets, the combat version of Sambo was hidden by KGB and Soviet military from foreign eyes. Interesting fact - Russian president Vladimir Putin - who is a former KGB officer, is an accomplished Sambo and Judo practitioner. Oddly, the Soviets demonstrated the effectiveness of Sambo internationally through the sport of Judo. It is no secret that many famous Soviet Judo athletes who won Olympic Games, World and European championships had a Sambo background. Even at the recent Olympic Games, fighters from Russia or former Soviet Republics continue to win and dominate in sport of Judo.

Fortunately, since the demise of Soviet Union and the end of Cold War, finally, Combat Sambo practitioners were able to show their abilities by fighting in the most prestigious mixed martial arts or “no-holds-barred” competitions. Many of them performed extremely well by achieving the highest honors as competitors or instructors. They include luminaries such as: Fedor Emelianenko (current heavyweight champion of PRIDE), Sergey Kharitonov (PRIDE), Oleg Taktarow (UFC Champion), Igor Zinoviev (IFC champion), Andrei Arlovski (UFC champion), and such famous instructors/ fighters like Gokor Chivichayan.

Since Sambo was designed to be a simple and efficient form of self-defense, anyone can learn and practice this great system regardless of their age or sex. There are many benefits for everyone who wants to practice Sambo - it guarantees the physical strength, technical proficiency and mental confidence necessary to deal with adverse situations. Even if you are an expert in wrestling, grappling or some other martial art, Sambo will help you improve your fighting game drastically.

Therefore, don’t wait, find a Sambo club near you and use the opportunity to learn this great art from authentic Soviet instructors and from a new generation of American Sambo practitioners.

RedBear Sambo is conveniently located in Central New Jersey - Contact Us.
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