What is Sambo? Sambo is a Russian acronym for “self-defense without weapons”. It is a fighting system that was founded in Russia and is the result of a compilation of various martial art styles out of Japan, China, Mongolia, India, Africa, Europe, North America, and Russia. Wikipedia phrases it accurately by explaining Sambo is “bolstered with the most useful and adaptable concepts and techniques from the rest of the world”.
Many other martial art systems out there were developed with limited use in mind, for example sport application or street application, but are not necessarily appropriate for both. Sambo combines wrestling, Judo, submission grappling, jiu jitsu, Thai boxing, karate, and Savate and is adaptable for sport, civilian, law enforcement, and military use. Sambo is not only used in sport but for self-defense as well, hence the acronym. Sambo is effectively used by both men and women as well as the young and old. The American Sambo Association explains that “after generations of civilian and military refinement, Sambo has evolved into an extremely formidable fighting art with principles applicable to martial artists of any style”. While boxing focuses on only strikes, jiu jitsu primarily on submissions, Judo strongly on throws, and many self-defense tactics focus on eye gouges and groin kicks, Sambo effectively addresses all aspects of the fight both in the sport form and self-defense or combat form by combining strikes, takedowns, and submissions in a fluid motion one practically leading to the next. A practitioner of any martial art style would be able to benefit from learning Sambo as Sambo compliments every style.
Another difference that sets Sambo apart from many other martial art forms is the mental aspect. Sambo does not rely on “muscling” or forcing motions to take place. Sambo has a strong emphasis on an understanding of the human body which effectively leads to easier takedowns and faster submissions. “My eight year old daughter can submit me, simply because she understands the techniques and the way the body is and is not supposed to move” says Michelle Blalock, MMA fighter out of FusBoxe Mixed Martial Arts in Broomfield, Colorado. The American Sambo Association explains “Sambo’s effectiveness lies in the student’s ability to master and flow with his or her own natural body movements”. Michael Sullivan, head coach and owner of FusBoxe MMA reminds his students to focus more on their own movements rather than the movements of their opponent or attacker. “The only person you can control is you.” He says. “You can’t MAKE someone else do anything.”
Finally, Sambo is not just a sport, or a form of self-defense or combat; Sambo is a way of life. “Making a person into a bad ass is not the goal”, says Michael Sullivan. “Making a person into a well-rounded, happier individual is.” Sullivan explains that a main goal, or mission of introducing civilian Sambo across the world is to create a “well-rounded, self-aware, stronger, healthier individual to be a stronger, healthier, more self-aware and well-rounded citizen in a stronger, healthier, more self-aware and well-rounded community.”
What is Sambo? (2010). American Sambo Association. http://www.ussambo.com/what_is_sambo.html
Sambo. (2010). Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambo_(martial_art)
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