Sambo (Russian, самбо) -- (also called Sombo and sometimes written in all-caps) is a modern martial art, combat sport and self-defense system developed in the Soviet Union.

The word Sambo is an abbreviation of САМозащита Без Оружия (SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya) meaning "self-defense without weapons" in Russian.

Although Sambo has its roots in traditional folk wrestling and foreign martial arts like Judo (the founder of Sambo studied under the founder of Judo and acquired a 2nd degree black belt in this sport), this martial art is new: on November 16, 1938, the sport was recognized by USSR National Committee of Physical Culture .

Versions of Sambo

Although it was originally a single system, there are now three generally recognized versions of Sambo:

• Sport Sambo, which is similar to Judo, Jiu jitsu, or Wrestling. The competition is similar to Judo, but with some differences in rules, protocol, and uniform. For example, in contrast with Judo, Sambo allows ankle locks, knee locks, and leg locks, while not allowing chokes.
• Self-defense Sambo, which is similar to Aikijutsu or Aikido because it is entirely defensive against attacks by armed and unarmed attackers.
• Combat Sambo (Russian: boevoe Sambo). Utilized and developed for the military, this is arguably the root of Sambo as it is now known.
• Combat Sambo Spetsnaz also known as Systema is a combat system used by some (not all) Russian Special Forces units. It is distinct from Sambo, and except in name (intentionally misleading), Systema bears little resemblance to Sambo.

Sambo is a martial art that combines strikes and grappling, with a slight emphasis on the latter. Combat Sambo is more concerned with disabling an opponent quickly, without worrying about finesse or permanent harm; also, Combat Sambo includes weapons practice and disarming techniques.

Uniform

A Sambo practitioner normally wears a kurtka, belt, and sambofki .

Further Reading

• Classical SAMBO - With many examples and pictures.
• Creation of sambo - By M.Lukashev, first published in "Physical culture and sport" magazine N9-10/91.