For most people in the western world, the first introduction to Combat sambo was through the former undefeated, undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
But even within Sambo there is also Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo.
Khabib showed the extreme effectiveness of this martial art in MMA, along with many other fighters coming from Russia.
However, what actually is combat sambo, and how did it start?
This is a question that many people think about.
We also discuss:
- Origins of Sambo from Judo
- Notable Sambo Fighters
- Sport vs Combat Sambo
- Rules of Sambo
Where did SAMBO Come From?
Sambo is a mixed martial art or hybrid martial art.
Sambo was created to be a hybrid martial art that incorporated the most effective techniques of other martial arts.
Sambo was developed by the Soviet Red Army in the early 1920s as an effective hand-to-hand combat system.
In fact, the word Sambo is an acronym of “Samozashchita Bez Oruzhiya” which translates to Self defense without weapons.
Vasili Oshchepkov, a Russian martial arts expert is believed to be the person behind the creation of Sambo.
He also played a key role in the introduction of Judo into the Soviet Union.
Oshchepkov studied Judo in Japan and was an intelligence officer during the Soviet Era, where he developed Sambo with a significant influence from Judo.
Difference Between Combat Sambo and Sport Sambo
In the 1960s, sambo eventually became a sport as well and was recognized as a style of amateur wrestling by the UWW Congress in 1966.
There are significant differences between Sport and Combat Sambo most notably being that Sport Sambo does not include strikes and is very similar to Judo in rules.
Sport Sambo
Simple sport sambo focuses on wrestling and has a rule set quite similar to old judo, in which similar techniques are used for takedowns and slams, with a focus on leg locks and other submissions as well.
Fighters wear the Judo gi jacket but with shorts and shoes for the mats.
As Sport Sambo is basically an off-shoot from Judo the rule are very similar.
You can win by Ippon if you throw your opponent on their back cleanly, Ippon by submission as in Judo and pins or hold downs osaekomi waza.
What is Combat SAMBO?
Sambo can be seen as similar to modern day MMA but with a gi.
It is the more holistic form of Sambo in comparison with Sport Sambo as it does not focus only on grappling but striking as well.
In addition to punches and kicks, Combat Sambo focuses on submissions banned in Judo such as heel hooks and toe holds which are also less common in Sport Sambo.
Notable Sambo Fighters
Sambo is very similar to modern day MMA.
So it is no wonder many former Sambo Champions have also made a major name for themselves fighting MMA at the highest level.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Khabib is probably the most world famous Sambo practitioner today.
Indeed Khabib was a 2 Time Combat Sambo World Champion and this style of fighting set him up well for success in MMA and the UFC.
Fedor Emelianenko
Another Mixed Martial Arts legend, Fedor Emalienko also got his start in Combat Sambo.
Fedor was a 4 Time Combat Sambo World Champion before he gained legendary status in MMA.
Islam Makachev
Current UFC fighter, Islam Makachev is another notable Sambo fighter who was also Combat Sambo World Champion in 2016.
He is one of the top contenders in the UFC lightweight division.
Andrei Arlovski
Former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Andrei Arlovski is another former Junior World Sport Sambo Champion, as well as a silver medalist in the World Sambo Championship and World Sambo Cup.
Rules of Combat SAMBO
In combat sambo, the rules were a lot more open, and striking both on the feet and on the ground was also a part of it.
As far as grips are concerned there aren’t any restrictions, and there are very few when it comes to striking.
In fact, head butts and groin shots are also legal in some Sambo competitions.
Though you could win by knockout, strikes do not score any points.
However, a Knockdown is considered as a throw and is scored as such.
Scoring in Combat SAMBO
The scoring system is similar to Judo, however, there are some differences.
To win a fight on points, you need to get a 12 point lead on your opponent.
A throw can be worth anywhere between 1 to 4 points depending on your position and the position of your opponent.
If you also go to the mat while taking your opponent down, you will get fewer points as opposed to if you remain standing as they go down.
Similarly, if your opponent lands on their back after a takedown, you get more points than you would if they land on their side, buttocks, or chest.
Pinning or holding your opponent down in dominant positions will also get you points, which can be between 2 and 4 points.
Pins (or hold-downs) are also scored in sambo.
That’s when you hold your opponent down on his back so his shoulder blades are in contact with them for a certain period of time. Pins can be scored 4 or 2 points, depending on how long you hold your opponent down.
SAMBO Submissions
Submissions are also a major part of Sambo.
In sport sambo matches, arm locks and leg locks are legal, however, chokeholds are not.
In combat sambo, any submission can be legally attempted, including clockwise leg locks and all kinds of chokes that are common in MMA and BJJ.
Fighters are allowed to continue fighting on the ground, but they can be stood up by a referee in case of inactivity.
Overall the techniques used in Sambo are very similar to Judo.
However, one thing that stands out is an increased focus on leglocks, which isn’t seen in modern Judo or Jiu-Jitsu. Striking techniques from many martial arts like boxing or Muay Thai can be used.
All, and all, Combat sambo is a very versatile sport and martial art.
