The Sambo Encyclopedia

Sambo is considered one of the most effective, technically diverse, and dynamic modern fighting styles ever devised. Developed in the Soviet Union and based on Kodokan Judo and wrestling, sambo emphasizes utility over aesthetics. The end result is a fast paced and powerful style that excells in both throwing and groundfighting.This book presents a systematic approach to how the sport of sambo is taught and practiced.

Russia is rich in martial traditions deriving from a highly diverse population. Sambo—developed by the Soviet Red Army—became the most recognize martial art associated with Russia mainly because of its presence in international competitions. Another style to become recognized for its great practicality and encompassing training regimen is Systema. Originally created for Russian Special Operations Units, Systema’s teaching gradually spread world-wide after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. This anthology contains writings about Systema and Sambo that present essential information for anyone interested in the history, theory, and practice of these combative systems. In the first chapter, Kevin Secours shows that ground fighting and grappling are necessary components of a complete tactical arsenal. Specific emphasis is on the role of defending the takedown in a modern survival scenario. In chapter two he summarizes the prevailing theories and findings pertaining to the science of fear as it relates to surviving violence. How these findings have been interpreted by modern combative systems in the West are compared with approaches to the traditional Russian martial arts and their application in the Russian Special Forces. The next three chapters focus on Sambo. Jacques and Anderson detail the historical development of Sambo. Vasili Sergevich Oshchepkov, a student of Jigoro Kano, and Victor Spiridonov worked to develop this combative system. However, despite the judo-jujutsu influence, Sambo was born of native Russian and other regional grappling and combat wrestling styles bolstered with many useful and adaptable concepts and techniques from the rest of the world. This chapter presents details of the early development up to recent times. The fourth chapter by Polyakov, Yankauskas, and DeRose focuses on some of the fundamental techniques that are legal for Sambo competition. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the most successfully used submission techniques of three of the greatest figures in the history of sambo competition: Michael Burdikov, Alex Feodorov, and David Rudman. Sambo has become well-known largely due to the success of Sambo fighters in various mixed martial art venues. Stephen Koepfer’s final chapter offers a description of its development as well as a delineation of one of Sambo’s hallmark strategies: offensive rolling. Examples of proper forward rolling and three related offensive techniques are presented. May readers of this anthology come to appreciate the great depth of Russian martial traditions and the unique developments that emerged in the arts of Systema and Sambo.

Juji Gatame remains the most consistently used joint lock in many grappling sports including judo, sambo, jujitsu, submission grappling, BJJ, and MMA. Athletes and coaches around the world use and respect this game-ending armlock. Juji gatame was not widely popular until the 1960s, when the sambo grapplers of the former Soviet Union began their innovations with Japanese armlocks and groundfighting. With great success, they took their opponents to the mat, submitting them with never-before-seen applications of juji gatame techniques. This comprehensive manual organizes juji gatame into four primary applications Spinning juji gatame Back roll juji gatame Head roll juji gatame Hip roll juji gatame Steve Scott carefully breaks down the basics, analyzes the structure, and offers hundreds of variations so you can successfully win with juji gatame, even under stress. A logical and systematic teaching method--for easy learning A functional perspective showing hundreds of variations--your options Juji gatame unbiased--inviting all grappling styles Thousands of photographs--in action

This instructional book details the rules, techniques and principles of modern Sport Sambo in a format that can be appreciated by brand new students and experienced grapplers alike. With full color professional photography, this book beautifully renders some of the most important and dynamic techniques used in competitive Sambo all over the world. This book can serve as a text book and stand alone system to incorporate Sambo into any grappling gym environment, or simply add something interesting and unique to any martial arts fan's coffee table!

A fascinating glimpse into the increasingly popular Russian combat art of Wrestling Sambo. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

Fistic combat represents the greatest human drama in all of sport. Roman gladiators thrilled citizens and emperors alike when they entered the octagon to face an intense, life-threatening experience. Boxing, the sport of kings, also has its roots in the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Banned in 500 A.D. by the Emperor Theodoric, it resurfaced twelve centuries later in England. John Milton praised it as a noble art for building character in young men, and sports writer A.J. Leibling dubbed it the Sweet Science. Many of its major protagonists - men such as Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali - have become transcendent, near-mythic heroes. But boxing is not the only combat sport, and mixed martial arts, in all their ferocious beauty, represent the fastest growing sports genre in the world. Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) has joined boxing in paying seven figures to some of its champions, and draws millions in its pay-per-view events. This book details leading figures in boxing, sumo wrestling, kickboxing, Greco-Roman wrestling, and mixed martial arts (including organizations such as Ultimate Fighting, PRIDE, K-1, Total Combat, and SportFighting). Over 150 entries cover champions, contenders, and other famous combatants from all over the world, as well as legendary promoters, managers, trainers, and events. Also included in this encyclopedia are sidebars on controversies, highlights, brief bios, and other noteworthy events, along with a general timeline. .