Combat Sambo
Combat Sambo is a military-style martial art developed in the Soviet Union, blending judo, wrestling, and striking techniques for real-world hand-to-hand combat. Designed for military, police, and special forces, Combat Sambo includes punches, kicks, throws, submissions, and ground control in a seamless and aggressive format. It’s known for its no-nonsense approach, tactical versatility, and raw efficiency in both sport and combat scenarios. Practitioners wear protective gear in competition but train for high-pressure, unpredictable encounters. Today, Combat Sambo is recognized internationally and continues to influence modern mixed martial arts and tactical training systems.
Combat Sambo Essentials
About Combat Sambo
Learn what makes Combat Sambo unique—a full-spectrum martial art combining striking, grappling, and self-defense, developed for military and law enforcement use.
Combat Sambo History
Explore the roots of Combat Sambo in Soviet special operations training, its evolution from the 1930s onward, and how it diverged from Sport Sambo into a battlefield-ready system.
Philosophy & Approach
Understand Combat Sambo’s philosophy—maximum effectiveness, minimal theory. It prioritizes adaptability, aggression, and control under chaotic, high-stress conditions.
Techniques & Style
Discover Combat Sambo’s integrated skillset: striking (punches, kicks, elbows), clinch fighting, throws, ground submissions, and weapon disarmament tactics.
Traditions & Etiquette
Though combat-oriented, Combat Sambo maintains a structured training environment with military-inspired discipline, respect, and a strict training hierarchy.
Uniform & Symbols
Explore the signature Combat Sambo uniform—kurtka jacket, shorts, wrestling shoes, and protective headgear—paired with patches denoting federation or military affiliation.
Weapons
Learn how Combat Sambo includes training in disarming knives, firearms, and batons, focusing on realistic, high-stakes scenarios drawn from military experience.
Ranking System
Review how Combat Sambo uses military and federation-based ranking, often emphasizing tournament results, instructor qualification, and tactical performance over belts.
Combat Sambo Glossary
Familiarize yourself with terms like kurtka, sambo throw, striking combo, and Russian terminology used across training, technique naming, and competition.
Notable Figures
Meet pioneers and champions like Fedor Emelianenko and other elite practitioners who transitioned Combat Sambo expertise into MMA and special forces instruction.
Branches & Organizations
Explore key organizations governing Combat Sambo, including divisions within FIAS and national-level federations supporting civilian, military, and sport branches.
Competitive Format
Learn how Combat Sambo tournaments are structured—full-contact fights featuring both striking and grappling under rules that simulate realistic combat engagement.
