The name Sambo (or Sombo as it is often referred to in English speaking countries) is an acronym of the Russian phrase Sam oborona b ez O ruzhiya which simply means Self Defence without Weapons . Sambo developed in the former Soviet Union during the early part of the 20 th century and is a synthesis of the numerous wrestling and self defence disciplines of Russia and the Soviet republics. Sambo also draws from Oriental systems such as Judo and Karate. Sambo wrestling was officially accepted as a sport in the USSR in 1938 whilst the self-defence branch of Sambo was used as a means of hand-to-hand combat training for the Soviet Union Army.

Sambo is a tough, physical activity requiring a high level of technical proficiency together with a high level of fitness and strength in order to compete at the highest levels. That said, Sambo is the ideal medium in which to develop such characteristics where they do not already exist.

Sambo wrestlers wear a red or blue jacket called a khurtka which is held in place by a belt of the same colour, plus shorts and soft soled boots and compete on a standard Olympic wrestling mat area. In competition, the objective is to gain total victory over the opponent by throwing them cleanly onto their back whilst remaining in a standing position or to gain a submission from an armlock or leglock. Points are also awarded for pins or throws not fully meeting the total victory criteria. For reasons of safety, tournaments for children under the age of 16 do not include submission techniques.

Despite the high demands of Sambo, beginners are carefully introduced and learn basic safety drills alongside the throwing, pinning and locking techniques. New wrestlers are nurtured through the club system and steadily begin to develop the technical skills and physical characteristics required for competition.

If you are looking for a new sport or martial art that combines the very best in grappling and self defence skills whilst at the same time improving all round strength, fitness, agility and personal confidence then you need look no further!