Sambo (Sombo?)

[WingChunWonder]

Hi, im looking to start some sort of groundfighting, and i hear good things about sambo, however i cant find much good information on it so i was wondering if anyone here could help, any information reguarding history, principles etc would be great.

Also, if anyone know of an essex (basildon preferably) based club would be brilliant.

[Sgathak]

History - Sambo primarily combines Judo with native Russian grappling styles and some forms of European wrestling (greco Roman for example). Combat Sambo also integrates boxing, kickboxing, and other arts. It was developed by the Soviets as a system of hand to hand that was "purely" Soviet, that could be trained with full force, and was easily learned. Sport Sambo was taught to anyone who was interested. Combat Sambo took the stuff from Sport and added in stand up and lethal techniques. This was taught to the military.

Principals - Use the whole body to attack the whole body. Sambo is very heavy in control locks... leg locks being very big, along with all of the arm locks and throw techniqes you would see in Judo. In Combat Sambo the control techniques are connected to the idea "combat to capture", or the ability to win without seriously damaging your opponent. In Combat Sambo you also see techniques intended to cause severe damage, even death. These techniques are "combat to kill". In both cases, the goal is to gain as much control of your opponent without letting him get too much control of you... A "clean" fight involves the winner gaining full body control, while still being able to reach/use weapons and the ability to break contact instantly if need be.

I dont know of anyone in England teaching sambo. I know there MUST be SOMEONE but I cant point you to anyone.

[loppy]

Thank you for your information. Now i'm a bit smarter.

[RobP]

Also, if anyone know of an essex (basildon preferably) based club would be brilliant.

These might help:

http://www.russiansystema.org.uk/

http://www.systemalondon.com/default.htm

[Erik]

Sambo is Russian MMA (sort of). If you find a decent club, you will be golden.

Great system.

[Sgathak]

Yup, throw in some Draka (Russian rules San Shou kick boxing) to your Sambo and your well set ;)

Granted, Draka isnt very common......... hmmmmmmmm.......... bummer :(

[Erik]

I thought draka was a Russian liquor, like grappa. I'm not making fun - I'm serious.

[Sgathak]

Draka means "fight" in Russian. It might that someone named their drink "fight". Russians have odd (by American standards) naming conventions.

[kozak]

perhaps this
http://sfuk.tripod.com/clubs/essexsambo.html

[TIRAGION]

http://sombo.org/index2.html



http://www.britishsombo.co.uk/

hope they help,

Good luck

[loppy]

Erik , i have heard that in germany as well , draka. when i go back i will see if i can find it again

[loppy]

in germany there is a elevator company named draka. no wonder that i have read the name

[Erik]

I just had my first Sambo lesson. It was great.

Lots of movement drills that addressed where I'm stymied in BJJ.

Does Sambo have a positional heirarchy (like BJJ)?

[Sgathak]

Erik! Glad you enjoyed the class!

By "positional heirarchy" Im assuming you mean X position = better position.
The answer here is generally "no".

In sport sambo, you are penalized if you spend too much time on your back... so it is inadventagous to flop to your back, spread your legs, and say "ok lets fight" ;)

Movement is important, and contol without being controlled is ideal. This is even more important in combat sambo... your goal is to gain complete and total control, but always be able to break contact. In fact, the ability to break contact is one of the cornerstones of sambo according to Dr Brett Jacques.

If Im on my back, and your on top of me, as far as Im concerned were in a stalemate. To me, this is bad. I cant run, and I cant let you go without getting myself in trouble... This leaves me with the sole option of continuing the fight.... not in my book the greatest of plans.

[Erik]

Hi Joe,

I see, so being able to disengage overrides getting a defensive position (ie: stay up instead of pulling guard).

And yeah, positional heirarchy - mounts are better than mounted, etc. Seems that in all the leglocking games I've seen, there's little emphasis on getting a good, retainable, and advantageous position.

Compare going for mount and then submission to two guys doing ankle locks on each other, for example

Maybe I don't understand it all yet - it was my first lesson.

What a great Sunday, though! And that trainer (Serge Gerish, or Goulash, or something) was just flat-out a cool guy.

[kozak]

Erik, I'm glad you enjoyed Sambo!