History of Sambo

Sambo, short for “SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya (Self-Defense Without Weapons),” is a martial art that originated in the Soviet Union during the 1920s and 1930s. It was founded by two visionaries: Vasily Oshchepkov and Viktor Spiridonov. Oshchepkov studied judo directly under Jigoro Kano in Japan, becoming one of the first Russians to master the art. He brought back to the USSR not only a repertoire of throws and joint locks but also the strategic philosophy of “maximum efficiency” that defined judo. Spiridonov, a veteran of military combat who suffered serious injuries, developed a gentler system tailored to the practical needs of real-world self-defense, including methods that could be used by individuals with physical limitations. Together, they fused their knowledge with techniques from traditional folk wrestling styles found across the Soviet republics—Tatar, Georgian, Kazakh, Uzbek, Kyrgyz, and others—as well as with jiu-jitsu and Greco-Roman wrestling. The result was a hybrid system that blended effectiveness, adaptability, and cultural depth.

Viktor Spiridonov, Vasili Oshchepkov

The rise of Sambo was closely linked to the USSR’s effort to forge a unique national identity through sport and military readiness. The government aimed to create a wrestling system that not only reflected the cultural mosaic of its many republics but also rivaled foreign martial arts in utility and prestige. Sambo was crafted as both a response and a challenge to Western styles—it borrowed from the best but developed into something wholly original.

Initially, Sambo was adopted as a practical combat training system for the NKVD (the Soviet secret police) and other branches of the military. Soldiers and security personnel were trained in throws, submission techniques, and methods for disarming attackers. Over time, a sport version of Sambo emerged, complete with rules, referees, and organized competitions. In 1938, it was officially recognized as a sport of the USSR, laying the foundation for its future growth.

Sambo’s international journey began in earnest during the 1960s and 70s. As it spread beyond Soviet borders, it quickly gained recognition for its effectiveness in competition. The first international tournaments introduced the global martial arts community to its dynamic, multidimensional approach to grappling and control. In 1984, the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) was established, further solidifying the sport’s global infrastructure. Today, Sambo is practiced in dozens of countries and, in 2018, achieved recognition from the International Olympic Committee as an official sport.

Modern Sambo is divided into two main branches. Sport Sambo emphasizes competition and includes throws, submission holds on the arms and legs, and positional control. Striking techniques are not permitted in this version. Combat Sambo, by contrast, is a more tactical and applied system. It includes punches, kicks, choke holds, and weapon disarmament, making it ideal for military and law enforcement use. This dual structure has allowed Sambo to thrive as both a sport and a system of real-world self-defense.

Sambo has also left a lasting mark on the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Russian fighters such as Fedor Emelianenko, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Oleg Taktarov have demonstrated its effectiveness on the world stage. The discipline’s emphasis on powerful leg locks and positional dominance has influenced the technical evolution of modern MMA, showcasing Sambo as one of Russia’s most influential contributions to the global martial arts community.

Today, Sambo continues to grow in three major directions. As a sport, it hosts national and international tournaments and boasts strong youth programs. As a combat system, it remains a core part of military and police training in Russia and other countries. And as an international movement, it is expanding rapidly in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. In its home country, Sambo enjoys the status of a national sport.

Looking forward, the future of Sambo is promising. Advocates continue to push for its inclusion in the Olympic Games, and modern training methods increasingly integrate insights from sports science and technology. Efforts are underway to bring Sambo into schools and universities, where it can be taught not just as a means of self-defense, but as a tool for building character, discipline, and mutual respect among youth. As it continues to evolve, Sambo remains a symbol of cultural resilience, tactical innovation, and martial excellence.