Sambo is a composition of the Russian terms “Samosaschtschita bes orushia” (?????????? ??? ?????? = self-defense without the use of weapons) and that’s exactly what it is. Sambo is a mixture of traditional wrestling and the Japanese martial arts Judo and Jiu Jitsu. With the aid of modern technology and a profound scientific knowledge of the human body and intuitive action, a new kind of martial art came into being.
Back in 1923 the Red Army of the former Soviet Union had to improve their hand-to-hand-combat skills, which meant that the new martial art had to be introduced to their soldiers – something as easily to learn as possible. The aim was to turn a simple man into a skilled fighting machine in a period of 2-3 years. Little by little they adapted elements of boxing and kickboxing into the new form of MA and created what we know today as Sambo.
During competitions the fight usually takes place on the ground where the counterparts try to freeze and/or incapacitate their opponent by using wrestling holds or firm hits seen in modern MMA. This, however, can have severe consequences as inexperienced fighter can easily get knocked out cold due to lack of oxygen and reduced blood supply.
Chosen Special Forces of today’s Russia are still being trained a special form of Combat-Sambo. This form is in fact, even more dangerous and far more lethal than the one used for self-defense. Even in a combat with another martial artist it can end badly because Sambo is highly unpredictable. Sambo is less precise but incredibly effective, similar to a sledge-hammer. It isn’t supposed to look good but to be efficient.
Copyright: http://thissilincewillkillme.tumblr.com/
