Sambo: The Russian Martial Art

The founders of Sambo relentlessly searched through all of the worlds martial arts to solidify the elite Russian Military hand-to-hand combat system. Sambo became the first eclectic method of combining many styles to form one style. In essence it was the first true mixed martial arts training. Sambo is a combination of wrestling, karate, judo, jujitsu, boxing, and kickboxing to name a few.

Each technique was carefully dissected and considered for its merits, and if found acceptable in unarmed combat, refined to reach Sambo's ultimate goal, to stop an armed or unarmed adversary in the least time possible. Bruce Lee was also an innovator and was quoted as saying, "Take what is useful and use it and what is not useful throw it away."

Bruce was referring to martial arts because many of the techniques that are taught are not useful in a real fight. Many of the techniques taught look good and sound good on paper, are ineffective in a real situation and will only serve in getting one in a compromising situation.

Discipline and the ability to instantly estimate the complex situation of a battle, to make the right decision with a lightning speed, and to govern ones own body is the object of pursuit of any combat art. To anticipate the action before action is required is being keenly aware of your surroundings and the possible conflict that can occur with-in the moment.

However, it's insufficient just to master the close fighting art. It is also necessary to possess a strong spirit and be ready to give your life to defend what is important to the individual. The genuine close combat is effective even when he or she has to act rightly, in an unpredictable situation, when there is no time to spot and think, and no mistake is permissible.

Sambo has been tested in so-called hot spots and showed its military efficiency, saving the lives of those who mastered it. Its detachment have conducted operations to stop illegal drug and arms trade, to fight against customs crimes, and to provide personal security for customs officers and their relatives, or even to rescue hostages. The close fighting, as well as each phenomenon in our lives, is governed by certain laws. The same is true for the close fight psychology.

Modern combat Sambo is renown for its aggressive style and rigorous training. It includes techniques that are dangerous and prohibited in sport MMA. The elite Red Army are renown the world over for the brutal training the solders must pass through before being accepted as an elite solder.

The philosophy behind the training, "to survive". To survive is to push the mind body to the outer limits to visualize the complete endurance that the person is capable of. Once the outer limitations can be achieved does the person ever recognize how true life is and the importance of the survival of the spirit. To have a complete disregard for ones own limitations to serve the better good of other members. The frigid cold nor the searing heat can concur the warriors spirit and the mission will be completed at all cost.

There are some schools that teach Sambo in the U.S.