Sambo and Systema: Russia's Prominent Martial Arts


Book Description

Russia is rich in martial traditions deriving from a highly diverse population. Sambo—developed by the Soviet Red Army—became the most recognize martial art associated with Russia mainly because of its presence in international competitions. Another style to become recognized for its great practicality and encompassing training regimen is Systema. Originally created for Russian Special Operations Units, Systema’s teaching gradually spread world-wide after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. This anthology contains writings about Systema and Sambo that present essential information for anyone interested in the history, theory, and practice of these combative systems. In the first chapter, Kevin Secours shows that ground fighting and grappling are necessary components of a complete tactical arsenal. Specific emphasis is on the role of defending the takedown in a modern survival scenario. In chapter two he summarizes the prevailing theories and findings pertaining to the science of fear as it relates to surviving violence. How these findings have been interpreted by modern combative systems in the West are compared with approaches to the traditional Russian martial arts and their application in the Russian Special Forces. The next three chapters focus on Sambo. Jacques and Anderson detail the historical development of Sambo. Vasili Sergevich Oshchepkov, a student of Jigoro Kano, and Victor Spiridonov worked to develop this combative system. However, despite the judo-jujutsu influence, Sambo was born of native Russian and other regional grappling and combat wrestling styles bolstered with many useful and adaptable concepts and techniques from the rest of the world. This chapter presents details of the early development up to recent times. The fourth chapter by Polyakov, Yankauskas, and DeRose focuses on some of the fundamental techniques that are legal for Sambo competition. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the most successfully used submission techniques of three of the greatest figures in the history of sambo competition: Michael Burdikov, Alex Feodorov, and David Rudman. Sambo has become well-known largely due to the success of Sambo fighters in various mixed martial art venues. Stephen Koepfer’s final chapter offers a description of its development as well as a delineation of one of Sambo’s hallmark strategies: offensive rolling. Examples of proper forward rolling and three related offensive techniques are presented. May readers of this anthology come to appreciate the great depth of Russian martial traditions and the unique developments that emerged in the arts of Systema and Sambo.




The Sambo Encyclopedia


Book Description

Sambo is considered one of the most effective, technically diverse, and dynamic modern fighting styles ever devised. Developed in the Soviet Union and based on Kodokan Judo and wrestling, sambo emphasizes utility over aesthetics. The end result is a fast paced and powerful style that excells in both throwing and groundfighting.This book presents a systematic approach to how the sport of sambo is taught and practiced.




Wrestling Sambo


Book Description

A fascinating glimpse into the increasingly popular Russian combat art of Wrestling Sambo. Suitable for people of all ages and abilities.




The Complete Book of Combat Systema


Book Description

In 1998 while changing after a kali training session, a friend approached Kevin Secours with a videocassette and asked, "You ever seen the Russian martial arts?" Looking at the Cyrillic label on the video, Secours asked, "Any good?" "It's interesting," the friend replied. "Weird as hell but interesting." Little did Secours know that tape would be his introduction to a 16-year (and counting) journey into the unorthodox world of the Russian martial arts, including years of high-level training under top Russian masters. On the video Secours saw mobility exercises unlike anything he had ever experienced. As he was to learn, the uniqueness of the Russian martial arts stemmed from the uniqueness of the country itself. The Cold War in the 1950s, during which the superpowers battled for supremacy, was the final forge that refined the Russian martial arts into what they are today. In anticipation of global warfare, the Soviet government commissioned combat researchers to travel throughout the world to study different approaches. They tested these methods and integrated the best concepts with their own native traditions. This period of development led to the creation of distinct Soviet martial arts, including Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Samoz, which was later modified and became known simply as Systema (literally "the System"). Approaching Systema from a decidedly Western perspective, Secours pressure-tested the strengths and benefits of every concept and technique, and ultimately took only what served him. He built his Combat Systema curriculum on a scientific approach to bio-mechanics, breath training, and combat psychology. In The Complete Book of Combat Systema, he keeps things practical, provable, and profitable for you to incorporate what works into your self-defense training.




Let Every Breath---


Book Description




Sambo


Book Description

The word "SAMBO" is an acronym for SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya, which literally translates as self-defense without weapons. Russian Sambo is a martial arts style and self-defense system that was formulated in the former Soviet Union during the early 1900's. In that sense, it does not have as long a history as some of the Asian styles. That said, Sambo, which is sometimes referred to as Sombo, has roots in several different martial arts types, drawing from many of the older styles. Sambo was meant to be a melding of all of the different martial arts styles available to come up with the most efficient one yet. Living in what amounts to a bridge between Europe and Asia, the Russian people were certainly introduced to a variety of martial arts styles via contact with the Japanese, Vikings, Tatars, Mongols, and more. The combination of what worked from these styles served as the building blocks to what is now referred to as Russian Sambo. Vasili Oshchepkov, the Karate and Judo trainer for Russia's elite Red Army, was one of the founders of Sambo. Like any trainer worth their salt, Oshchepkov wanted his men to be the most proficient of all in martial arts techniques. With a second degree black belt in judo from Jigoro Kano himself, making him one of the rare non-Japanese to hold such a distinction at the time, Oshchepkov felt that he could work to formulate a superior martial arts style by adding what worked from judo to what worked from the Russian native wrestling styles, karate, and more. Getting started in Sambo and Combat Sambo can be daunting. But training martial arts is one of the most beneficial things I've ever done, mentally and physically, but getting over the beginner's hump was where a chunk of those benefits come from. Thankfully the Internet now allows us to learn more easily from those who came before us. Here is what you will learn in Beginning Sambo: The Ultimate Guide What is Sambo? Where did Sambo originate? Who invented Sambo? Do the Russian Military use Sambo? What is the difference between Sambo and Combat Sambo? How does Sambo differ from Judo? How does Sambo differ from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu? What happens in the average Sambo class? Is Sambo right for Women? How often should I train Sambo, as a beginner? Is Sambo just a sport, or will it teach me self-defence? I'm really out of shape: Do I need to get fitter before starting Sambo? What are the belt ranks in Sambo? I'm getting frustrated with my lack of progress: how can I overcome this? Guide To Rolling/Sparring I get tired quickly when sparring: what can I do? I'm scared of sparring what should I do? How do I avoid injuries in Sambo and Combat Sambo? I'm worried about getting cauliflower ear: how do I avoid it? Beginner Sambo Techniques (With Videos) Would You Like To Know More? Download and begin your Sambo and Combat Sambo journey. Scroll to the top of the page and select the buy button.




Systema


Book Description

The purpose of this book is to provide a guide for students and teachers, to enhance their training and teaching of the Russian Martial Art known as Systema. It examines in detail 25 drills to help expand the knowledge of the novice and the experienced martial artist.




Guge Gongji


Book Description

Structurally disabling an opponent is like taking the bullets out of his gun. It is unlikely that he can swing with a broken wrist or advance with a busted knee. That is guge gongji: stopping an attacker by breaking his instrument of danger - his ability to move. Take anyone out of a fight by mastering these seven targets.




Sambo Wrestling


Book Description

This instructional book details the rules, techniques and principles of modern Sport Sambo in a format that can be appreciated by brand new students and experienced grapplers alike. With full color professional photography, this book beautifully renders some of the most important and dynamic techniques used in competitive Sambo all over the world. This book can serve as a text book and stand alone system to incorporate Sambo into any grappling gym environment, or simply add something interesting and unique to any martial arts fan's coffee table!




Mastering Sambo for Mixed Martial Arts


Book Description

The founders of Russian sambo sifted through all of the world's martial arts, including judo and jiujitsu, to get the most combat-effective techniques available. Each technique was carefully dissected and considered for its merits in achieving sambo's ultimate goal: to stop an armed or unarmed adversary in the least time possible. In this book, author Scott Sonnon traces the development of the four types of sambo (self-defense, sport-wrestling, combat sambo and Spetsnaz) and then focuses on sambo's mixed martial arts applications. Here he reveals the signature "saddle" techniques that have made him one of the most respected leg-lock coaches in the world. With 101 step-by-step moves - including entries, sweeps, passes, recounters and a host of submissions - this series is a must for all MMA competitors searching for an edge over the competition. Sambo prides itself on fast-wrestling, with only 60 seconds of groundfighting permitted. In mixed martial arts, however, these locks only work 20 percent of the time and aren't worth sacrificing quality position. As a result, Sonnon modified traditional sambo to become a "lower-half" positional approach so that fighters could both strike and defend against strikes, maintain positional dominance and easily transition from one submission to the next in a chess-like fashion, as Brazilian Jiujitsu has become known for in the "upper-half" game. Now you too can learn these winning strategies from one of the best sambo instructors in the world.