Sambo is a Russian sportive martial art that combines wrestling and Judo. Specializes in submission holds. Sambo is an acronym that translates to "self defense without weapons.". Sambo is recognized by the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) as the fourth style of international wrestling next to freestyle, Greco-Roman and beach wrestling. Sambo also has it’s own international governing body called the Federation Of International Amateur Sambo (FIAS). This is a public group for anyone that either trains in or is interested in the martial art/sport of sambo.

The following is a definition of sambo given by my instructor Vladislav Koulikov who is the chief instructor at The Ultimate Sambo Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Florida, New York.

“Sambo originated in Russia (former USSR) in 1938, as a hand to hand combat method for soldiers. Literally, Sambo is an acronym for the Russian phrase, "Self defense without weapons", (Som-oborona Bes Orusyia). Combat Sambo involves throws, takedowns, striking techniques, weapons & removal... This is "Combat Sambo". Over the years Sambo has developed into a sport of world structure, having been recognized as such in 1968 by the International Amateur Wrestling Federation. Sambo was classified as the third wrestling discipline alongside Freestyle & Greco Roman. Sport Sambo involves throws, takedowns, groundwork & submissions... This is "Sport Sambo".”