SAMBO is a unique synthesis of single combat and martial arts of the world. Sambo is the original system of physical and spiritual education of person, in which many nations of the world recognize their sporty styles and traditions. SAMBO is an International sport.

ABOUT SAMBO

SAMBO (SAMozaschita Bez Orujiy: - meaning self- defence without weapons) is a universal combat sport and martial art, encompassing a variety of effective Martial Arts techniques. SAMBO incorporates a variety of throws, locks, strikes, kicks, chokes and submission holds. The range of SAMBO self-defence techniques enables a skilled practitioner to defend himself against most forms of physical aggression. SAMBO currently includes four disciplines: Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, Beach Sambo and Sambo for the blind & visually impaired.

SAMBO is a unique synthesis of single combat and martial arts of the world. Sambo is the original system of physical and spiritual education of person, in which many nations of the world recognize their sporty styles and traditions. SAMBO is an International sport.

SIGNIFICANT DATES

1920s * SAMBO begins to form as an independent martial art. Many moves and technical elements of different national martial arts were put into the foundation of SAMBO.

1923* First competitions were held. Two branches of SAMBO development began to emerge – sport and combat.

1938* On November 16th 1938, the All-Union Committee of physical culture and sport issued an order “About development of the freestyle wrestling SAMBO” in which it was recognized as “extremely useful for the Soviet youth”. This date is considered to be an official birthday of SAMBO as it started to gain a huge popularity in the country.

1939* First USSR SAMBO Championship was held.

1950s* SAMBO enters an international arena.

1957* First official meeting between Soviet SAMBO athletes with judo representatives from Hungary takes place in Moscow.

* First foreign SAMBO Federation is formed in Bulgaria. After some time, National Sambo Federations in Japan, Mongolia, SFR Yugoslavia, Great Britain, Iran, Spain, USA and in many other countries are formed.

1966* International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) officially recognizes SAMBO as an international sport. An independent SAMBO committee is formed in FILA.

1972* The first SAMBO European Open among men is held in Riga, Latvia. It was held under the banner of FILA. 

1973* First World SAMBO Championship is held in Teheran.

1977* First SAMBO World Cup is held in Spain.

        * First Pan-American SAMBO Championship is held in Puerto-Rico.

1981* Sambo is included in the Bolivar Games (South America).

        * The first Women's World SAMBO Championships are held in Madrid.

1982* The first Annual International Tournament “Anatoliy Kharlampiev Memorial” is held in Moscow.

1984* SAMBO leaves FILA and establishes the International Sambo Federation (FIAS). Since then every world and European championship is held under the banner of FIAS. Fernando Compte is elected as the first FIAS President, representing Spain.

1991* The first World SAMBO Championship among Youths is held in USA. It is now an annual event in FIAS Calendar.

        * The European Sambo Federation is established in Torino, Italy. Padre Mario Loi is elected president, representing Italy.

2010* SAMBO is introduced in first SportAccord International Games in Beijing, China.

2013* SAMBO is included in official programs of the XXVII Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia and Asian Games.

2015* First European Games are held in Baku, Azerbaijan. SAMBO is included in European Games.

2017* World SAMBO Championship is held in Sochi, Russia. A record number of 490 athletes from 90 countries were competing for the titles of World Champions.

2019 * II European Games were held in Minsk. SAMBO is included in Second European Games.