How to Practice Sambo

Sambo is a Russian martial art that was developed in the Soviet Union as a means of fighting without a weapon. Known today as a ruthlessly effective system that incorporates elements of wrestling, grappling and weapons disarming, the practice of sambo is effective as a serious international sport and as a combat system. Follow these steps to practice sambo.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Decide what kind of sambo you want to begin with. Sambo is divided into a few main types: combat, sport, self-defense, special and freestyle. While studying any of the kinds of sambo will invariably lead you to the others, you should still choose which kind of sambo you want to start with. Most sambo practitioners begin with sport or self-defense versions of the martial art.
2. Find a school or training center. There are training centers in dozens of states around the country and in other parts of the world. Take a few introductory courses to get yourself into shape and to get the basic stances and movements of the practice of sambo. Search the American Sambo Association website to get a lead on the sambo training center closest to you (see Resources below).
3. Look to instructional materials. Even if you're already enrolled and progressing through a sambo course, watching videos and reading books about sambo will help improve your knowledge and feel for the sport. You can find sambo instructional materials for sale by the American Sambo Association. Also, check free Internet video sites for video clips of sambo experts in competition.
4. Practice on a regular basis. If you want to get good at sambo, it's important that you train and practice outside of the training center. Set up an athletic mat in a clear space and find a sparring partner or two who are willing to put in a couple hours a week outside of the gym. Also, add high-intensity workouts to your routine to get into better shape to practice sambo.