How to Learn Sambo

Sambo is a Russian martial art that was developed for the military police. Its name is an acronym for SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya, or Self-Defense Without Weapon. A highly effective martial art, it's growing in popularity, and can be seen featured in shows like The Human Weapon, or the Ultimate Fighting Championships and more. Read on to learn more about how to Sambo.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Explore Sambo and its history and decide whether the martial art is for you. Sites like Ultimate Sambo or The United Federation Of Russian Sambo provide a helpful history of Sambo as well as information.
2. Look for a Sambo school near you. You can do this by looking in the phone book or online. Make sure that the instructor is a certified Sambo instructor.
3. Ask to observe a class. This is important, for it can give you an idea of what the class will be like, as well as the teaching style of the instructor. If you like the class, the students and the instructor, join the school.
4. Find out whether you need to purchase a uniform for the class. Some classes require that you wear some form of a gi or martial arts uniform. Otherwise, you may be able to wear non-restrictive, comfortable clothing for the class.
5. Attend every class and pay attention. Do not be afraid to ask questions. You're learning Sambo, a martial art, which has the potential to hurt you and others if you apply the techniques improperly.
6. Stay after class, if the opportunity is available, and ask your instructor to help you with any Sambo moves that you have trouble understanding. This one-on-one training can help you greatly in learning Sambo.
7. Practice as much as you remember while you're not in class. If you are not able to practice very much, you can rent or find Sambo videos and view them.