How to Perform a Knee Bar in SAMBO Martial Arts

SAMBO is a form of combat that was developed by a group of specialists in the former USSR, mostly as an adaptation of and augmentation to the different forms of wrestling that were common sport among the people and countries of the Soviet Union. SAMBO includes methods of attack and defense taken from other forms of unarmed combat.Take the knee bar, for example. This is an effective method of forcing an opponent to submit from an upright grappling position if he attempts to drive a knee into your stomach or groin. The move is actually taken from Japanese ju-jitsu. It’s commonly used in competitive grappling martial arts of all kinds, and is effective for self-defense as well, provided you can cushion your fall to prevent injuring yourself outside of practice conditions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Floor padding

1. Begin in the standard SAMBO upright grappling position that is typically engaged in at the outset of a competitive or practice match. Wrap your right arm around your opponent’s neck to grab the back of his collar. Grab the top of his right shoulder with your left hand. Your opponent will do the same. As this is a reactive move, your opponent will have to make the first attack, attempting to drive his right knee into your stomach.

2. Release your left hand from her shoulder as she attempts to drive her knee upward. Wrap your elbow underneath her knee and slide your arm back so you have a firm hold on the inside of her calf, while her instep is nestled against the back of your armpit.

3. Sweep the inside of your right foot against the outside of your opponent's remaining leg to cause him to fall. Pull his body to your right, pivoting on your left foot as you do so to guide him down flat on his back, with his left side closest to your body.

4. Kneel over your opponent’s prone body, keeping firm hold of her leg under your armpit. Place one knee on either side of the base of the leg and fall forward, past her body, turning onto your right side as your hit the ground. The instep of your right foot should be pressed against the top of your opponent’s thigh. This step, combined with you having your left heel pressed into the underside of the thigh, will pin her leg.

5. Reach back with your left hand to grasp the top of your opponent’s trapped leg, just below the knee. All you need do to force your opponent to submit is lean back while pushing your pelvis forward; this will place a great amount of pressure on the joint of the knee. Be careful not to use too much pressure, or you might inadvertently break the joint. Your sparring partner will let you know when you have the right amount of force.

Resources

• Video Demonstration

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