Sambo and Systema: Russia’s Prominent Martial Arts

by Kevin Secours, Brett Jacques, Scott Anderson

Russia is rich in martial traditions deriving from a highly diverse population. Sambo—developed by the Soviet Red Army—became the most recognize martial art associated with Russia mainly because of its presence in international competitions. Another style to become recognized for its great practicality and encompassing training regimen is Systema. Originally created for Russian Special Operations Units, Systema’s teaching gradually spread world-wide after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. This anthology contains writings about Systema and Sambo that present essential information for anyone interested in the history, theory, and practice of these combative systems. In the first chapter, Kevin Secours shows that ground fighting and grappling are necessary components of a complete tactical arsenal. Specific emphasis is on the role of defending the takedown in a modern survival scenario. In chapter two he summarizes the prevailing theories and findings pertaining to the science of fear as it relates to surviving violence. How these findings have been interpreted by modern combative systems in the West are compared with approaches to the traditional Russian martial arts and their application in the Russian Special Forces. The next three chapters focus on Sambo. Jacques and Anderson detail the historical development of Sambo. Vasili Sergevich Oshchepkov, a student of Jigoro Kano, and Victor Spiridonov worked to develop this combative system. However, despite the judo-jujutsu influence, Sambo was born of native Russian and other regional grappling and combat wrestling styles bolstered with many useful and adaptable concepts and techniques from the rest of the world. This chapter presents details of the early development up to recent times. The fourth chapter by Polyakov, Yankauskas, and DeRose focuses on some of the fundamental techniques that are legal for Sambo competition. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the most successfully used submission techniques of three of the greatest figures in the history of sambo Michael Burdikov, Alex Feodorov, and David Rudman. Sambo has become well-known largely due to the success of Sambo fighters in various mixed martial art venues. Stephen Koepfer’s final chapter offers a description of its development as well as a delineation of one of Sambo’s hallmark offensive rolling. Examples of proper forward rolling and three related offensive techniques are presented. May readers of this anthology come to appreciate the great depth of Russian martial traditions and the unique developments that emerged in the arts of Systema and Sambo.

Genres: Martial Arts

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2016

Reviews

[Mav · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting. that's all. There's nothing that inspired a "WOW! that's amazing!". It's a serious work. It's well writing. It's interesting.

[Master Onehunglow · Rating 1 out of 5]

In my opinion, pure propaganda, and mis- information. The work of a 4th grader.

[Kristian Strauss · Rating 2 out of 5]

A academic look a t the martial arts developed in the soviet union and now we'll known in the former soviet states. Not so in depth as others but more of a general knowledge of the academic paper.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great introduction to Sambo and Systema. I wish there were more on Systema which is my main interest.

[Bobby J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, almost as the systema manual. A very good translation for introduction.

[Daniel Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of histories and themes, not a how-to manual. Half on Systema, half on Sambo.
Apparently at least one of the founders of Sambo got disappeared during Stalin’s purges.
Interesting historical bits on impact of Sambo and Russian judo on international Judo comps. Apparently those sneaky Ruskies liked to wear slim line Judo gis until they changed the rules.
Author talks about Japanese Judoka being better at seoi naga due to shorter legs, longer torso and the movement in daily life of getting up off the floor. Ruskies like belt grabs, more wrestling based techniques.