We have discussed the history and importance of the Russian sport of Sambo many times before. For those of you who are unaware of its history, here we go. Sambo was developed for the military and is a combination of Japanese grappling arts and several native styles of wrestling which includes CACC. Often times Samboists are considered leg lock experts, but they are also masters of throws, trips and takedowns. Cross-training is common and many start out in Judo before moving over to Sambo and sometimes athletes compete in both. Over the past decade Sambo has evolved to also contain competitions that look very similar to what we would call amateur MMA. Combatants wear MMA styled gloves with shin guards and headgear along with shorts, shoes and the kurtka. This style is called Combat Sambo and has helped paved the way for a new breed of Russian fighters making their way into major MMA promotions including the UFC.
Enough of that, now onto the good stuff. Lay back, relax and admire some of the best Sambo practitioners on the planet compete at the 2014 Sambo World Cup 1 that took place about a week ago. You will enjoy almost 3 hours of throws, locks and non-stop action, Ostrovia!