Fort Worth Sambo

Sport and Combat Sambo

Sambo was developed in the early 1920s in the Soviet Union as a scientific and standardized approach to hand-to-hand combat. The goal was to combine the most effective grappling systems in the world—primarily judo, Greco-Roman wrestling, and regional folk wrestling styles—into a single, practical method for both military and civilian self-defense. Over time, Sambo evolved into two major competitive expressions: Sport Sambo, which emphasizes throws, takedowns, pins, and submissions, and Combat Sambo, which adds striking, clinch disruption, and high-pressure fight scenarios similar to modern MMA.

Here at Fort Worth Sambo we teach both styles under one roof. Training is adaptable by design—students can strike with gloves and protective gear, or focus on pure grappling and throwing without gloves, depending on their goals for the day. While the core topic of each class stays consistent, the way we enter techniques—whether through striking setups or grappling-only entries—changes based on how students choose to train that session. This keeps learning intentional, efficient, and engaging while preserving the structure of the lesson.

Sport Sambo gives practitioners a dynamic grappling foundation that blends the off-balancing and throwing efficiency of judo with the takedown aggression and positional control of wrestling. Students drill body locks, trips, hip throws, leg attacks, scrambles, and submissions that transfer directly into both self-defense and competitive Sambo. Combat Sambo builds on that same base but steps into a full-spectrum fight system, integrating punches, kicks, knees, elbows, and clinch disruption, along with defensive tactics for close-range pressure situations. Fighters wear protective jackets, shin guards, headgear, and gloves, allowing for safe but realistic striking and grappling integration without losing the sport’s intensity or identity.

Because Sambo literally means “self-defense without weapons,” its techniques were built to be direct, efficient, and reliable for people of all sizes. This heritage of practical testing, structured drilling, and adaptable training makes Sambo one of the most versatile combat sports and self-defense systems on the planet—whether your focus is fitness, competition, or real-world personal protection. At Fort Worth Combatives, we honor that legacy with purpose-driven lessons, beginner accessibility, and a competition pathway coached by proven champions, so every student can start strong, progress with clarity, and train with intent.