The art of Sombo has rose above all arts for their knowledge in lower limb manipulation(leg locks). Regarded by some to be a distasteful type of submission. Those who have ever been made to tap by one of these holds, know that they are highly effective. Most students introduced to leglocks learn basic hip, knee, ankle and heel holds. Lower limb manipulation is much more complicated than that, it is an art of being able to flow in and out of hundreds of different locking combinations while stretching tendons, locking joints and causing muscular pain. Trying to escape from someone who knows this style of flow drilling is very difficult unless you know them also. Most grapplers will never get to see the full effect of these holds because they aren’t allowed in most events due to the high risk of injury. Some are even banned in Sombo matches, but they are allowed on the street where it really counts.

Sombo, also spelled Sambo, or Cambo, is an abbreviation of the Russian term "samoo-borona bezoruja’, meaning self-defense without weapons. It is a system of personal defense against armed and unarmed opponents. There are two forms of Sombo, sport and combat:

Sport Sombo - a form of wrestling designed for training and fitness development, in order to master the techniques of self-defense without weapons. This form consists of only safe techniques and is the normal format for competitions.

Combat Sombo - a comprehensive system of training for hand to hand combat without weapons. This form consists of strikes, dangerous holds, chokes and tactical strategy. Combat Sombo is used to train the Special Forces of the Russian Military. Unlike other systems of self-defense, Sport Sombo is an integral part of Combat Sombo and the primary method of technical, physical and psychological training.

The Sombo system of self defense was created byV.A. Spiridonov, V.S. Oschepkov and A.A. Harlampiev, all teachers and sportsmen. It is based on an analysis of different kinds of wrestling and self defense, including the regional styles of the former USSR and foreign systems of self defense. The techniques inherent in the Sombo system have theirorigins in the many varieties of national wrestling, as well as techniques from jiu-jitsu, judo, aikido and karate.

Combat Sombo is a unique system of self defense which is both highly practical and effective. Combine it with the pratice of Sport Sombo and you can be assured that personal readiness for self defense is always at it’s peak. The training methods and basic techniques of Sport Sombo are the foundation for a modern and effective system of self defense and personal fitness.

The organizations which promote Sombo welcome and encourage you to seek the benefits of this modern and inclusive form of fitness, self defense and sport.