developed as a result of the harsh winter environment of Russia, where peo-
ple dress in several layers of clothes. Often, arms and legs are the only ar-
eas that can be attacked because of this heavy clothing; chokes are imprac-
tical because of the protection around the neck. Many Russians also claim
that arm and leg locks are easier to apply and more effective than chokes.
In addition to these European and Central Asian arts, Russia has a sig-
nificant East Asian population. This population practices various Chinese
and Mongolian wrestling systems, including shuaijiao (shuai-chiao), and it
is likely that techniques from these systems were also included. Kôdôkan
Jûdô, as taught by Vasilij Oshchepkov, was also blended into the system. It
is likely that the choke holds taught to military sambo practitioners came
from this system.
In addition to these grappling arts, striking arts were added to the mil-
itary sambo curriculum. Both Spiridonov and Oshchepkov were familiar
with the basics of Japanese atemi-waza(vital point technique), in which
practitioners are taught to strike at the weak points of the human body. In
addition, boxing techniques from English boxing were added. French sa-
vatewas practiced in the Russian Empire before the Revolution of 1917,
and it is likely that some of the kicks from this art were incorporated into
sambo as well. Although striking is not permitted in sport sambo, it is used
in military sambo and self-defense techniques.
Sambo 509A crowd intently watches a wrestling match in Tatarstan, Russia. (Gregor Schmid/Corbis)