what is a sambo

Sambo is a Russian martial art and combat sport. It means “self-defense without weapons,” and it combines techniques from wrestling, judo, jujutsu, and other combat styles.

Quick Scoop

There are two main forms:

• Sport sambo , focused on throws, grappling, and submissions.
• Combat sambo , which adds striking and is closer to military hand-to-hand fighting.

In plain English

If someone says “sambo,” they usually mean the martial art, not the offensive racial slur in English. The martial art developed in the Soviet Union in the 1920s and was designed to improve close-quarters combat skills.

If you meant something else

“Sambo ” can also refer to a derogatory racial term in some contexts, which is offensive and should be avoided. If you want, I can also explain:

• Sambo as a martial art
• Sambo vs. judo
• Why the word can be controversial