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Another world renowned grappling style came from Russia called Sombo (short for Samozoshchita Bez Oruzhive - translates to Self Defense Without Weapons). It was devised by Vasily Oshchepkov, who attained 2nd Dan in Judo under Jigaro Kano himself. Along with Oshchepkov was Anatoly Arkadevich Kharlampiev, a famous Russian wrestler. Along with another Russian Judo instructor, Victor Speredonov, they drew up the rules of sport Sombo, which was officially recognized by the Soviet National Sports Committee in 1938.

Sombo has an interesting history. Created during the Soviet era there has always been an air of intrigue around the sport. It is unique in the area of martial arts creation as it was the creation of a State sponsored dictum. Combining 25 different national styles from with in the vastness of the Soviet empire with dozens of other martial art styles from through out the globe; Sombo is recognized as one of the most complete fighting systems. Not surprising since the Sombo's birth and furtherment was bolstered by the full weight of the Soviet political machine. And while that same machine left ruin in it's wake in most endeavors; Sombo is a diamond we have inherited from the failed Soviet experiment.

Of course there were some flaws in this diamond. Much of "Sombo" training system was hidden behind the wall of intrigue that shrouded so much of Soviet life. While Sombo was designed as a complete combat system it was presented as only a grappling style. Along the way they're were several attempts to hide, control or alter Sombo. In 1937 V.S. Oschepkov took a principled stance on the ways and means of what Sombo should be; and like so many others at that time who took a stance, he was executed in a Gulag.

Despite the trials and travails of those who created this art, the perils faced by those who brought it beyond the Iron Curtain and the often cruel, short sighted Soviet system, Sombo remains one of the world's most advanced grappling systems. Sombo players tend to be very well rounded, tough minded and more adaptive then many other martial artist. One of the best elements of Sombo is that it is built on many other styles. While other styles might turn up their nose at techniques perceived to have originated outside of their art, it is the nature of Sombo to embrace anything that works. Like wise Sombo plays to the strength of the individual; putting more stock in function then form.

The only real weakness of Sport Sombo is the lack of strangles and odd ground rules that penalize the guard. Personally I'm not a huge fan of the guard; but I think players should use it. Strangles are the most obvious piece that is missing from the Sombo picture (though they are part of the entire Cambo system). However I feel that Sombo players can make the transition to any other grappling form easily since their style is very well rounded and effective against all players.