On the eve of the Fedor vs. Sylvia MMA card, New York Times put out a detailed article on Sambo, pretty cool:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/19/sports/o...amp;oref=slogin

I like Rorion Gracie's quote on why BJJ is more popular than judo or sambo: "Maybe I did a better marketing job."

Lying in advertizing has always worked well...


"After World War II, the sport’s authorities banned choking maneuvers, saying they were impractical on the battlefield."

That alot of makes sease...

Also in very Soviet Style, they wanted to ensure that Cambo was different than judo, (hence dropping chokes from competitions.) Though chokes were banned in competitions they were still taught and practiced. Sombo owes a lot to judo, but it also owes a lot to the variety of Central Asian wrestling styles it co-opted. There was a strong move to ensure that Sombo was considered Soviet, not judo in red and blue jackets. Soviet politics were a part of everything in the former Soviet Union, including sport.

Despite what is often written, I found while playing sombo in the Eastern block with national team players, that it is every bit as refined as judo. They dovetail nicely. OF course I don't have any stylistic agenda with regards to sombo or judo. In addition, I have never done the combat version, just the sport version and the freestyle version done here in the States.

Aaron Fields

I understand what you are saying but for anyone to claim that chokes are impractical for the battlefield, no matter what their intentions, seems a lil absurd... Don't you think?

I do agree, but so was the Cold War...absurd that is. In addition, my opinion of what is or isn't absurd, doesn't change history and the reasons for it. My point was simply to give a casuse for the, albeit, silly statement. In addition, red propaganda had little influence on Samboists being skilled chokers. The beauty of looking back is we have the benefit to decided and evaluate the merit of long spent actions.

If it were the case, that my opinion carried so much weight the world would be a different place.

I am considering the dead horse flogged on the topic of 20th century Iron curtain party line.

Regards,
Aaron Fields

It's a very good article I hope Sambo becomes more popular .

I agree that marketing for BJJ seems exceptional... especially with the popularity of UFC, Pride, etc.