Russian martial arts reflect a mix of the country's many cultures, large borders and long history of both internal and external conflict. Over the centuries, many Asian and European martial arts were absorbed, mixed and developed into fighting systems unique to Russian tribal regions and the military. Today, these systems are categorized into four major styles.
Fist Fighting
Fist fighting dates back to the 13th century and is similar to Western boxing. Competitions were held in villages during holidays and festivals and involved boys and men of all ages. Using bare fists, the opponents would take turns striking each other, exchanging one blow at a time. Other bouts were more similar to modern boxing with opponents delivering multiple blows while defending themselves with their hands. In either type of bout, winners were declared after a fall, first blood or until one fighter quits. While popular for centuries, Nicholas I of Russia outlawed fist fighting in 1832.
Sambo
Sambo borrows heavily from the Japanese martial art judo. It was developed by the Soviet Red Army in the 1920s and now has three recognized styles: sport sambo, combat sambo and freestyle sambo. Sport sambo utilizes ground work, throwing and submissions and is similar to Olympic wrestling and Judo. Combat sambo has a military focus where choking and bent joint locks are legal. Freestyle sambo allows leg locks and neck cranks, but does not allow any strikes.
Systema
Systema is a combat-oriented martial art that utilizes knife and fire arms fighting in addition to grappling. The practitioner uses the opponent's body levers of the elbow, knee, ankle, shoulder, waist and neck to gain control and a combative advantage. Systema is used by several Russian Spetnatz units as their preferred combat art.
Skad
Skad is a newer Russian martial art that emphasizes stick fighting techniques and tactics. Sticks range in length from 1 to 4 feet. Skad fighters employ a variety of stick fighting techniques using no protective equipment against armed and unarmed opponents. Grappling, locks and chokes are also used when the fight goes to the ground.
References
- "Russian Martial Arts;" Thomas A. Green; 2001
- "The Elite Forces Handbook of Unarmed Combat;" Ron Shillingford; 2001
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