Russian Judo (Not Sambo per se)

**Aesopian** · Posted On: 10/15/2004 12:29pm

I'm wondering if anyone has any information on Russia judo, as a style of judo that is influenced by sambo.

I was looking over judo books today on Amazon and I ran across Russian Judo (Masterclass Series) by Alexander Iatskevich. What caught my interest is some lines from its review. The reviewer obviously looks down on Russian (while he gives the book a good review for being informative).

Here's what caught my attention in particular:

Wonderful step-by-step instructions in black & white photography clearly demonstrated Sambo's over-emphasis on juji-gatame in Judo newaza, and Sambo's obfuscation of kumi-kata which overtly contributed to the IJF prohibition of "unorthodox grips". It appeared in the booklet RUSSIAN JUDO that the Sambo/Judo approach to kumi-kata is nothing more than simply entangling your opponent's arms then moving in to throw at the awkward moment.

...

Clearly the booklet; RUSSIAN JUDO, demonstrated how clumsy Russian Sambo tactics were merely an act of desperation against the technically proficient Japanese Judoka; and that the basic Sambo counter-attacks were the only former Soviet way of acquiring a few low scoring 'koka' victories against classical Japanese Judo.

Does anyone have any more info on what made Russian judo so different from traditional judo, such as the belt grips and armlocks? Is "Russian judo" just what they call sambo played within judo's rules?

**LLL** · Posted On: 10/15/2004 1:37pm

I don't know much, but I'm pretty sure many/most guys in Russia fight in both Judo and Sambo, regardless of which is their original style & Judo was one of Sambo's main influences anyway...

So, don't take this as a fact, but 'Is "Russian judo" just what they call sambo played within judo's rules?' = most likely yes.

**ImAlrdyNum** · Posted On: 10/15/2004 2:02pm

We have a guy from Russia in my Judo club, and Sambo is clearly a separate entity. He started out in Sambo before he took up Judo and then moved to the States. I don't know much about it, but according to him, it's more closely related to BJJ, as far as ne waza is concerned. Just from watching sambo matches there is definitely more emphasis on groundwork.

I think what they mean by "Russian Judo" is just European Judo as a whole. They tend to stray from traditional grips, they favor the over the shoulder grip, they like leg grabs, i.e. double/single legs, etc. To me, European Judo in general more resembles wrestling than does Japanese/traditional Judo. Coming from a wrestling background, it's easier for me to play that way. It tends to look more aggressive and sloppy compared to the Asian Judo style, but I like it.

**Gezere** · Posted On: 10/15/2004 10:27pm

"Russian judo" was intially looked down upon because the russian played with alot of unorthodox techniques at the times. They totally owned with juji gatame, even resurrectiong and profecting the flying armbar. They killed with kata guruma because that throw is found in every form of wrestling in the former Soveit Union. They introduced several belt grip throws that were not seen in Judo. Plus the russians felt it was a disgrace to loose in ground grappling, especially by armbar, since they were so proficient in it even before Sambo so they were feirce on the ground.

ImAlrdyNum,

Russian Judo is indeed European Judo. The Russians were the ones the change European Judo to the more wrestling type methods they use.

I recommend this book, of course I have it, and also get recommend PICK UPS in the master class series as well.

**ImAlrdyNum** · Posted On: 10/16/2004 4:35pm

Ah, didn't know it started with the Russians. Learn something everyday.

**Aesopian** · Posted On: 10/16/2004 9:09pm

Thanks for the data everyone.

Asia,

I found the Masterclass series for sale, and I'd love your recommendations on which ones I should get first, or if they are all so good that I should just drop the $265 for them all:

http://www.hatashita.com/product.php?category_id=12

Thanks.