What can you do in combat sambo?
I · Intermediate · Scoring and winning · 2 of 3Combat Sambo adds strikes with fist, elbow, forearm, foot, shin, knee and, with helmets, the head, to the head, body and limbs. The back of the head, throat, spine and groin are fouls. Chokeholds are allowed for a minute. A knockdown, where the athlete recovers within a 10-second count, scores 4 points; a knockout or a second knockdown ends the bout.
How it works
- Strikes: fists, feet, knees, elbows.
- Head: with helmets.
- Fouls: back of head, throat, spine, groin.
- Chokes: one minute.
- Knockdown: 4 points.
- Count: 10 seconds.
- Two knockdowns: bout over.
- Knockout: total victory.
The glossary has the strike, the chokehold, the knockdown and knockout, the combat sambo, the painful hold and the prohibited technique.
Tricky cases
A fighter passes out in a choke. Result?
Total victory for the opponent.
Can locks start standing in Combat Sambo?
Yes.
A kick to the groin. Result?
A foul.
Are throws scored the same?
Yes, by the same table.
Why the rule exists
Ending the bout after two knockdowns protects a fighter who is being hurt.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Strikes | Combat only | L CS 23.F |
| Chokes | Combat only | L CS 23.D |
| Knockdown | 4 points | L CS 30 |
From the rule book
FIAS, International SAMBO Rules: Combat SAMBO, articles 23, 28 and 30. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: FIAS International SAMBO Rules (Sport and Combat).