Can you submit someone in sambo?
B · Beginner · Scoring and winning · 3 of 4A hold-down pins the opponent on the back, torso to torso; in Sport Sambo 20 seconds scores 4 points and over 10 seconds 2. A painful hold locks an arm or leg; a tap or shout gives the attacker an outright win. In Sport Sambo locks start only on the ground.
How it works
- Hold-down: back down, torsos pressed.
- 20 seconds: 4 points.
- Over 10 seconds: 2 points.
- Painful hold: arm or leg lock.
- Submission: tap or shout.
- Result: total victory.
- Time: one minute at most.
- Sport Sambo: from the ground only.
The glossary has the hold-down, the hold-down score, the painful hold, the leg lock, the submission signal and the total victory.
Tricky cases
The defender stands up during a leg lock in Sport Sambo. Result?
The lock must stop.
Is a foot knot allowed?
No, in Sport Sambo.
In Combat Sambo, how much is a hold-down worth?
Two points, once.
The defender asks to stop in a lock. Result?
It counts as giving up.
Why the rule exists
A time limit on locks stops a long hold injuring a defender who will not tap.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sport hold-down | 4 points | L SS 30.2d |
| Combat hold-down | 2 points | L CS 23.E.7 |
| Standing locks | Combat only | L CS 23.C |
From the rule book
FIAS, International SAMBO Rules: Sport SAMBO, articles 23.C, 23.D, 30 and 32.9, with FIAS, International SAMBO Rules: Combat SAMBO, articles 23.C and 23.E. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: FIAS International SAMBO Rules (Sport and Combat).