What are the sambo weight categories?
I · Intermediate · The contest · 1 of 3Checked 15 October 2026
Adult men compete at 58, 64, 71, 79, 88, 98 and over 98 kg; women at 50, 54, 59, 65, 72, 80 and over 80 kg. Age groups run from cadets of 14 to masters over 35. In team events teams meet bout by bout across the weights, and the team with more wins takes the match.
How it works
- Men: 58 to over 98 kg.
- Women: 50 to over 80 kg.
- One class: per athlete.
- Cadets: 14 to 16.
- Juniors: 18 to 20.
- Masters: 35 and over.
- Teams: bouts by weight.
- Team result: more wins.
The glossary has the weight categories, the age groups, the team competition, the bout, the sport sambo and the combat sambo.
Tricky cases
Can an athlete enter two weight classes?
No.
When does a team match stop?
Once one team has won more than half the bouts.
Is there repechage in combat team events?
No.
How long are cadet bouts?
Four minutes.
Why the rule exists
Weight classes keep bouts between athletes of similar size.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | Seven classes each | L SS 4 |
| Teams | Majority wins | L SS 35 |
| Combat teams | No repechage | L CS 35 |
From the rule book
FIAS, International SAMBO Rules: Sport SAMBO, articles 3, 4, 25 and 35. Checked 15 October 2026. Official documents: FIAS International SAMBO Rules (Sport and Combat).