The difference between wrestling and sambo

Wrestling is one of the oldest known combat sports. It was practiced in ancient Egypt and classical Greece. In the ancient Greek Olympic Games it was a main event, symbolizing strength, control and discipline. In modern times two forms are dominant: Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. Both styles revolve around controlling your opponent through throws, lifting techniques and pin positions —

all without punches or kicks.

Wrestling is loved worldwide and forms the basis for many mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. It is not without reason that you see so many champions with a wrestling background in the UFC: it teaches you balance, control and the power of body-to-body contact.

The origin of sambo

Sambo was developed in the Soviet Union in the 1920s. The name stands for SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya , or “self-defense without weapons”. The goal: to create an effective defense system for the military and police. Sambo is therefore strongly influenced by various fighting styles, including judo, traditional Russian wrestling techniques and other Eastern European martial arts.

Later, sambo developed into an official sport, with international tournaments and a permanent place in the sports world, especially in Eastern Europe. There are two main forms: sport sambo, focused on throws and control, andcombat sambo , in which punches, kicks and even ground-and-pound are allowed.

Cultural influences and military application

Wrestling grew from sporting and ceremonial contexts to an Olympic discipline. Sambo, on the other hand, was purposefully created as a military system — fast, effective, and practical. This difference is reflected in the rules, techniques, and philosophy. Where wrestling is purely about physical dominance, sambo is a hybrid system focused on self-defense and competition.

Techniques and rules: how do wrestling and sambo differ in practice?

Ground techniques and throwing techniques

Both wrestling and sambo focus on throws, but the execution and purpose are different. Wrestling is all about controlling your opponent and getting them on the mat with their shoulders. There are no submissions such as armlocks or leglocks. Groundwork is limited to pins and rolls.

In sambo, especially in the sport variant, submissions are allowed. Leglocks, shoulderlocks and various takeovers are part of the game. In combat sambo, striking is even added: punches, kicks, elbows and clinch work.

Use of clothing and equipment

A major difference is in the equipment . Wrestlers wear a tight singlet and shoes. This minimizes grip and allows the focus to be entirely on technique and power. Sambo fighters, on the other hand, wear a sambo jacket (kurtka), shorts and wrestling shoes. This jacket is essential in many throws and grabs. It makes the sport technically richer, but also more dependent on mastering clothing-based holds.

For the fighter this means in concrete terms: if you want to train in a system with clothing and gripping possibilities, then sambo is a better fit. If you are looking for pure physical control without external aids, then wrestling is closer to you.

Points, laps and race progress

In wrestling, points are scored by successful throws , lifting techniques, and control positions. A pin—holding the opponent with both shoulders on the mat—ends the fight immediately. Rounds are short (usually two rounds of three minutes) and explosive.

In sambo, the points system works differently. Throws, holds and submissions earn points, but a “clean throw” — where the opponent lands on his back on the mat — can also end the fight immediately. In combat sambo, you also get points for effective punches and kicks.

Who is wrestling or sambo suitable for?

Are you an explosive strength athlete?

Wrestling is ideal for athletes who enjoy explosiveness, physical control and repeated action. You train strength, endurance and strategy, with the focus on dominating your opponent without using submissions or punches.

For MMA fighters, a wrestling background is a great asset: it teaches you how to take opponents to the ground and keep them there.

Or are you looking for versatility and self-defense?

Sambo is ideal for athletes who want more than just control. It is versatile, dynamic and teaches you both defense and attack. Combat sambo certainly offers a complete training that can be applied both on the mat and in realistic situations.

The fact that sambo is a combination of different styles makes it attractive to fighters who already have experience with judo, BJJ or even striking.

What do top athletes and coaches say?

Khabib Nurmagomedov is a living example of the power of sambo. His undefeated career in the UFC was built on a foundation of combat sambo, combined with freestyle wrestling. Many MMA coaches advise a mix of both: wrestling for control, sambo for technique and versatility.

Sambo or wrestling: what suits your fighter's heart?

What do you learn about yourself in these sports?

Both disciplines demand the utmost from your body and mind. In wrestling teaches you to persevere, push boundaries and deal with setbacks. In sambo you also learn to think tactically , deal with variation and defend yourself in complex situations.

Whichever sport you choose, you will get to know yourself better, develop discipline and build mental resilience.

The community and culture behind it

Wrestling has a long sporting tradition worldwide, with strong communities in America, Iran, Russia and Turkey. Sambo is still relatively young, but is growing fast — also in the Netherlands. Both sports have their own culture, values ​​and community. At Fightstyle we are open to all fighters, whether you come from the wrestling or sambo school.

Join the Fightstyle Family

Fightstyle is there for everyone who wants to progress, in their own way. Whether you are looking for high-quality gear, honest information or inspiration: we are your partner in martial arts. Join the community, learn from other fighters and discover how you get the best out of yourself — in your own way.

Want to start wrestling or sambo? Then it is important that you train well prepared — with the right shoes, jacket, protection and grip material. At Fightstyle you will find a carefully selected assortment for grappling sports, tested by our specialists.

Free shipping from €50
Ordered before 5pm, shipped today
100 days to consider

View the wrestling and sambo collection