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Tactics of SAMBO Wrestling

By A. Kharlampiev

State Press, Moscow 1958

Translated by Scott Anderson*

From the Author

During the writing of this book, many training techniques and study aids were devised to portray

a unified system to instruct the beginning SAMBist to reach the highest levels of athletic skill

demonstrated by master SAMBists.

SAMBO tactics seems to be a subject of interest to practitioners of other wrestling styles.

However, SAMBO is a brilliant, ongoing experiment with so much more to be studied and

developed.

With pleasure, I thank my highly decorated and energetic fellows from the Moscow SAMBO

Institute for their dedicated advice and criticism of this book.

Introduction

SAMBO tactics were born in the earliest forms of the national wrestling styles of the Soviet

Union. With the advent of SAMBO itself, the studied and managed development of this

wrestling style contributed greatly to wrestling tactics. As SAMBO skills and tactics matured,

the sport grew and adopted a coherent scheme for development.

Obviously, flaws in SAMBO training must be corrected by well designed training regimens or

possible defeat is but a step away. Therefore, this book outlines tactics as an organic part of

SAMBO wrestling to be linked with SAMBO techniques, excellent physical conditioning, and

the strong will to win of the quality athlete. However, no one book can cover all of SAMBO.

Finding an excellent coach or exemplary role model to guide one's training is the best means of

exploiting the technical school's SAMBO curriculum.

Distinguished wrestling performance demands that the SAMBist pay avid attention to the tactical

portion of the curriculum. This is achieved by drilling the basic curriculum techniques and

learning the ploys to convert these techniques into reliable skills that when executed in matches

dissipate nervous energy, waste little energy in their execution, and defeat the opponent. Proper

execution relies on learning the basic material, remaining vigilant for the opening to use the

techniques, and possessing the firm and lasting will to win. Without this character and moral

development, the SAMBist will lack these qualities to exploit his tactical knowledge.

This book examines the tactics for the SAMBO wrestler to employ in his matches.

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Chapter 1 The Standard Situation

Chapter 2 The Offense

(1)Gripping as Part of Offense

(2)Breaking through the Opponets's Defensive Holds

(3)Exploiting the Advantageous Moment for Offense

(4)Expert Preparation to Attack for the Throw

(5)Attack Combinations off a Throw

Chapter 3 Enduring Pursuit to Clean Victory or Victory by Evident Advantage

(1)Pursuit from Standing to the Hold Down

(2) Pursuing the Successful Ploy to Develop the Throw

(3)Achieving Ultimate Victory

(4) Victory by Clear Advantage in a Short Time

*Disclaimer and note about the translation from the translator:

"Apparent textual errors are most likely not Anatoly Kharlampiev's fault but my own. I do not

speak or read Russian. This translation was produced based on a English/Russian dictionary, a

hand held translating computer, and my own imperfect knowledge of sombo."

Chapter 1

The Standard Situation

Basic SAMBO wrestling tactics are evident in the methods exemplified by master SAMBO

technicians in their matches as they display their correct use and knowledge of SAMBO against

opponents. Their techniques are streamlined and efficient, and their tactical planning is visible in

each match.

In the whole of SAMBO wrestling, there is victory based on systems and methods. To achieve

this, the wrestler must be trained to fight well and to not train alone and just for him. The basics

of SAMBO wrestling require knowledge of both offense and defense.

Therefore logically, there must be training to support both aspects. Pursuing an opponent by

pressing him with constant attack appears to be the most obvious plan toward victory on the

mats. However, this method requires great energy and can be thwarted by good counter

wrestling.

The SAMBO wrestler must have several ploys ready to use against his opponent. He must show

only what is needed for each basic plan and no more. Tactics may allow victory without great

expenditures of energy or strength. Tactics demand that the SAMBist must:

• Study his opponent for strengths and weaknesses

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• Disguise his own intentions toward the opponent

• Manipulate the opponent into weaker defensive situations. The manipulation is where the

tactics of SAMBO begin. In the well-controlled bout, the SAMBist uses the correct

techniques at the best moments using the methodologies of his SAMBO system. He does

what is needed to win and no more.

Basic match planning may involve some or all of the following tactics:

• Sudden, surprise attacks

• Suppressing the opponent's ability to attack

• Harassing and wearing down the opponent and his defenses

• Distracting the opponent from his own match plan

• Luring the opponent into traps and set-ups for your own techniques.

Choosing the right attack plans allows the master SAMBist to enjoy many victories based on this

technical and tactical SAMBO wrestling. Each wrestling strategy must have a distinct path to

victory.

1. Offense- Put oneself into the match, finish off the adversary quickly and always

demonstrate improvement in gaining the tactical advantages needed to win.

Attack- Apply the SAMBO principles to the match and boldly take the initiative in the

match to develop successful offense. Expend all efforts to attain clear and ultimate

victory.

2. Active Wrestling- Strong SAMBO basics are needed to survive in competition while

being in a position to harass and wear down a strong opponent. Active and technical

SAMBO wrestling is needed to fight and negate the powerful opponent's strengths. The

strong SAMBist's training and desire must be up to intercepting and negating the

adversary's offensive initiatives while scheming on how best to defeat him.

3. During the match in SAMBO Wrestling- Determine what the desire and physical

qualities of the adversary are. Study his strengths and skills demonstrated in his SAMBO

techniques and tactics. Determine his abilities to be able to recognize the manner of his

offense.

4. Against the Adept SAMBist- Reconnoiter the adversary. Determine your best

techniques to use and camouflage their identity until the opportunity to strike presents

itself. Tactical knowledge is often the means for creating this opportunity. If well done,

the adversary will have no clue that the technique is being implemented.

5. Maneuver for the Attack- Initial SAMBO training provides the SAMBist with the

techniques and defensive stances to position himself for offense by allowing him to

exploit any flaws that appear in the opponent's defense.

Intelligent SAMBO planning manifests itself in powerful wrestling demonstrated by experienced

SAMBO veterans. True SAMBO reacts to the match environment adapting the tactics and

techniques to fit the circumstances and the adversaries. For example, active defense often leads

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to the chance to reconnoiter the adversary's prowess. In turn, this leads to time for determining

the maneuvers and disguises for the set-ups needed to implement the proper offense.

Well planned SAMBO wrestling may be disguised, and thus, not evident, but it is the one

condition always demonstrated by veteran SAMBists. Techniques combined with varied plans of

wrestling control adapt to the situation. Therefore, this book expounds on various plans to

combine techniques with tactics.

1. Method of Element of Surprise-- ensure SAMBO wrestling success with very little

effort or risk by taking advantage of the unprepared opponent. Exploiting the element of

surprise is a basic tenet of controlled wrestling with distinct applications to offense,

pursuit, and ultimate victory.

2. Method of Suppressing the Opponent-- ensure SAMBO wrestling success by mentally

unbalancing the opponent to make him lose and never recover his confidence. Block off

the opponent's offensive techniques and cause him to overestimate your strength. Force

the opponent to hesitate and to lose his match plan, so that he is indecisive in his offense.

This will sap his will to win. Suppressing the opponent's ability to attack is basic

SAMBO wrestling. It is part of the offense-- the pursuit to ultimate victory in every

SAMBO wrestling match.

3. Method of Wearing Down the Opponent-- ensure SAMBO wrestling success by

wearing down the opponent's strength to enable the SAMBist to equalize or even gain

superior strength over an adversary who is physically stronger than the SAMBist.

Wearing out the adversary is also an excellent and aggressive defensive ploy, but other

ploys may have to be exploited as part of controlled wrestling tactics.

4. Method of Distracting the Opponent-- ensure SAMBO wrestling success by distracting

the opponent to promote breaking the adversary's concentration. This negates his strength

or long instilled training to leave him unprepared for the SAMBist's attack. This ploy

works best with deception. Distraction may be employed in all aspects of controlling

wrestling.

5. Method of Setting-Up the Opponent-- ensure SAMBO wrestling success by exploiting

victory from a strong opponent's body by tactically moving him into a position of

vulnerability for a series of techniques. Making good use of good fighting methods, the

SAMBist arranges the match advantage that allows his opponent to fall into a tactical trap

to initiate the winning techniques. The means of inviting the adversary into the set-up

applies universally and basically to a well-developed and controlled wrestling approach.

The plan should be laid out long before the opportunity for the technique occurs. Appropriate

levels of intricacy for the ploys correspond to the talents, abilities, and experience of the

adversary. Part of this effort requires that the SAMBist take the initiative to set the tempo for the

fight. This is based on the SAMBist's training, talent, maneuverability, will to win, and well

rehearsed ploys for set-ups. The SAMBist then has the ability to set-up his advantages over his

opponent to exploit what opportunities develop for victory throughout their competition.

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Chapter 2

Offense

Total Offense-- gain advantage over the opponent for the fast victory. There are basic methods

for attack. Controlled wrestling forces the opponent into weaker positions that present

opportunities to defeat the adversary. As a means to offense, the SAMBist applies excellent

defensive measures, so that the liability for defeat rests solely with the opponent. If the opponent

will not let the SAMBist win with mere defense, the SAMBist must take what opportunities

come his way to best the adversary. Then, offense is the means to score points over the opponent.

Consequently, in most cases, it is evident that the formula dictated for controlled wrestling

leading to fast victory necessitates pressing the attack on the adversary while using excellent

gripping skills and maintaining excellent defense. Offense demands courage, determination, the

spirit to win, and a belief in one's self. Of course, what works best for one SAMBist is not

always what works best for another. A common denominator in offense is vigilant pursuit and

pressure for victory over an adversary.

There are many physical and moral qualities needed to sustain aggressive and controlled offense.

The SAMBist must be:

• Strong

• Quick

• Durable

• Untiring

• Supple

• And possessing unwavering alertness.

Controlled offensive wrestling requires excellent technical preparation coupled with strong

physical and mental training.

Powerful offense must also apply all methods of good SAMBO wrestling.

Often, the SAMBist must exploit opportunities in secondary, follow-up techniques generated by

an opponent's inability to counter entirely or correctly a previous or feinted attack. The SAMBist

must be aware of and act on the distinct opportunities available in secondary offensive efforts.

Surprise secondary attacks achieve victory when the adversary has committed recklessly to

countering the original offensive gambit.

Distraction can force the opponent from maintaining his own active offense. Favorable outcomes

derive from distraction if the opponent can be provoked into reacting to a feint or other ploy that

sets up a powerful primary or secondary technique for the SAMBist. By appearing to launch one

technique while intending to use another, the adversary may be forced into committing himself

strongly but inappropriately, so that he is both momentarily unprotected and unprepared to

defend himself against an alert and ready SAMBist.

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Always strive to find the advantage in the moment and the situation that exposes the flaws in the

adversary's SAMBO wrestling. If the opponent finds himself in an unstable position, he must

yield or be distracted from his controlled wrestling plan. Either case is unprofitable defensively

and offensively. By necessity, the adversary must do something immediately or risk defeat. An

experienced opponent is a wary fighter, and the SAMBist must seek out the ways to unbalance

him-- to distract the opponent from implementing his own controlled wrestling.

In deceptive offense, the SAMBist must determine correctly what the best method to unbalance

the opponent is. This is based on both wrestlers' physiques, physical skills, and technical

abilities.

When ready to attack, the SAMBist must take into account distance, direction, stamina, and

wrestling skills of the adversary before deciding on the best moment and opportunity for the

attack. After this need is met, the SAMBist must use similar analysis to determine the proper

ploy and technique for inflicting defeat on the opponent. He must devise the most expedient

means to break through the adversary's defensive wrestling grips and techniques.

As part of this analysis, the SAMBist determines from the vast array of SAMBO's arsenal of

techniques, the exact technique (or series of techniques) most applicable to the offensive

requirements. This is the way to go to war: carry the attack to the opponent; break down and

through his defenses; open him up for the moment of his defeat; and at the right time, attack with

the technique dictated by the situation. Lastly, the technique strikes accurately and effectively

because it was based on expert training and preparation.

1. Gripping as a Part of Offense

Effortless and fluid gripping of the opponent contributes to strong offense and plays a crucial

role in both standing wrestling and ground wrestling (mat work or "par terre").

Grips as a Part of Offensive Ground Wrestling

Grips and holds in ground wrestling strikingly serve to bolster the SAMBist's offense. Ploys that

cause pain to the adversary are acceptable because they immediately sap the opponent's stamina

and determination. Holds for ground techniques also are designed and structured around ploys to

be used on the opponent. Poor choices when implemented, may turn the advantage back to the

opponent and force the SAMBist into a purely defensive position from which he cannot attack.

SAMBO ground wrestling tactics are based on anticipating the opponent's methods and

mannerisms.

Surprise, unanticipated grips and holds may be defensive ploys too but they are productive

outside of the realm of defense for they contribute to the SAMBist's offense.

Gripping techniques are best used suddenly and by surprise if possible. Grip the opponent

immediately in the fight right after the referee blows the whistle and immediately after a break in

the action throughout the entire match. For instance, as the adversary approaches, apply a burst

of speed to implement a high double leg takedown. Another option is to seize the opponent's

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kurtka with one hand. Then use a variety of leg attacks from the outside while noting how the

adversary reacts. All ploys should adapt to the opponent being fought. If the opponent draws

back, attempt to move behind him and trip him to the mat. If the adversary extends forward, grab

onto his arm and execute a rolling scissors technique.

Often, surprise holds derive from firm, secure grips where one fighter's arm or hand grabs the

other fighter's arm or hand to guide him into a ploy that sets up a technique.

To consistently attain sudden, surprise holds on an adversary's arm, immediately act to tie-up

with the opponent at the very onset of the match by taking hold of the back of one of his arms

with both of your hands (Russian Tie-up). If both SAMBists attempt this same ploy, then each

fighter must continue to work various ploys while actively working to wrest his own arm from

the adversary's grips. To fluently and easily deceive the opponent with excellent gripping skills

requires preparation and training. For instance, a left hand hold on a right-handed opponent's

right arm, generates many possible deceptive movements. Seek to actively confuse the opponent

about your offense. This requires many attempted holds and grips against the opponent's feet and

legs. At the proper moment, take a right-handed grip that drives your right arm around your

opponent's neck and implement a technique to throw him across your back. He was confused by

holds that advanced a right hand grip to his left sleeve while your left hand was able to execute

many deceptive motions to scare and confuse him from attempting his own active holds for

offense. When the opponent was off balanced, he was finished off. From the onset, he was set-up

to over extend him. Another surprise left-handed grip attacks the opponent's left leg from the

outside that the SAMBist was behind from the beginning.

Coming to grips with the opponent should come conveniently out of the basic defensive grips

made possible by immediately conceiving and implementing tactical ploys which set up the

techniques to finish off the adversary. Note the following two facets of coming to grips:

1. Coming to Grips-- must be convenient and safe. This is made possible by immediately

conducting the tricks to set up the opponent. For example, grabbing beneath his elbow

permits attacks from many angles. To attack both of the opponent's legs for a throw one

might suddenly shift straight to the sport technique. Perhaps the SAMBist might grip the

opponent under his elbow with one hand while gripping the front of his belt with the

other hand. By forcing the adversary behind him by pulling on his belt, the SAMBist can

use his hold to throw the adversary around his legs. If need be, conduct holds that move

the opponent around based on your grip beneath the sleeve surrounding his arm to move

him into a risky position caused by your grip on his clothing.

2. Coming to Grips-- with comfort and security begins with implementing the proper

plan. This why an opponent's techniques must be intercepted. Once they are intercepted,

the SAMBist must transition from the interception to developing the ploy that will set up

the hold and the sportive technique that finished off the adversary. For instance, if the

selected ploy and/or technique begins at the first tie-up with a right hand grip behind

across and behind the opponent's neck while his left hand holds the adversary's right

sleeve, the SAMBist can shift his right hand down to grip the opponent's belt to

unbalance him. As the adversary loses his balance, the SAMBist may release the belt grip

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to return to his neck hold while maintaining his sleeve grip to step into a right handed

head and arm throw. By gripping the opponent's neck sleeve beneath the elbow from the

onset of the encounter, the SAMBist may again use the belt hold to unbalance the

adversary to set up a foot sweep to the opponent's left leg.

This is done as the opponent is unbalanced by shifting the SAMBist's right hand grip to

the opponent's left sleeve just before sweeping his leg. This technique was strengthened

by the combination of ploys and techniques that unbalanced the opponent. The opponent

was attacked from the onset and never could recover or implement ploys of his own.

Left-hand grips to the opponent's right sleeve with the SAMBist's right arm on the

adversary's collar or neck block out his left arm from offense and defense while leaving

him open to attack. This also leaves the opponent open to sweeps from the SAMBist's left

leg. One the opponent is unbalanced, the SAMBist shifts his collar grip to the adversary's

left elbow to strengthen his ploy. The finishing technique is augmented completely by the

opponent's disrupted balance, he lands on his back.

Feigned Holds-- are those where a good SAMBist gains an advantage by appearing either injured

or otherwise open to attack or too well protected from attack, so that it improperly focuses the

opponent's attention to hurt his offense by drawing him into a lapse in his defensive schemes or

by causing him to hesitate in implementing his own offensive ploys.

Feigned holds are expedient ploys to set up the basic groundwork to execute techniques needed

to win. The SAMBist must select the ploy and lead the opponent into it, so that the opponent

fears a danger to his position and reacts in what he believes is a strong defensive measure that

afterwards turns out to be his undoing.

Feigned holds must be approached with common sense to develop the ploy best suited for the

scenario. For example, if the opponent attempts a hip throw across his left hip, the SAMBist may

use his right collar grip to push back against the opponent's chest while his left hand maintains

control of the opponent's right sleeve. At the optimum moment in the counter technique, the

SAMBist can step back in front of his opponent and sweep his opponent's leg with his own right

leg.

For conducting and emphasizing a ploy one need not only to use various grips and holds but a

variety of methods as well to accomplish the ploy to finishing technique. The variety of prepared

ploys allows a variety of holds that surprise and distract the opponent's attention from his fight.

Consider next what new holds and methods are implemented efficiently to support the basic

ploys that each SAMBist uses based on long and thorough training. Without these preparations,

their ploys may not work in the determined match.

Wrestling Holds Leading to Ground Attack

Part of the offensive grips and tie-ups for ground wrestling begins, with the advantages taken

with the ploys and grips started during the standing portion of the match. The attack carries on

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from standing to the ground to develop the control and domination for the groundwork. Here, the

SAMBist must discern the grips needed for the attack to tighten up the ground attack.

Universal necessity dictates conducting the tactical grips that disguise the attack, so that the

element of surprise contributes to finishing off the opponent. The opponent must be distracted to

divert his attention from the points of attack and to steer him unknowingly into the technique.

Below are the examples of offensive grips for ground wrestling.

The opponent is lying on his back while you are on your knees beside his right flank. He is

fending off your attempted submission hold by planting the shin of his bent near leg in your

chest to block your attack. If you want to secure a cross body arm lock, use your left hand to grip

his uniform sleeve above his elbow. This grip will not distract him from his defense. That is why

you must induce him to break off his defensive hold by feigning an attack to his near leg with

your right hand. Forget about your original hold until the opponent begins to release his hold on

you. When the adversary is distracted sufficiently, swing your left leg over his head to attack his

neck and sit on your left buttock. You may now release your leg attack as the grip is no longer

needed. Swing your right leg over the opponent's chest and use your right hand to grip his wrist.

After this, maneuver his arm to over extend his elbow between your legs (Fig 1).

Fig 1- The distraction grip on the opponent's leg sets up the cross body arm lock.

Your opponent was beneath you and tried to hold you back from his side with his bent leg

between your bodies. In this case, you attempted your distraction hold with your right arm

feigning a right ankle hold while your left hand gripped beneath the opponent's near sleeve. You

moved to prop your right shin against his chest. From this situation, you drew him into the

transition for your attack.

Quickly attack the opponent's arm with your left forearm. If the movement is set-up properly and

not overly elaborate in design, the opponent cannot challenge your hold on his arm. Plant your

opponent's arm by your chin and quickly force your right shin to the opponent's far side and

place your left foot on the other side of the adversary's head. Your left arm's grip is aided in

keeping his arm hostage by the pressure exerted by your right calf being scissored to your left

shin to press against the far side of his chest. Using great force, simultaneously attack his arm

while pressing the opponent with your legs by lying him down on his left side and using your left

forearm to submit the opponent. His elbow is over extended thanks to the fluent finish caused by

the combination of your arms augmented by your legs.

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2. Breaking through the Opponent's Defensive Holds

To cross through the opponent's defensive grips, the SAMBist Must wear down the adversary's

strong and secure defensive posture. Therefore, to break through the opponent's defenses, the

SAMBist must meet and weaken the adversary's defenses to take the advantage to trick the

opponent into being taken in by a ploy. It is then, by smashing the opponent's defenses, that the

SAMBist consolidates is self-confidence in his victory while possibly panicking the opponent

and sapping his will to win.

Methods exist for breaking through an opponent's defenses-- whether the fighters are on their

feet or down on the mat.

Breaching the Defenses of the Standing Adversary

Offensive ploys to break through a standing opponent's defenses may be conducted by means of

slipping past the blocking arms to close in on the opponent.

There exist numerous means of breaking through defensive holds when the SAMBist makes

breaching opportunities by adjusting his own grips or better still, by forcing the opponent to

adjust his own grips.

Slipping the Defensive Holds

To gain opportunities to slip past defensive grips, use the element of surprise, or at least partial

surprise, to exploit offensive ploys.

To release the opponent's grip when facing him, the SAMBist needs an accurate, rehearsed plan

to implement effectively as the opportunity presents itself. This permits the SAMBist to slip

through even the talented and skilled adversary's defenses when the opening occurs.

Breaking through the opponent's defensive grips may require the SAMBist to push and pull at

the adversary's grips or attack in spurts to twist out of defensive holds to permit an attack to

follow.

In order to break through the defenses, the yanking motions or spurts of activity against the

opponent are achieved to surprise him to weaken his grips by moving him backwards in one

direction while strengthening your position facing him. If for example, the opponent grips your

sleeve beneath your elbow, you must press on to execute a downward release maneuver against

his attacking arm. This counter should be a sudden upward and inward motion to release the

attacking hold.

If the opponent grips your uniform on the sleeve, your releasing maneuver can twist off his grip.

Executing a swift and strong movement frees your arm. Simultaneously with this release

movement, the SAMBist must finish off the opponent by initiating his own grips to control the

opponent's elbow.

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A counter grip on the opponent's uniform at the trunk or belt, can slip him out of his preferred

defensive position. If while facing the opponent, a grip on his uniform on the lapel, collar, or

clavicle can be used to drive or steer an opponent off balance. The gripping hand drives and

wraps over the opponent's wrist from below and inside. In that moment, the driving motion of

the arms must lead the opponent's arm downward and to the backside to exploit this retreat by

the opponent by crouching and drop stepping into the opponent's hips to the adversary into a

double leg throw (Fig 2).

Fig 2 Breaking through a defensive grip with the clavicle grip counter to throw the

opponent down the high double leg throw.

If the opponent's controlling grip is applied to a uniform breast or lapel, escape this hold with a

brusque bump and shove with the left forearm over and sharply outward against the opponent's

wrist and continue the motion upward.

If the opponent's controlling grip is on your back under one of the SAMBist's arms, he evades

and brings down the opponent for an abrupt finish with an upward bump and shove executed by

the left forearm strike against the inside of the opponent's attacking arm. This forearm bump

must be executed close to the opponent's grip. This requires turning to the right to drive with the

hips. The legs must be slightly squatting. After releasing his grip, the opponent can be thrown

using suddenly applied holds. If only one gripping hand is released, use the forearm to next hook

up for a quick grip followed by the quick throw.

Grips that Catch the Opponent's Arms

Easily capturing and restraining an opponent's arms plays a role in maintaining a defensive

posture while biding time for the circumstances to defeat the opponent. To frustrate the opponent

until he may be scored upon requires advance planning and rehearsed ploys.

To deal with the opponent's reaching in to grip you, get close with your goal being a counter grip

upon either the uniform lapel or the chest itself by wrapping an arm under the adversary's

gripping arm to restrain his attack. You may then use your arm to drive into his armpit. If facing

the opponent, his right hand grasps over left shoulder, raise your left arm upwards inside the

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opponent's right arm to drive powerfully to take a left grip deep inside his right armpit. Your

right hand grips his clothes near his right armpit and you drive into him with your hips to decay

his balance.

If the opponent uses a right hand grip on your lapel move your left hand beneath his right armpit.

Then, drive into the opponent with your left forearm while gripping his right arm by the uniform

near his armpit. Drop yourself downward to throw the opponent over your head with a propping

shin in the abdomen (fig 3).

Fig 3 Breakthrough defensive grips to catch the opponent's arm to throw him overhead

with a shin planted in his abdomen.

Approaching the Opponent's Defensive Grips

The skillful approach permits the SAMBist to break through the opponent's defenses-- not at the

place that he expects and is prepared for, but in another zone completely.

For any attack to succeed, the opponent must have his offense frustrated and his defenses broken

down. In order for the attack to occur, the SAMBist must close in with the opponent by means of

a series of specialized approaches that lead to throws. If while facing him, the opponent grabs

your sleeve on either arm, twist the fabric out of his grasp to deter him from closing in. Your

intent should be to close in at that moment by distorting the rectangle formed by the locked arms

and torsos of both SAMBists. To make this happen, step forward and to the left on the left leg

with great force to distort the opponent's grip to his right side. The opponent cannot restrain the

SAMBist using his prior gripping arrangement and altitude in relation to his torso and center of

balance. Instead of a rectangle, the relationship of the bodies has become a quadrangle with

sharply obtuse angles. Approaching the opponent with an offense delivered obliquely reduces the

width of quadrangle angles allowing safer approaches that permit slipping past the opponent's

guard to trip him like felling a tree with a sweep behind his leg or with both hands attacking

behind both knees.

If the opponent grips your uniform sleeves for either or both arms, twist out of his grasp to deny

his offense while allowing you to close in on him by squatting downward and forward with a

small step ahead. In this case, the opponent cannot have a chance to defend himself because your

dropping weight over extends his arms lowering his hands as well. Form the standing rectangle

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defined by the arms and trunks for the SAMBists down to the mat, attack begins by converting

the rectangle to a quadrangle-- the more obtuse the angles, the better. By maintaining our hips

and hands at about the same altitude as the opponent's hips, there is comfortable and easy access

to double and single leg throws.

Breaking through Defensive Grips in Ground Wrestling (Par Terre)

When wrestling near the ground, the defenses employed will be mainly to protect against

submission holds. Specialized grips must be employed against an opponent defending against the

submission hold by locking his hands to prevent hyperextension of an arm. Here, to gain

leverage, you may have to grip your own uniform, your opponent's uniform, or your own leg.

To gain the most extension against locked hands as a defensive hold, move his locked hands

forward of his torso and move your legs to wrap around and behind his grip but forward of his

torso. Usually, even a strong opponent's gripped hands can be worn down. Once locked in this

position, the opponent cannot generate further defense much less mount an offense. Therefore,

after the grip breaks, a planned and well rehearsed attack can be employed successfully to submit

the opponent.

In the following paragraphs there will be examples of how to put in motion breaking through the

opponent's defensive grips while wrestling on the mat. The techniques in this section will

concern SAMBO techniques for unlocking the opponent's locked hands.

If you find yourself on the mat by the opponent's left side with his hands locked with his

forearms and knees planted firmly against the mat, use both of your hands to grip his left forearm

and lie down by his left side. Guide your right forearm between his locked hands and drive your

left foot sole into his ribs and underneath his body to the other side. Cross your legs in front of

the opponent's torso and align your legs against his head. Employ the strength of your back

combined with your arms dragging against his left forearm to unlock his hands. As the hands

separate apply a hyperextension on the elbow with help of the legs (Fig 4).

Fig 4 Breaking locked hands for applying a hyperextension of the elbow with the help

of the legs in the hold.

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If your hold down covers your opponent's sides with your legs, and he restrains your attack by

locking his hands behind your back, place your left knee by the side of the opponent's head while

pushing his body down to the mat with your right hand on his right side. Take care to block off

his right side. Lean heavily to the right and downward on his torso against his locked hands.

Force his hands to disconnect. The opponent's hands come apart-- conduct the technique to

hyperextend the elbow.

If you attempt to hold down your opponent from on top of him, and he locks his hands around

your back, first grip your opponent's left sleeve with your right hand and pin him to the right

side. If your opponent so permits, shift your hand beneath his buttocks to block his retreat. Then,

begin to break his locked hands. Kneel on the mat with your legs on either side of his head and

move your left hand under his chin. With the opponent's hands clasped tightly behind your back,

press him downward. At the suitable moment, lean your body into his torso to weigh down on

his hands to slide his body toward your buttocks. Press then your left side to his right hand.

Fig 5 Disconnect hands locked behind your back when applying a hold down and

hyperextend his elbow between his legs.

Step up and slide him under your buttocks by crossing your left hand to the right side. Press

down on his chin and bend the opponent backward toward the mat to induce him to disconnect

his hands. The disconnected grip leads to an attack to hyperextend his elbow by scissoring your

legs around his arm (Fig 5).

If face down on the opponent in a tightly closed body position caused by him locking his hands

behind your back, attack with a reverse elbow lift.

If the opponent the opponent is in this position with his head facing your head with his hands

locked behind your back, shift position by sitting through to be near his left side and carry out a

reverse elbow lift by attacking his right arm (Fig 6).

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Fig 6 From the a front chest to chest hold down, disconnect the opponent's hands from

behind your back by slipping to a reverse arm lock and lifting up on his elbow.

3. Exploiting the Advantageous Moment for Offense

It may be asserted that there is no instant in a tie-up when the SAMBist is not at a point that may

be converted to an advantageous situation for offense based on the opponent's motion or activity.

During the match, there are many factors used to determine how to distract the opponent's

attention with movements that appear insignificant. The insignificant movement is used to slip

the opponent's defensive grips to a more powerful position that solves the total effect of the

opponent's defenses. Therefore, it is expedient in the tie-up to single out the main factor in order

to focus on victory.

Before ever tying up with the opponent, take stock of the opponent, and then, attack strongly.

That is the way to focus on taking advantage of any position or action of the opponent.

However, it works to the best advantage-- the most powerful factor-- to appear in your

opponent's grips for the briefest instant. Always strive at once to exploit the opponent. If your

opponent is not aware of your motion and activity, it is his mistake. He may not repeat his

mistake, so if you are not successful in exploiting his first mistake, seek another factor to defeat

him.

Below are detailed the most characteristic examples to in the tie-up to exploit successfully the

opponent's movement and activity.

Exploit Observations in any Successful Offensive Position to Finish off the Opponent To enter into a tie-up, first of all analyze your opponent and note the areas of his strength.

Your opponent's stylistic tendencies will be observable in the position of his feet, torso, and legs.

The layout of his foot positions is individual and has a geometry of axes and distances. Direction

and position of the feet allows him to create stances for movements to the right, left, and

forward. The distance between the feet determines direction (ahead vs. reverse) and appears as a

long stance while the apparent distance between the feet in front (to the right-- for example) is

narrow or wide.

If the opponent's feet are in a short or frontal stance, it is more convenient to throw him either

forward or backward if you can develop a narrow stance inside his stance.

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The position of the legs and torso has a larger role in stance. When examined, these positions

reveal the relationship between the opponent's direction and his power.

Apply pressure near the opponent's frontal zone to generate offense. Good defense demands that

you center your own body weight as the opponent shifts his positions in an attempt to get your

weight ahead of or behind your base. By pressuring the frontal zone of your opponent's torso, he

will have a countering tendency to lean forward promoting an arms forward and pelvis back

stance.

When the opponent adopts the common tendency to lean forward with the torso, it is expedient

to execute all forward throws.

If the opponent's arms tend toward the forward position while his pelvis remains back, executing

a throw without advanced and expert preparation is dangerous since one may find oneself unable

to recover from the opponent's counterattack. If the technique cannot be executed safely, it is

best to break off from this position and adopt the protective stance.

If you find your opponent in either a right or left narrow stance, his tendency is to lean his torso

forward, so execute attacks in the foreground to trip the opponent by cutting him down at the

kneecap or shin.

If you find your opponent in either a right or left wide stance while leaning forward, execute

throws where your hands grip low on his arms to throw him over your hip.

Pull on opponents to enter their defensive zones or if they attempt to retreat. In defense, he must

cross his weight through his body toward his back and behind his torso. It is characteristic for his

body position-- torso and pelvis-- to move backward in the rectangle. Offense is possible by

driving backward and downward at his legs.

If when nearing the opponent for a tie-up, he tries to keep his pelivis and legs back from the tie-

up, attack his feet from inside his stance with a reap or foot hook or snag.

If when tying-up with the opponent, he attempts to drive forward while keeping his pelvis and

feet back, it is expedient to attack this knee tendons-- by seizing the leg, a short leg clip, rear trip,

or inside hook.

When the opponent is in the front stance, immediately attack one or both legs. When he adopts

the "sugar foot" front stance, you must attack the lead leg that is sticking out.

Pull the opponent in the direction that most often uses his own motion to move him into

positions where he may be attacked. Direct the opponent to lean his torso in the direction that

opens up the opportunities for your best techniques to throw and submit him.

If by pulling on your opponent he leans to one side to compensate, you may conduct all attacks

in the direction that he is leaning. If your pull causes the opponent to lean in two directions at

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once-- forward and to one side-- it is best to conduct all throws in the direction of his lean plus

forward (front reap, front trip-- based on always being alert for opportunities).

If in the tie-up, the opponent's body simultaneously leans back with a side turned forward, it is

expedient to conduct all throws backwards in the direction of the opponent's lean (rear trip, rear

reap, picks, and scissors).

If the opponent adopts a wide, strong front stance, it is not recommended to attempt any throw if

a marked lean or other flaw in the opponent's stance cannot be detected.

To proceed against this protected stance, move to the side to get the opponent to expose his legs

to attack. If the opponent maintains the strong front stance, his legs may be vulnerable to lateral

trips or rear reaps. If the opponent begins to move to the side, it is recommended to conduct a

front cut off sweep to the opponent's knee the moment that he begins to step in that direction.

Whatever technique is carried out in a certain direction-- say forward-- the opponent must first

counter by shifting part of his weight behind his fulcrum point in that direction. That is, he can

lose his balance, or he can recover his balance appropriately to the front.

The opponent's strong forward lean can be exploited to conduct a throw by two methods:

1) Exploiting the moment when the opponent loses his balance.

2) Exploiting the moment when the opponent attempts to recover his balance.

If the opponent loses his balance, you must exacerbate his body's motion by pulling him with

your hands to open his legs to attack or engage his body with the proper leverage. This is best

used when the opponent reacts forward along the original line of attack. When he commits to

such motion, he becomes predictable, and each step and the rise and fall of each knee may be

anticipated.

To realize the throw in the moment when the opponent attempts to recover his balance, you

move his legs out of the fulcrum point that maintains his balance. This calls for the SAMBist to

move first and to use his skills and experience to define (to anticipate) the instant when the

opponent begins his forward motion.

If the opponent can be directed to shift his stance, he can be forced to expose his legs in either a

forward or a backward direction. As the opponent exposes his legs while shifting his position,

the opportunity to throw at the evident moment depends on immediately anticipating and

recognizing his position on the mat. When maintaining his stance becomes difficult, the

SAMBist assumes the advantage. In the moment when he leans back, attack to the side and with

a rear reap or an inside reap (this depends on how the opponent moves in reaction to the attack).

A reap may lead to another reap, an inside hook or such wrestling holds and throws with hand

holds beneath his arms.

The opponent shifts his stance to keep his legs away from you. For example-- when you force

him to his rear, attack his fulcrum point for the legs (roughly to the left) and commit to an attack

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to the leg on that side (roughly to the rear and to the right of the ploy). As this occurs, it becomes

convenient to conduct a rear trip to the left leg.

As you drop step on the opponent, usually you will drop down to engage the opponent's leg from

behind. Seldom do you want to engage the opponent from straight ahead. In the moment when

the opponent must move his leg(s) backward, he is commencing to lose his balance. You must

move in to attack laterally with a reap or a rear trip to either side. In the moment when the

opponent moves his leg(s), use your mat "sense" to examine the foreground and to wait for the

moment to carry out the attack..

As the opponent steps in or against you or even leaps in against you, you must push immediately

into your opponent with your legs to force him into the forward stance. Then, move beneath his

forward leaning legs to throw him by reap, foot hook (with powerful snatch), or side slip the

arms upward and sag around his body.

If the opponent droops or hangs on to the SAMBist, it is desirable to be cautious and evade lest

the opponent find an opportunity to secure a throw for himself. The SAMBist must act on the

next tie-up to conduct the double leg throw or rear trip.

When the opponent lifts his knee, the SAMBist must drag him across his legs in such a direction

to cause one foot to stick out on the mat. That leg is now exposed to a reap.

If the SAMBist allows the opponent's center of gravity to get below his own, he has lost his

advantage in potential energy. If the opponent attempts a ploy, push against his knee or kneecap,

then conduct a block or finishing technique to the inside. If the opponent is down on all fours or

prone, the SAMBist must conduct an expert attack immediately from a skillful, balanced

position. If the opponent attempts a ploy form on his back, the SAMBist must grip to restrain

him fast, so that he may be maneuvered into an opportunity for submission.

From this blocked position, the opponent is restricted from offense until the SAMBist can

employ his submission ploy.

Exploiting Misdirection of Attention

Sometimes in the tie-up one can create a situation where the opponent believes that he is leading

the attack when in reality he is merely defending himself.

In such occurrences, he has little possibility to create his ploys (sometimes he cannot even be

able to calculate his ploy). In such moments, good results may stem from the surprise attack--

especially if the opponent becomes uncertain.

Usually, carrying the attack to the opponent gives him few opportunities to think about defense--

especially on the mat in par terre wrestling. If the opponent is on the mat beneath you on his back

or on his all fours, you may launch a surprise attack on the opponent that leads to a submission

hold. If, for example, the opponent drops into a sitting position (from on the mat or directly from

the standing position) apply a painful Achilles tendon stretch. If you find your opponent between

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your legs, catch his lower leg in the crook of your elbow and apply the submission hold with just

the crooked elbow hold or with the assistance of your legs. If you find yourself on your knees,

beside and behind an opponent who is on all fours, conduct the knee submission hold on one of

his legs with your legs.

To exploit the opponent's condition, first consider what is needed to deceive an evenly developed

and deliberate opponent. Nevertheless, if the opponent slowly rises from a fall with difficulty or

after the referee blows the whistle, he may not hurry to the center of the mat if he is fatigued. It is

time to take to him with continuous attack.

Even then, the opponent may attempt to divert your attention for his own ploys, so before you

attack, discover his intentions and means. Attack him from the side if possible.

If the opponent struggles out of your submission hold, do not wait for the referee to blow his

whistle, but look immediately for the next hold that he may be susceptible to. Seize the moment

for the surprise (or sudden) attack. Usually, this occurs down on the mat when one wrestler

breaks a hold before the referee can blow his whistle.

4. Expert Preparation to Attack for the Throw

When in a match with an opponent who can evade successfully the tie-ups, advantage is gained

by excellent SAMBO preparation. Adept standing skills will prepare the SAMBist to maneuver

his opponent into unstable and awkward positions from whose recovery strains his resources.

This weakened state of recovery can create the opportunity to conduct the successful throw.

Such quick actions identify the SAMBist who has been prepared expertly. These experts are

powerful at the points where the two wrestlers' rectangles overlap.

Before this point of controlled overlap, the opponent is free to move his center of gravity either

forward or backward without eroding his base. He is said to have a strong stance. After

controlling the overlap with the opponent, the ready SAMBist may realize the opportunity for

action by pressuring his opponent, so that he must struggle to maintain his base.

Constant attack may deliver the opponent to the ideal opening and location to execute the

winning throw. Protracted pressure on the opponent can strain his concentration to prepare for

ensuing attacks by causing him to alter his stance imprudently.

For the SAMBist to choose his match preparation, he must consider the physical and moral

qualities of both himself and his opponent. The SAMBist must consider his repertoire of ploys,

grips, and attacks to select his tools for the bout.

The most common evidence of the prepared SAMBist is his ability to designate and use a

particular throw on an opponent.

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This throw must be hatched after disrupting the opponent's balance in any direction. The graphic

in Fig 7 portrays the various directions for throwing. From each direction there derives a

corresponding series of throws.

In order to push or pull the opponent to set up the throw (augmented by the element of surprise),

it is recommended when attacking from the front to push backward on the opponent-- to push

him in the opposite direction of the intended throw to set him up to augment the power of the

attack.

For the appropriate take down or throw, the SAMBist can examine each technique as described

in the book SAMBO Wrestling (1957).

Pulling down on the opponent can deliver him into positions where he may not succeed in

keeping his leg(s) free from attack. It is recommended to prepare the opponent to work against

himself to weaken his stance and his balance. In answer to a pull, the opponent will most often

slightly flex his leg at the knee to counter the force of the pull down.

Pulling down on the opponent to one side places the reaction against one leg and prepares the

opponent for a rear trip or reap. This same gripping ploy allows successful outside attacks using

double leg take downs or scissors.

Fig 7 indicates the directions for unbalancing the opponent leading to throws or take

downs: a) near the right side, b) near the left side, c) near the front.

Preparing/setting up the opponent to be thrown may exploit the opponent's reaction to a push or

pull. Basically, such preparatory pulls are used to set up backward techniques while such

preparatory pushes are used to set up forward techniques.

To prepare a course of direction to augment the rear throw, do pull hard forward and down on

the opponent's uniform (in the reciprocal direction to the throw) to exploit his strong counter

reaction to the yank. Use such tactical preparation to effortlessly conduct the rear trip, inside

hook, rear clip, and double leg take down.

To prepare a course of direction to augment the forward throw, do push the opponent in the

reciprocal direction of the throw and exploit the liability inherent in his strong opposing action.

Exploit such set ups to conduct effortless forward reaps and head and arm throws.

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Always work to contort the opponent's torso in every possible attack to augment the disruption of

his stance when preparing him for a series of offensive techniques. While pulling on an

opponent's back, the SAMBist should steer the opponent circularly with his hands to the right

with his tie-up. This may move the opponent's leg(s) to the front, sides, or back. After such a

turning maneuver, it may be easy to conduct a rear throw across the chest, a rear trip, or a rear

reap. Another ploy: a strong steering hand to the opponent's left arm may be initiated to rotate

him toward the SAMBist's left side to launch a rear trip or side throws across the hip.

Influencing alteration in the opponent's stance may cause the opponent to expose sides or parts of

his body that the SAMBist is prepared to attack.

Simultaneous to this exposure, the SAMBist must influence and exploit any erosion in the

opponent's center of gravity base. This leads to effortless and safe attack.

For instance, the opponent is in a right side stance. He has concentrated his weight on his right

side and forward right leg. This is why the SAMBist then pulls and turns the opponent toward his

left side. This grip will draw the opponent into a left stance as the turn is completed, the

opponent is delivered into the preordained position. At, or slightly before, the left stance is

established, the SAMBist will find that the base beneath the opponent's legs is open to a rear trip

or a front throw. By his legs, the SAMBist can draw the arc that can lead to front reaps, inside

trips, inside hooks, and front throws. These must be executed as the grips present the opportunity

to throw.

Another ploy: the opponent's weight is concentrated into a right stance with the weight on the

front leg. Slightly turn him to the left side as if steering an automobile. Move his center of

gravity backward this way in order to cross his left side over his right leg(s). This establishes the

well conducted rear trip or inside reap behind his leading leg.

Influencing the opponent's retreat from a throwing technique may expose other parts of his body

to follow up grips to cause him to lose his balance or allow the SAMBist to go lower inside his

stance to search for other throwing opportunities. Such preparations are designated as influenced

retreats.

For instance, the SAMBist grips the opponent's belt from behind with his right hand beneath the

opponent's arm. When the opponent attempts to improve his position by stepping rightward, the

SAMBist bumps his left knee into the opponent's knee from inside. When the opponent is forced

to preserve his balance by twisting his torso away from the SAMBist, this retreat sets up a new

throwing direction. IN this case, Fig 8 shows a throw conducted across the hip that may also be

executed as a front trip.

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Fig 8 Preparation/set up to throw the opponent across the hip when he is influenced to

react by retreating from a knee bump.

Fig 9 Preparation/set up to throw the opponent across the hip when he is influenced to

react by retreating from a shoulder jammed into his chin.

Another ploy: the SAMBist takes a right hand grip on the opponent's back and beneath his right

arm with his left hand. If the opponent develops a strong lean, initiating a throw across the hip or

as a front trip becomes risky. In order to respond appropriately to the opponent, the SAMBist

forces him backward by jamming his own right shoulder into the opponent's chin. After his

specific set up, it is easy to conduct a throw across the hip or the front trip/throw (Fig 9).

Throwing the Opponent by Counter Shifting his Weight

When the opponent is attacked by pulling on his uniform, he can recover his strong position by

concentrating his weight and leverage in a direction counter to the direction of the attack.

Thus, the SAMBist must be wary of putting additional pressure on the opponent in the attacking

direction because there is a liability in the continued attack if the opponent recovers his position.

The SAMBist does not want to set up the opponent's counter throw. If the opponent bows or dips

his head to counter the forward pull, the SAMBist conducts the throw across the head, a front

reap, a throw across the hip, a throw with a grip on one arm, a throw with a grip on both arms, or

a throw across the chest.

Another ploy: the SAMBist is wary when attempting to draw the opponent toward him and turns,

with the opponent as they near each other. This may focus the opponent's force in the wrong

23

direction to counter the ploy. After this, the SAMBist conducts an inside hook, a rear trip, a rear

reap, or the double leg take down throw.

If the SAMBist systematically pulls the opponent rightward, the opponent will unwittingly build

his opposing force to that side. In time and direction, his own opposition can be tapped to

successfully conduct a side cut down or an outside hook in conjunction with a sit through.

5. Attack Combinations off of a Throw

Excellent preparation allows additional combinations of throwing techniques to develop from a

throw that is countered or otherwise fails. Set up the opponent for the original technique with

disguise or other ploys as if it were the only technique. If the opponent's attention is focused on

countering the first throw, he usually will not successfully notice the transition to the SAMBist's

second throw. Thus, the first throw begins by drawing the opponent's balance away from the

direction of the throw. If the opponent opposes the shift and maintains a steady base, the

SAMBist quickly shifts to another direction where the opponent will lose his balance. This calls

for changing to a new ploy/throw as dictated by the situation. In his strong defense to an attack in

one direction, there occurs an opportunity to attack in another direction where the opponent will

lose his balance.

The opponent's strong opposition is exploitable by executing a second throw in another direction

that can be calculated and be designed to successful. This second throw is most successful if is

not just based on surprise but augmented by excellent preparatory training and planning. For the

SAMBist to use combinations of throws in his offense, he must select grips that are not just apt

for his first technique. The proper grip is able shift easily to the follow up techniques. If it is

impossible to find an "all purpose" grip, then it will be difficult to create quick and comfortable

transitions between throws.

Quick combination attacks are used in order to stop an opponent form mounting his own offense

or setting up his defense. The counters dictated by the attacks may cause him to over react or fall

behind in his counters.

Transitioning from an initial attack to a subsidiary throw must be accomplished with fluid

motion, disguise, and vigor.

The SAMBist may set up his opponent by using the ploy of off speed motion. His first attack is

relatively show in initiation to allow the opponent to commit to countering its direction of force.

The SAMBist shifts to greater speed to unbalance the opponent in the direction of the second

throw when he attempts to counter the SAMBist's first throw.

The SAMBist may use the opposite ploy of fast motion and reaction to attack in multiple or

varied directions. The opponent is forced to use constant counter wrestling motions from the first

attack, so that he never has an opportunity to recover his excellent stance and is eventually

overwhelmed when his balance deteriorates.

24

It is recommended that the selection of first throws and follow up combinations be developed

from the SAMBist's excellent training program. The SAMBist's better training for ploys and

techniques will cause the opponent to become a prisoner on his own stance and motion.

Examples of techniques and technique combinations are covered in the book SAMBO Wrestling

(1957).

Chapter 3

Enduring Pursuit to Clean Victory or Victory by Evident Advantage

Clean (ultimate) victories or victories by evident advantage (advantage of less than 12 match

points) are realized by training for well executed ploys on the mat after the standing opponent is

thrown to his back. This is needed to defeat an opponent who is thrown but must be held down

because he was not thrown to clean victory. Surprise attack alone may not be enough to obtain

victory, so the SAMBist must be prepared to wear down an opponent to weaken him for

conquest.

Constant pursuit is a most effective means to achieve victory. A SAMBist's ability to initiate

hold downs may wear the opponent down for attack. By the SAMBist initiating one attack after

another, the opponent's defensive resources are strained until he is unable to recover from an

attack.

However, the SAMBist must be wary in his pursuit. If he gets carried away with his offense, he

may unwittingly be drawn into one of the opponent's defensive ploys. In order to win cleanly or

by point advantage, the SAMBist must be quick and steadfast to:

• Orient to the match situation

• Anticipate match events

• Remain vigilant

• Be brave and decisive

• Maintain the will to win

• Believe in his own abilities to wrestle

• Remain strong

• Remain quick to react

• Remain ingenious and flexible

• Maintain the physical endurance to wrestle for the entire match.

For this, the SAMBist requires excellent technical preparation and training to exploit the

SAMBO tactics of pursuit for his victories.

1. Pursuit from Standing to the Hold Down

After a throw or throw transition is finished, the SAMBist can pursue the opponent to the mat for

a hold down grip. This requires forethought to have the ploys and training to realize this

transition. This must be done before the opponent becomes oriented to the shifted situation and

mounts a powerful opposition to the follow on techniques.

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If the opponent ends up in a strong position on his knees or on all fours, the SAMBist must

immediately shift to new grips that are appropriate to hold down the opponents based on the

opponent's new body position. For example, if the opponent is on his right knee, the SAMBist

should pull downward and to the left on the opponent's arms from behind the sleeves. This shifts

the opponent's stance on the mat while simultaneously contributing to turning the opponent over

on his back to hold him down by his torso and right leg. The opponent has a stance on his

knee(s). Grip him. Turn him over by his legs and lay him on his back and hold him down from

on top.

After conducting this turn over to the opponent's back, use both hands and grip the opponent by

one arm and one leg from the inside. This should be an easy transition in the hold down.

A hold down beside the head may be easily conducted off a transition grip on a cuff and pulling

on the opponent's head from beneath his arm to somersault him across his head with the hold.

Finish the hold down by moving atop the opponent.

When the opponent is lying prone (on his stomach), transition to one side and take the hold down

grip from on top. The manner of the hold down must be chosen from the circumstances dictated

by how the opponent's defense has been deteriorated by the throw or take down.

If the opponent's position has decayed to his side or back on the mat, reach behind his sleeve for

a convenient hold down grip from the side after completing a rear body drop, forward sweep,

side sweep after a rear reap attempt, an inside clip, hip throw, pick up, or rear sit through with a

shin elevator kick.

If the opponent landed on part of his back, take a hold down from on top. The ability to pursue

this option is realized after a rear body drop, forward body drop, side sweep, inside front clip,

head and arm throw, or reversed grip double leg throw.

If the opponent is thrown on his side, it is expedient to augment the hold down with the weight of

your chest to assist in wearing him down whenever he must fight out the hold to improve his

situation. Pursue only the hold down opportunity presented after conducting the forward body

drop, side sweep, front clip, hip throw, or double leg reversed grip throw.

If the throw decays the opponent's position to his side, but closer to his back, and he is nearest to

your head, base on your knees and use a hold down near both of your heads. For example, if the

fireman's carry throw grip is maintained beyond the throw, it is an easy transition to a side hold

(head and arm hold down).

If the opponent lands partly on his back, but nearer to your legs than your head, work the hold

down form the side of his legs. The pursuit of such a hold down is easy after a double leg grip

throw, front clip, inside sweep (uchimata), rear reap from an outside grip on the other leg, or rear

sweep with an outside grip on the other leg. After any sacrifice throw there may be a successful

transition to a hold down without changing grips. However, the success only occurs if the

opportunities for the appropriate maneuvers present themselves. For example, a hold down from

26

the side may appear after conducting a head and arm hip throw without altering the grips on the

opponent's extremities.

A side hold down may be pursued after a throw with a grip under the opponent's arm providing

that the grip is maintained to attack the opponent's head.

To pursue a hold down after a throw across the chest, you must lock hands around the opponent's

arm and shift him to a sitting position to move the opponent from either his side or his stomach

to his back. To pursue a hold down across the opponent's body after a throw, grip beneath his

arm and bend his torso away from lying on his side and move him to his back. Your position

should be on your knees to cross over his chest to use both of your hands to attack his free arm to

pull him to his back.

Pursue a hold down on top after a throw across the head (stomach throw) by somersaulting

backward over your downed opponent to mount him.

2. Pursuing the Successful Ploy to Develop the Throw

Aim to develop and pursue the appropriate throw to overcome the opponent's opposition.

Finish the ploy with the aim to develop and pursue the throwing opportunity to erode the

opponent's defenses.

When the SAMBist attempts to throw his opponent, his movements sometimes fail or meet the

deliberately measured defense. This often halts the selected technique.

However, the opponent's measured defense can be countered by a powerful and varied throwing

offense. In one occurrence, the opponent's defense may not adjust to a slight alteration in the

SAMBist's position, so his lack of concentration may be exploited. This pursuit may be enough

to attain the throw. In another occurrence, the opponent's defense causes the SAMBist to readjust

his own position radically. In this situation, it is not advisable to conduct the throw. The strong

transformation of the SAMBist's position and stance must be reworked to a position where there

is a true opportunity to throw. This called pursuing the development of the throw.

By conducting a hold down that frustrates the opponent's efforts to move, the SAMBist can

proceed to transition serially form one hold down to another. This may be enough to develop a

scoring hold down. Pursuing the throwing effort in SAMBO wrestling often leads to a hold

down. Familiarize with such situations and ploys for the appropriate techniques. In SAMBO,

initiating the proper ploy depends on creating the next technique that is aptly oriented to the

circumstance. It is well known that distinguished situational orientation requires study and

familiarization. Therefore, it is suggested that SAMBists study adding pursuit into the throwing

effort as a means to achieve the technique. To attain his concept, each SAMBist must succeed to

develop the throwing effort that leads to the hold down (this must be incorporated into each

SAMBist's basic system of ploys). Each SAMBist must pursue carefully and thoroughly.

Using Weight to Pursue the Throwing Effort

27

When throwing from standing, the SAMBist may sense that the opponent is about to lost his

balance while he is still undertaking serious defensive measures to remain standing. The

SAMBist may successfully exploit a throwing opportunity by using his own body weight. He

does so by dropping down on one knee of a supporting leg, by dropping down on both knees, by

squatting down, or by falling to one side or to the abdomen.

Pursuing a throw by dropping to one knee on a supporting leg may lead to a rear body drop, a

front body drop, or a rear body drop with a grip on the outside of the opposite leg. Pursuing the

throw by dropping down to both knees may lead to an inside clip, a double leg take down, or a

shoulder throw. Falling to one side may create the opportunity to throw with side sweeps, front

sweeps, winding throws (maki komi), hip throws, and front body drops.

As the SAMBist falls to his abdomen, he may find opportunities to conduct a rear reap or a rear

sweep.

Pursue the Throw As the Opponent Strives to Improve his Base

To conduct any throw in a body to body position with the opponent, it is best to appear as if

neither wrestler is powerful enough to beat the other. To open an opportunity to throw by

overcoming the opponent's resistance, the SAMBist should manipulate his adversary into

moving his supporting legs to what he believes is a "better" position.

For example, the opponent's effort to counter a rear sweep by pulling back on his supporting leg

can be overcome by drawing an arc with the sweeping foot that moves ahead of the retreat of the

opponent's supporting leg. A strong forward lean of the SAMBist's torso followed immediately

by a quick back step on the SAMBist's supporting leg may lead to a front body drop.

Pursue Throws by Using the Powerful Lever

The overwhelming majority of throws stem from two strong targets: the lower body and the

upper body. The lower attacks are influenced by attacking the legs by manipulating the torso or

hands while the upper body attacks manipulate the torso and/or arms. These influences form the

levers.

If the opponent opposes the throw, in order to overcome him, the SAMBist must alter the pattern

of his arms to form the appropriate new levers. The proper grips to leverage the opponent can

shift simultaneously or instantly to either lower or upper body attacks. If, for instance, the

SAMBist attempts a hip throw form a weakened gripping position, he can shift to a low sweep

with his shin, a sweeping hip throw, or a side sweep. In this case, the SAMBist needs an

understanding of the application of his leverage to augment the power of his ploy.

To conduct a satisfactory sweeping throw, the SAMBist sometimes must appear to have an

ineffective grip.

When the attacking grip is weakening, the SAMBist may continue to develop his throwing effort

by shifting to the next appropriate grip to maintain his offensive series. For instance, he may shift

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from a belt grip behind the opponent's back to a grip to the opponent's neck and arm achieve a

body drop or throw across the back.

Moving to a grip from the sleeve to the lapel over the clavicle may set up the rear body drop, rear

reap, rear sweep, or rear knee sweep. Shifting from a reverse grip around the opponent's torso to

a simple reverse grip opens up the successful side slip.

Moving from a simple or reverse elbow grip to a lock behind the opponent's back (under his

arms) or under either armpit may transition to a body drop, hip throw, sweeping hip throw, or

shin sweep.

Pursuing the Follow on Technique to Manufacture a Throw

Sometimes, an opponent's strong defense causes the SAMBist to deviate from his stance. This

places the SAMBist in a situation where he cannot finish the throw that he initiated.

Nevertheless, expert throwing skills and knowledge can easily turn aside such defensive

measures. Follow on throws that are executed expertly are powerful but basic in nature without

being obvious to the opponent. Instead, these techniques derive from the situation brought about

by attempting the initial throw. Therefore, follow on techniques are a part of the manufacture of

throws process.

Experienced SAMBists use many applications to manufacture throws while actively pursuing the

opponent.

Manufacture the Throw from the Rear Body Drop

After gripping the opponent for a rear body drop, the SAMBist side steps to attack (in this

instance, to the right) driving his leg backward into the opponent's leg. At the opponent's left leg,

bend the knee, the SAMBist steps in place and turns him onward and backward.

Fig 10 Manufacture the Throw from the Rear Body Drop.

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The SAMBist pulls strongly with left hand behind the bend in the opponent's left knee to pull the

opponent back in on himself. This draws him to the left and upward to throw him on his back

(Fig 10).

Manufacturing the Throw from the Throw Across the Arm (Fireman's Carry)

The SAMBist grips the opponent for the throw across the arm and side steps the hold (for

example, to the right) to drive backward into the opponent's legs.

The SAMBist takes an outside grip on the opponent and drop steps his lead leg between both of

the opponent's legs and drops onto to both of his knees. He uses his arms to pull the opponent's

torso forward. It is important that while dropping to the knees that the SAMBist simultaneously

pull with one arm and pull with the other to draw the opponent over him and to drop on his side.

Manufacturing the Throw from the Throw Across the Head (Tomoe-nage)

A basic situation in grips: the SAMBist is on his back beneath the standing opponent. The

SAMBist draws him forward and pushes the opponent straight upward and over using his right

foot to the opponent's abdomen.

The SAMBist does a lateral foot sweep with his left leg lifting the opponent's right leg to drop

him over to his back. Another possibility is to do a left shin sweep inside the opponent's right

shin to drop him to the left onto his back (Fig 11). If the opponent attempts to resist the throw

across the head, the SAMBist plants his shoe sole to the opponent's torso and uses his hands to

pull the opponent forward and off of his heels. He uses the right leg in the opponent's abdomen

to throw the opponent forward and over on to his back.

Fig 11 The Throw Across the Head.

3. Achieving Ultimate Victory

Ultimate victory may be achieved by employing any throw or submission technique.

There are two basic requirements for a throwing ultimate victory:

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• The SAMBist must remain standing after the throw with only his feet in contact with the

mat.

• The opponent must fall with his full back to the mat either directly or by obvious

transition (by rolling).

Obviously, in order to achieve a throwing ultimate victory, the SAMBist must know how to keep

his balance and remain standing to complete the throw while directing his opponent to fall fully

on his back.

Powerful submission ploys can stun the opponent when conducted in the instant of the throw or

when found on the mat in various ground positions after the throw or throw attempt. Basic tactics

for an all out attack leading to submission holds are to isolate the opponent's extremities to be

attacked by moving from extremity to extremity exploiting a quantity of ploys for attacking one,

two, three, or four of the opponent's limbs.

Good Judgment when Finishing Throws

For a SAMBist to complete his throw for ultimate victory, he must know how to retain his

balance and remain on his feet. This is important firstly because retaining his feet after the throw

scores ultimate victory in the sport of SAMBO wrestling. Secondly, if the throw cannot score

ultimate victory because of the opponent's landing, the standing SAMBist has a better chance to

manipulate and pursue his downed opponent into a weaker position.

Thus, the strong SAMBist works to improve his own skills, physical attributes, and stamina to be

able to face better and better quality opponents.

To be ready to execute a throw, the SAMBist is forced to use his own body to manipulate the

opponent into shifting his body or raising his center of gravity. In such moments, the SAMBist

shifts his own legs merely to counterbalance, and then to unbalance, his opponent. A slight

misstep is enlarged to present the sudden throwing opportunity. The SAMBist must aspire to

create these opportunities in advance, so that he is able to take quick advantage of the openings

before his opponent can recover his balance. For this wrestling to be successful, expert

movement integrating excellent throwing skills is required.

However the diversity of the throws and setups may daunt the beginning SAMBist in his early

studies. Developing their setups and positions for execution-- in the standing position and

movements to finish the throws-- requires no little training to ensure completing the techniques

for victory.

To finish the throw, the SAMBist must use one of the three stable stances to deliver the

technique:

• Slightly bent legs with the weight evenly and equally distributed

• Forward, lunging stance where the lead leg is bent, but the weight is evenly distributed

over both legs

• Where the legs are relatively straight, but the weight is focused on one leg.

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For the SAMBist to recover his own balance or to increase the stability of his stance, he must

apply basic motions:

• He must bend his torso to make the proper base in conjunction with his legs

• He must arrange and maintain his torso over his base

• He must bend his pelvis to develop his base and maintain his balance.

He does this to attack with a side drop on the side of one of his legs at the opponent's base while

pulling on the opponent's same side sleeve to deteriorate further the opponent's base.

The next throws must be initiated on slightly bent legs: shoulder throw, hip throw, lapel throw,

and over turn throw.

To finish these throws, the SAMBist must move his torso and draw the pelvis backwards to step

in front of the opponent in a squatting position (facing in the same direction as the opponent) in

order to throw the opponent to the mat further decaying his position for follow up attack.

The SAMBist must use all groups of stances to finish throws.

The first group of stances may produce back and front body drops. The second group produces

lateral sweeps, rear sweeps, front sweeps, foot clips, outside clips, and pick up techniques.

To conduct throws from the first group of stances achieves delivery for upright leg attacks on

both legs and bent torso inside of the opponent's base legs. Such geometry is needed to keep the

torso's weight arranged over the feet.

To execute throws from the second group of stances achieves delivery in the last moment of

throwing leg attacks on the point where the SAMBist is the one who is able to retain or maintain

his balance. The balance recovery is achieved by corresponding bends in the pelvis or weight

distribution over straightened legs that are quickly moved back to a balanced base.

For the third group of stances, the SAMBist needs one leg to finish the throw. This group

includes the outside major reap (osoto gari), the hip throw sweep (harai ogoshi), the inside hip

sweep (uchi mata), the sit through with the shin elevator, the inside knee sweep, and the rear

sweep. Another aspect includes the inside hook while still another aspect includes winding

throws.

Conducting throws form the first group of stances requires corresponding torso deviations,

contrasting leg attacks, taking on the opponent's weight, and bending of the torso inside of his

base.

To finish an inside clip requires a temporary loss of balance followed by a quick recovery as the

opponent falls fully to his back (after his weight shifts backward over his base legs). This

requires landing atop the opponent as part of the finishing technique and demands good

orientation, distinguished ability, and exacting movement.

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Appropriate Study to Produce the Throw

When the SAMBist attempts to throw, the opponent will apply every possible kind of defensive

ploy, so the SAMBist must be able to employ a number of ruses to set up the opponent. Also, it

is important that the SAMBist pay distinct attention to directing the opponent's landing in the

throw to prevent him from landing on his flank, abdomen, or on all fours. It may be difficult to

land the opponent on his back if he has been expertly trained to land on his side.

It must be apparent that throwing an opponent to land on his back is realized after considerable

expert preparation and action. This action is called covering the opponent.

Covering the opponent after he has been thrown from standing includes directing the opponent

onto his back and preventing his chances to implement aggressive ploys of his own. When the

opportunity presents itself, always use both hands to cover the opponent. This may not be the

most elegant pose, but the SAMBist will realize satisfaction form the outcome of the situation.

The basic principle behind covering the opponent resides in each SAMBist constructing his own

methods to draw the opponent into the cover at the beginning and ending of the throw.

Initiate a cover of the opponent by yanking behind an arm when using the two groups of

throwing stances.

Using the first group of techniques/stances, enter to throw with lateral sweeps, front sweeps, pick

ups, or throws across the arm. As these throws are executed, the falling opponent can be drawn

in behind his arms to have his feet dragged along the mat. Simultaneously, the SAMBist

executes the deep step against the opponent's feet to sweep him backward while his hand grips

behind the opponent's sleeve. The ability to cover the landing opponent is assisted by the

SAMBist's other hand shifting to the opponent's chest and directing him toward the mat.

In the second throwing/stance group, the SAMBist enters to execute rear body drops, front body

drops hip throws, hip throw sweeps, outside major reaps, sit throughs with shin elevators, and

throw with grip on arm.

By executing these techniques, the falling opponent is set up from the beginning to be covered

and may be dispatched by the SAMBist who concentrates on pulling tightly behind the

opponent's sleeves to unbalance him, so that he may be guided to fall directly onto his back.

If the goal is to cover the opponent, jerk the opponent's collar from behind his neck to shift him

into a position to execute lateral drops and reverse throws across the arm. As the opponent falls,

the SAMBist's goal is to draw one of his arms behind the opponent's neck and pull the opponent

forward and downward. At the same time, the SAMBist's penetrating step goes through the

opponent's base while his other hand pushes on the opponent's breast to achieve directing the

opponent down onto his back.

Covering the opponent may spring from various grips and pulls behind the opponent's legs that

shift to leg grips that shift to finished throws and take downs. If the SAMBist achieves an outside

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leg grip, he may use a strong grip and pull behind the leg to conduct either a rear body drop or

major outside reap. As the opponent's base is eroded, the SAMBist's other hand may press on the

opponent's breast to direct his fall to his full back upon landing on the mat.

If the leg is gripped instead on the inside for a rear sweep, as the leg is raised higher, the

SAMBist steps deeply with his legs to drive the opponent backward while pulling the opponent's

sleeve toward the mat.

If the inside grip is used for a rear body drop or major outside rea, as the SAMBist raises the

opponent's leg through and past his base, he uses his other hand to direct the opponent toward a

landing on his back.

To cover an opponent after the double leg throw, use two hands to attain the reverse double leg

grip.

To complete the cover, the SAMBist must drop step with penetration at the beginning of the

throw to permit his hands to grip, lift, and draw the opponent's legs into themselves. The

opponent must never be allowed to move his legs with the SAMBist's grip. This prevents him

from implementing ploys of his own or evasions.

To cover the opponent, jerk behind his legs and bump his trunk to initiate the shift of his balance

to the rear. This will enable the SAMBist to cover opponent and direct him rearward by locking

his hands around the opponent's waist following the drop step penetration.

To cover the opponent during an inside sweep established with an inside hook, the SAMBist uses

his own chest to press forward into the opponent's chest. The ability to cover the opponent for

the standing hook or to sweep the opponent's leg may require the SAMBist's leg to bend and

twist as far as 180 degrees for the standing throw while both of his hands press the opponent

back toward the mat.

Par Terre Ploys after the Throw

Par terre ploys may be employed powerfully after standing throws-- particularly after throws that

lead to a fall (the opponent landing on his back). If the throw does not lead to total victory,

immediately transition to the par terre ploy. If the throw only goes to the fall, powerful SAMBO

dictates gearing the fall toward par terre ploys.

The transition from throw to par terre ploy requires painstaking training because an opponent

who is caught off guard for a throw is only stunned momentarily before he begins to oppose the

desparate situation that he finds himself in.

Par Terre Ploys Found in Various Situations in Ground Wrestling

Par terre ploys may be conducted on the opponent in many and varied situations.

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Most ploys develop from such obvious situations as when the opponent is on both knees, on all

fours, or face down prone. The hold down also offers many opportunities to conduct the par terre

ploy that leads to submission.

Par terre ploys that develop from the hold down may be conducted form the initial hold down

grip or in the moment when the hold down begins to slip away.

In the moment that the SAMBist initiates the hold down, the opponent concentrates his attention

on defense and may not notice the beginning of the ploy. While the SAMBist has the hold down,

he can exploit the opponent's efforts to free himself from the hold down by instituting his ploy

designed to work from that hold down. The hold down may be applied to lead the opponent into

a preconceived ploy. The pressure of the hold down allows the SAMBist to control his opponent

to assure his timely motion into the ploy while maintaining strong downward pressure distracts

the opponent from his own offense. This can wear down the opponent's will to win.

Thus, distraction is a key tactic in transforming the hold down grip into the set up for the

submission ploy. For this, prepare to attack the opponent's leg by distracting him from the ploy

with an attack directed toward his arm. The opponent senses and reacts to the perceived attack on

the arm and is surprised by the attack to his leg.

To conduct the par terre ploy from the hold down, the SAMBist must use the element of surprise.

For this, decisive grips must be concentrated and not released during the hold down. This is

needed to establish the distraction of the opponent's attention.

The SAMBist must concentrate on bringing into motion several tactical motions to successfully

conduct the part terre ploy from the basic hold down.

Par Terre Ploys from the Side Hold Down

Powerful par terre ploys from hold downs are divided into the two groups discussed above

(opponent is near the mat or in a hold down position). Both groups can be used to conduct ploys,

but the SAMBist may be required to alter the match scenario when using ploys from the first

group. The basic tactic relies on surprising the prone opponent and exploiting his weakness in the

proper moment. Using the first group, the SAMBist carries out the elbow hyperextension across

the hip, leg lock, head lock, arm twist with the lifted elbow, and knee twist with an assisting leg.

Executing the second group leading to par terre ploys requires that the SAMBist alter the

position of his torso and sometimes alter the position of his opponent's torso in the hold down.

Basic tactics enable the application of actions organized to place the opponent in an untenable

position. If well done, the opponent will not be able to recognize his danger, so that he is led into

the trap. To such aims, the SAMBist carries out the lock across the opponent's free arm, lock

across with a transition to another flank, elbow hyperextension aided by the trunk above, reverse

elbow hyperextension aided by the arm above, elbow hyperextension after locking hands

separate after being pinched between the SAMBist's legs.

Par Terre Ploys from the Hold Down Across or Hold beside the Arm

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Par terre ploys from hold downs across or holds beside the arm pertain to both groups. The first

ploy group usually do not require situational adjustment by the SAMBist.

Basic tactics dictate using these ploys on the opponent with the element of surprise to exploit his

opening.

Implementing ploys from the first group leads to the lock across, the reverse lock across, the

elbow bent chocked by a forearm, arm knee twist, and the upward elbow lock.

Conducting ploys from the second group depends on the varied situations of SAMBO wrestling.

The basic tactics are conducted on the prone opponent and use complicated motions and attacks

to distract the opponent.

Using second group ploys leads to hyperextended elbows aided the upward movement of the

trunk, leg lock with the bent leg when the opponent is on his abdomen or passed to one side, or

the Achilles tendon stretch on the prone opponent.

Par Terre Ploys from the Hold Down beside the Opponent's Head

The SAMBist does not need to alter the match situation if the basic tactics have surprised and

opened up the opponent to exploit his poor position. The ploy ends by carrying out the elbow

bend across the forearm.

If the SAMBist must alter the match situation by distracting the opponent's attention, he may

attempt an Achilles tendon stretch. This transitions to the cross body arm lock or hyperextension

with assistance from his trunk.

Par Terre Ploys from the Hold Down on Top To initiate par terre ploys from the hold down on top, the SAMBist executes the foundation of

SAMBO: the surprise attack to exploit the opened opponent to implement the headlock, elbow

bend with the forearm chocked in the joint, or the coiled leg twist.

This ploy demands that the SAMBist alter the basic match situation by distracting the opponent's

attention from his own offense and defense to implement the cross body arm lock, arm lock

assisted by the legs overtop, leg twist with knee, or by punishing the muscles with a shin.

Par Terre Ploys from the Hold Down Beside the Leg The hold down beside the leg is the foundation for a surprise attack from the attempted grip on

the leg or in the moment when the opponent releases himself from the grip.

Using these ploys leads to the Achilles tendon stretch, bent knee tendon stretch, hip stretch, knee

chocked with inserted leg, or Achilles tendon stretch while sitting on the opponent.

Par Terre Ploys when the Opponent Is on His Knees, His All Fours, or Face Down Prone Par terre ploys developed when the opponent is on his knees, his all fours, or prone and face

down demonstrate that the SAMBist is best able to mount his adversary when the opponent is

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prone and face down. In this situation, the opponent is scored upon when he slips to one side, or

he is thrown from standing.

Sometimes, the opponent must be delayed an instant in his actions to permit the SAMBist to

complete his ploy. The successful attack derives from distracting the opponent's attention by use

of a well conceived plan of attack. A feint leads to a finishing technique by forcing the opponent

to react or over react which provides the chance to easily and strongly mount him in the moment

of the surprise or distraction.

In the opponent is caught standing on one leg or is defending himself from one knee, this creates

the opportunity to hyperextend the elbow with aid from the leg above or the knee chocked from

below. This ploy must be conducted by first forcing the opponent from the preliminary position

to being on all fours or to the prone and face down position.

Par Terre Ploy Combinations When the SAMBist conducts his par terre ploys, his opponent may be worn down to the point

that his defenses become flawed and fail. If the opponent begins to withdraw from the

SAMBist's attack, his lack of offense allows the SAMBist to surmount his defenses with par

terre ploys leading to submission. For example, by releasing a hold that the opponent is

dedicated to reversing, allows the SAMBist to attack from an opposite and antagonistic angle

that offers the chance to shift the initiative to a more fruitful ploy. To continue the stalled initial

attack is inadvisable since the opponent will recognize the intent of the ploy and succeed in

devising a reliable defense.

To act expediently and preserve the initiative, the SAMBist must exploit the original grip as the

first step to transition into a new line of motion: attack. In this case, the transition is a par terre

combination that continues the offense by breaking through the opponent's unprepared defense.

By shifting directions of attack, the SAMBist outflanks the opponent to open up his most poorly

protected limbs for submission.

Par Terre Ploy Combinations Based on Pursuit in Attack By conducting par terre combinations using continous motion and attack in subsequent ploys

leads the opponent into exposing a number of his extremities while allowing the SAMBist to

bring many of his limbs into the attack.

From attacking with two limbs to attacking with three limbs allows the SAMBist to shift and

exploit more of the opponent's openings more quickly and more strongly. For example, the

SAMBist attacks with the reverse elbow bend aided by the leg above after shifting from the

elbow bend aided by the arm above. He might attack from the elbow bend aided by the arm

above but shift to the elbow bend aided by the leg above the opponent's face to shift to the

opponent's leg for the reverse knee chock to shift to the elbow bend aided by the leg above.

To attack using three extremities to using all four limbs would allow the SAMBist to shift to

attacks such as the elbow bend gripping the arm between the SAMBist's legs to the elbow bend

aided by the leg above.

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Par Terre Ploy Combinations Based on Surprise and Modified Attack Shifting the lines of attack transforms the secondary ploy into a surprise attack achieving

successful offense on another of the opponent's limbs. Altering the direction of the ploy exposes

the opponent's limbs when he cannot adjust his defenses to the alteration in the new, unexpected

attack. Sometimes, a quick and clever alteration in attack can lead to poor defense of the first

limb attacked.

A basic combination that shifts from a strongly protected limb to a weaker limb is the knee joint

twist assisted by the hip from the knee joint twist assisted by the hip on the leg chock from the

elbow bend assisted by the legs above from the elbow bend with the arm gripped between the

SAMBist's legs.

A combination based on ploys of altered direction is the leg chock conducted from the elbow

bend across the hip form the Achilles tendon stretch across the shin from the knee joint twist.

Par Terre Ploys Transitioned from Standing When the opponent is engaged in standing wrestling his attention is focused on standing defense

and not on guarding his extremities from submission. Therefore, the SAMBist can use the tactics

of surprise attack by being prepared for par terre wrestling. The prepared SAMBist begins his

planning while wrestling from standing and quickly implements his par terre ploy in the moment

of transition from standing to prone wrestling.

To succeed, the SAMBist must adhere to the rules of SAMBO wrestling and not begin to bend or

twistt an opponent's limb while wrestling from standing. Also, the SAMBist may not begin the

submission attack when only his tow feet are touching the mat. To do so, is not the method to

begin ground wrestling.

Such methods of attack reveal, for example, the elbow bend assisted by the legs above. This is

prepared from the strong standing sports stance to produce the elbow bend across the forearm

with a support arm when the two wrestlers come down to wrestle on the mat. From the strong

sports stance, the SAMBist may attain the leg chock from below which the opponent is guided

into from the standing wrestling.

4. Victory by Clear Advantage in a Short Time

If the opponent opts for withdrawing from the SAMBist's grip and plans to while away the match

time, the SAMBist may not win by clear advantage. This frequently is the case. Here, the

SAMBist must gain advantage through careful disguise or misdirection to assure victory by

confounding the opponent's vigilance.

The SAMBist uses misdirection and disguise to distract the opponent from the intended ploy

implemented by the proper grip. The SAMBist must select his throw finish distribution from two

groups:

• The throw is intended to proceed directly to the par terre ploy, or

• Where the throw proceeds directly to the hold down.

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In using the first group, the point loss is small and has not really put the opponent on guard. The

SAMBist looks directly toward shifting to the par terre attack while the opponent's attention has

been directed elsewhere. The SAMBist finishes with locked hands until the four points (or the

two points) are accumulated.

Using the second group tactics, the SAMBist carefully prepares to throw the opponent to the

hold down. He accumulates at least two points immediately as SAMBO dictates. Gaining the

comfortable grasp on the opponent leads to a secure hold down. In the second group, this fall to

the mat from the throw leads to the opponent misdirecting his attention from a submission ploy

to defend against the hold down. This allows the SAMBist unseen arms to grip themselves

around the opponent's neck and back.

Victory by Clear Advantage in Regulation Time

In SAMBO wrestling, it may happen that the opponent loses the throw but subsequently avoids

the SAMBist's finishing grip that leads to clear advantage. In any case, the opponent may come

to rely on his own grips and not attempt to attack. This can relieve the SAMBist of his need for

offense if he is ahead on points with the match clock winding down. Nevertheless, to finish with

clear advantage in the official match time, it would be expedient in mid-grips to pause in the

throwing attempts to engage in wearing down the opponent. Tire him to achieve ease in victory

to create the junctures for attacks to accumulate the needed points to win.