Russian army wrestling celebrates its 70th anniversary

22 October, 2008, 14:52

The sport which combines different ethnic styles of wrestling, and takes its name from the Russian words for 'Unarmed Self-Defence' began in the Soviet Union in 1938. It is now so popular that the Russian army teaches it as its primary self-defence method.

14 wrestlers arrived in the very heart of Moscow, for the highly competitive 74 kilogram weight category. With most of them prize winners, at recent World and European championships, competition was of a high standard. Off the mat, the competition was eye-catching enough to attract a host of stars.

World famous martial artist and actor, Oleg Taktarov, had been a sambo practitioner for years before stepping up to the Ultimate Fighting cage – where he won a world title. He was on hand to pay his due to the sport that gave him his start. Also present was former Boxing World Champion, Kostya Tsyu, who confessed sambo training is in demand among pugilists.

“Definitely, I used some elements of sambo during my boxing career… I can't explain in detail how it worked, but there are some elements of wrestling in professional boxing,” he added.  

Ukraine's Four-time world champion Viktor Savinov defeated all his opponents and won the tournament.

“All those who competed here this time around are very strong wrestlers – world and European champions. Also, it was tough on all of us using the new golden throw rule. Thankfully I used it just in time and won!” said the winner.