Michigan’s Exclusive Program
Combat Sambo —
Michigan’s Exclusive Program
The most complete fighting system in existence. Only at Victorious MMA in Troy, Michigan.
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Authentic Combat Sambo program in Michigan
5.0 · 246 Google Reviews
What Is Combat Sambo?
Combat Sambo is one of the world’s most complete martial arts — a Russian combat system developed in the Soviet Union during the 1920s for military hand-to-hand combat training. Unlike sport disciplines that specialize in one area, Combat Sambo integrates wrestling, striking, grappling, throws, takedowns, and submissions into a single, cohesive fighting system.
The name “Sambo” is an acronym from Russian: SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya — “self-defense without weapons.” It was developed by the Soviet Red Army to create soldiers who could engage and neutralize opponents in any range of combat: standing, clinch, or ground. Over decades, it evolved into both a sport and a devastatingly effective self-defense system adopted by special forces and military units worldwide.
Combat Sambo distinguishes itself from sport Sambo in one crucial way: striking is allowed. This makes it one of the only grappling arts where you must account for punches, elbows, and kicks even while executing throws and submissions — developing fighters who are dangerous in every position and every range.
1920s
Developed by Soviet Red Army
Born from military necessity, refined into the world’s most complete combat system.
3 Ranges
Standing, Clinch, Ground
No range is left unaddressed. Combat Sambo develops total fighters.
100% Complete
Striking + Grappling + Throws
The only system where every tool is in play simultaneously — exactly as in real combat.
THE ONLY GYM IN MICHIGAN
offering authentic Combat Sambo instruction
Professor Victor Torres studied Combat Sambo as part of his life-long dedication to martial arts mastery. He is one of the few instructors in the United States with both the technical background and the teaching ability to bring authentic Combat Sambo to a civilian training environment. When he founded Victorious MMA in Troy, Michigan, he made it his mission to offer this discipline to the local martial arts community.
Today, Victorious MMA’s Combat Sambo program is the only one of its kind in Michigan. There is no other gym in the state where you can train authentic Combat Sambo under a qualified instructor. If you’re a Michigan martial artist who has wanted to explore this system, Victorious MMA is your only option — and we consider that a responsibility we take seriously.
Who It’s For
MMA Competitors
Combat Sambo’s combination of striking and grappling makes it a natural fit for MMA fighters looking to round out their game. The takedown-to-ground-and-pound sequences native to Sambo are among the most effective in combat sports.
Experienced Martial Artists
If you already train BJJ, Muay Thai, or wrestling, Combat Sambo will fill the gaps in your game. The throws and leg lock entries from Sambo complement and enhance every other grappling art.
Complete System Seekers
Some people want a single discipline that covers everything. Combat Sambo is that discipline. One art. Standing, clinch, ground, striking, grappling — covered.
Class Schedule
Combat Sambo
Saturday 11:00 AM
For experienced practitioners. Some martial arts background recommended. Come ready to work — this class moves at pace.
How Combat Sambo Differs
vs. BJJ
BJJ focuses on ground submissions. Combat Sambo adds explosive throws, leg locks, and striking transitions that BJJ does not allow — making the ground game more dynamic and dangerous from every entry point.
vs. Muay Thai
Muay Thai develops elite striking. Combat Sambo incorporates that striking but adds the takedown and ground game that turns a striker into a complete fighter — removing the cliff-edge that pure strikers fall off when the fight hits the mat.
vs. Wrestling
Wrestling focuses on takedowns and control. Combat Sambo extends wrestling with submissions and striking, creating a more complete system where positional control is just the beginning, not the goal.
Deep Dive · Pillar Article
Read the Full Combat Sambo Pillar Article
The complete breakdown — history, technique, comparisons against BJJ / Muay Thai / wrestling / judo, and how to get started on the mat at Victorious MMA.
Experience Combat Sambo for Free
Join us any Saturday at 11 AM. First class is free for qualified practitioners.
5.0 · 246 Google Reviews
Your First Class
An hour of Combat Sambo, and beginners are genuinely welcome on a Saturday.
- First 10 minutes Arrive and meet Professor Torres. A t-shirt and shorts are fine for a first session.
- Next 15 Warm-up, breakfalls, and how to move without giving your balance away.
- Next 20 One throw or one control, drilled slowly — Sambo borrows from wrestling, judo, and striking, and the first hour starts with the grip.
- Last 15 Rounds at the end are optional. Say so and you sit them out — nobody will ask twice, and nobody will think less of you.