Chapter 1
Condensed History of SOMBO Wrestling
Bruce Gabrielson, PhD
1994 US SOMBO Team Coach
History of SOMBO Wrestling
Beginning in 1984, many changes to the structure and organization of the sport started to take place. That year Sombo separated from FILA and the International Amateur Sombo Federation (FIAS) was formed in Spain with Spain's Fernando Compte as the head. Josh Henson of the US was elected Vice-President at that time. In 1985, FIAS was accepted into the General Association of International Sports Federations (AGFIS).
In 1990-93, various countries split away from FIAS and formed separate international federations, each holding their own international and national events. In the U.S., the United States SOMBO Association (USSA) is the national governing body, the only group officially recognized by the Amateur Athletic Union of the U.S., the only organization involved with Sombo that is recognized by the US Olympic Committee. USSA holds a National Sports Sombo Championship each year for Schoolboy age and above wrestlers, while the younger age groups (and also the older ages as well) compete at the AAU Grand National SOMBO Championships.
In the mid-1990s, a large following of the Combat form of Sombo emerged in the U.S. Promoted by a practicioner named Mark Densberger, Combat Sombo competitions have grown in popularity in recent years. Drawing from the martial arts and Judo sectors, Combat events are now a major part of all Sombo competitions.
Current Club Activity