Boxing Footwork for Grapplers
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Boxing Footwork for Grapplers

Andy Hwang
·
Jan 22, 2026
·
2 min read

Improve your entry speed for takedowns by adopting classic boxing footwork drills.

Sambo, an acronym for SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya (Self-Defense Without Weapons), is a Soviet martial art and combat sport. It originated in the the early 1920s by the Soviet NKVD and Red Army to improve their hand-to-hand combat abilities.

This technique requires precision, timing, and a deep understanding of body mechanics. Whether you are competing in Sport Sambo or Combat Sambo, mastering the fundamentals is crucial for success on the mat.

 

Figure 1: Proper stance and grip positioning.


Key Principles of the Technique

The effectiveness of this move lies in the off-balancing (Kuzushi) of your opponent. Before attempting the throw or submission, you must first break their posture.

  • Control the Grips: Establish dominant grips early.
  • Create Angles: Never attack from directly in front.
  • Commit fully: Hesitation leads to counters.

Integrating this into your sparring sessions should be done progressively. Start with static drilling, move to resistance drilling, and finally attempt it in live sparring.

Pro Tip

Focus on your breathing. Many practitioners tense up before executing a move, telegraphing their intent. Stay loose and explosive.