> International Sambo Federation

The International Sambo Federation (FIAS — from the French Fédération Internationale de Sambo) is the world governing body for sambo, a Soviet-developed combat grappling system combining elements of judo, wrestling, and indigenous Russian and Central Asian martial arts. FIAS was established in 1984 when the FILA assembly resolved to create an independent sambo federation, with Spanish official Fernando Compte elected as its first president. The organization is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and currently represents 117 member nations across five continental zones (Asia, Africa, Americas, Europe, Oceania). Vasily Shestakov of Russia serves as president.

FIAS organizes the World Sambo Championships, Continental Championships, and various cup tournaments across Combat Sambo and Sport Sambo disciplines. Sport Sambo is a wrestling-based grappling system that prohibits chokes and certain joint locks but rewards throws and ground control; Combat Sambo is a more comprehensive system permitting striking alongside grappling, often compared to MMA. FIAS has pursued IOC recognition and sambo’s Olympic inclusion; the sport appeared as a demonstration discipline at several Soviet-bloc events and continues to grow across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and beyond.

Note: FIAS is the international governing body for sambo, not a commercial promotion. Events are organized by FIAS and its continental/national member federations.