The 50th All-Japan Sambo Championship was held in Tokyo

The Japanese Sambo Championship took place in Tokyo on February 4. In the year of the 50th anniversary of the tournament, competitions were held in Sport SAMBO among men and women, as well as in Combat SAMBO among men. In addition, tournaments were held among masters and among high school students.

As the organizers noted, the national SAMBO championship attracted many athletes from other kinds of martial arts who competed not only for tournament medals, but also for the opportunity to represent Japan at international tournaments this year.

“I am glad that we were able to hold the 50th All-Japan Sambo Championship, which today is very popular among athletes. SAMBO is actively developing in the world, and we will make every effort to popularize and develop Japanese SAMBO,” said Masaaki Kondo, President of the Japan Sambo Federation.

The championship will be remembered for its interesting fights, including several of the most significant. Former UFC fighter Takanori Gomi competed in the 79kg Sports Sambo weight class. Silver medalist of the 2014 World Championships Takeuchi, who turned 50 this year, competed at the Combat SAMBO tournament in the up to 88 kg weight category and won a landslide victory over his opponent in the final.

In the up to 80 kg weight category among women, the 2013 Universiade champion Takahashi took first place, defeating all her rivals with a full advantage.

Prizes for the best technique and the title of MVP of the tournament were awarded to the winner in the up to 71 kg weight category among men, Iguchi, and the winner in the up to 54 kg weight category among women, Yoshino.