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Painful Hold

What Is a Painful Hold?

A painful hold (Russian: болевой приём - bolevoy priyom) is sambo's term for a submission technique applied to an arm or leg. The International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) rules describe three ways it works:

  • Lever: bending a joint beyond its range, as in an armbar or kneebar.
  • Knot: rotating a joint, as in a shoulder lock.
  • Pinch: compressing tendons or muscles.

An athlete has one minute to complete a painful hold. If the opponent gives up, by calling out or tapping repeatedly, the attacker wins by total victory.

The rules differ between disciplines. In sport sambo, a painful hold may only begin when the opponent is on the ground, and chokes are not allowed. In combat sambo, painful holds and chokes are permitted standing or on the ground. Both disciplines ban twisting attacks on the foot and knee, locks on fingers and toes, and direct pressure on the spine or neck.

Related Article: Combat Sambo vs Sport Sambo: How the Rules Differ (2026 Update)

Karate is a way of life, the purpose of which is to enable man to realize their full potentialities, both physical and spiritual. If the spiritual side of Karate is ignored, its physical aspect is meaningless.
Mas Oyama

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