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Repechage

What Is Repechage?

Repechage (from the French repêcher, "to fish out again") is a second-chance stage in a tournament bracket. Athletes who lost to one of the strongest competitors earlier in the draw get a route back into contention, usually for a bronze medal, instead of being eliminated after a single defeat.

In sambo, the format depends on the discipline. The International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) runs sport sambo with groups, elimination and repechage bouts, organized around either the finalists or the semi-finalists, as set out in each event's regulations. Repechage bouts last as long as any other bout. Combat sambo uses straight elimination with no repechage.

Judo and Olympic wrestling also use repechage, which is why both award two bronze medals in each weight class at the Olympic Games.

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

Speed in the martial arts is not the True Way. Concerning speed, we say that something is fast or slow depending on whether it misses the rhythm of things.
Miyamoto Musashi

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Other Glossary terms

Repechage
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