Martial arts>Styles>Style descriptions: R

↩ Back

Style descriptions: R

Some styles of martial arts that begin with the letter R.

ROSS

The ancient Slavic martial traditions date to the nomadic steppe-warriors of approximately 5,000 BCE, passed from father to son in families for generations of pre-soviet Russia, and then to the elite combat specialist subdivisions (SPETSNAZ) of the former USSR.

The art derives its name ROSS from "ROSSIYA" which is the Russian spelling of the word RUSSIA. ROSS, a Russian acronym standing for "Russian native martial art" was developed by Commander Alexander Retuinskih, President of the All-Russian Federation of Russian Martial Art (RFRMA), Chairman of the International Combat Sambo Commission, Chairman of the Russian Combat Sambo Committee, and Officer General of the Cossack Military.

In 1991, the RFRMA was sanctioned by the Russian Olympic Committee as the sole representative of Russian martial arts. ROSS is taught to trainers of Russian Spetsnaz units of the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Defense, and protective services, Russian marine troops, VDV, OMON, and Minsk's "Alpha" units in Byelorussia, special MVD units "vityaz", frontier troops of Lithuania and many others.

In ROSS, the main goal is to render the adversary harmless while minimizing losses for both self and foe and to work efficiently in any situation. While learning ROSS, students acquire great power as fighters, but more importantly, as human beings, they increase their value for health and life, for both self and others. Both in combat and in life, students treat other creatures with awareness and compassion. When necessary, firm action is issued, but never in a callous or careless manner, and only when all other options have been considered.

"Your life is not your alone; it belongs to your friends, family, and community" (Alexander Ivanovich Retuinskih), or as is said in the Cossack Cadet Code "The life of your friend is always more valuable than your own. You can die yourself, but rescue your friend."

ROSS undertakes training in 8 directions:

1. Russian-style close-quarters combat and survival.
2. Renovated sambo.
3. Executive and close protection training. 
4. Bayonet fencing
5. Advanced sports biomechanics.
6. Acrobatic dance and stunt and theatrical combat.
7. Russian system of health and wellness
8. Russian fisticuffs.

Scott Sonnon, USA sambo team coach and trainer and world sambo vice-chairman, was the first foreigner accepted into this heritage in the attempt to bring the world together in harmony. Sonnon imported the art to America in 1996 to improve the quality of life of his compatriots through the Russian health system, advanced sports biomechanics, and elite combative preparation.

↩ Back