CS Combat Sambo League Youth Combat Sambo Program

Combat Sambo for young athletes, ages 5 to 17. Real technique, real structure, real progress — in a safe, supervised environment built specifically for kids.

What Is the Youth Program?

The CSL Youth Combat Sambo Program is a structured martial arts program for children and teenagers. Training is grappling-focused — throws, takedowns, and ground technique — with no striking of any kind. No punches, no kicks aimed at landing on another child. This is consistent with Florida law and with CSL's own standards for youth participants.

Every class follows the same structure: warm-up and falling practice, a technical skills block, supervised partner work, and a closing circle where every child receives individual acknowledgment from the instructor. That consistency is intentional — kids thrive on predictable routines and clear expectations.

Three Divisions — 11 Certification Levels

CSL's youth program is organized into three divisions with a total of 11 certification levels. Advancement is based on instructor evaluation of real technical and behavioral readiness — not time, not age, not competition results.

• Little Warriors (LW1, LW2, LW3) — Ages 5 to 7 (approx.): Safe movement, listening skills, falling practice, partner awareness. The foundation everything else is built on.
• Junior Sambo (J1, J2, J3, J4) — Ages 7 to 12 (approx.): Real Combat Sambo begins here: stance, grip fighting, fundamental throws and takedowns, basic ground positions. Four levels of increasing technical depth.
• Youth Sambo (Y1, Y2, Y3, Y4) — Ages 12 to 17 (approx.): CSL's most advanced youth division. Combination techniques, complex ground sequences, competition preparation for athletes who want it. Y4 is the highest level in the youth program.

Safety Standards

• Every CSL instructor who works with minors completes Level 2 background screening — the fingerprint-based standard used in Florida schools — before any contact with participants.
• Every instructor completes SafeSport certification focused on recognizing and responding to abuse and misconduct in youth sports.
• The Two-Adult Rule applies at every session: no CSL instructor is ever alone with a minor participant. Always two qualified adults present, always.
• Falling safely (ukemi) is one of the first things every child learns — before any technique is introduced.
• Youth competition at CSL is grappling only, consistent with Florida law.

Is This Right for My Child?

No prior experience is needed. No gear is required for a trial class — just comfortable athletic clothing. Most children start with zero martial arts background, and classes are designed to teach absolute fundamentals from day one.

Come watch a class. Bring your child. Ask questions. No commitment, no pressure.

CS Combat Sambo League Adult Combat Sambo Program

Combat Sambo for adults, ages 18 and up. All experience levels welcome — from complete beginners to athletes preparing for sanctioned competition.

What Is the Adult Program?

The CSL Adult Combat Sambo Program is a structured training program that combines grappling and striking into one integrated system. Throws, takedowns, clinch work, ground technique, and striking combinations — all taught together, the way Combat Sambo was designed to be trained.

There is no prior experience required. Most people who walk through our doors for the first time have never trained a martial art. Classes are built to accommodate that — and to challenge experienced athletes at the same time.

Two Tracks — One Mat

• General Training Program: Open to all adults, all experience levels, all goals. Most CSL adult athletes train here indefinitely — for fitness, skill development, self-defense, and community. There is no requirement to compete, ever. The General Training Program is a complete, valuable experience on its own terms.
• Competition Team: A smaller, more intensive track for athletes preparing for sanctioned Combat Sambo competition. Selection is by instructor invitation, based on consistent attendance, technical competency, conditioning, and commitment. Competition Team members follow an intensified schedule including additional live rounds, weight class preparation, and a pre-competition camp ahead of each event.

You don't need to decide which track you're on when you join. Just train — the path becomes clear over time.

What a Typical Class Looks Like

• Warm-Up (10–15 min): Dynamic movement, mobility, and falling practice (ukemi).
• Technical Instruction (25–35 min): Instructor demonstrates throws, takedowns, ground technique, or striking combinations. You drill with a partner, with correction and coaching throughout.
• Controlled Practice (20–30 min): You apply what you learned — positional rounds, situational drills, or live practice at instructor-set intensity. Partners agree on pace before starting.
• Conditioning (10–15 min): Combat Sambo-specific strength and conditioning work.
• Cool-Down (5–10 min): Stretching, breathing, injury prevention.

Competition at CSL

CSL-sanctioned competitions are held in an octagon and follow Florida's regulatory framework for amateur combat sports (Chapter 548, F.S. and Rule 61K1-4, F.A.C.). Nine weight classes from Flyweight (up to 125 lbs) through Super Heavyweight (over 265 lbs). Three rounds, three minutes each. Every competitor completes a pre-match physical examination by a licensed physician before competing.

All competitors must be 18 or older and classified as amateur athletes. CSL-approved Combat Sambo League equipment is required for all sanctioned competition.

What You Need on Day One

Just comfortable athletic clothing and a water bottle. No gear, no experience, no training partner required for a trial class. Show up and see what it's about.

Community Programs — CS Combat Sambo League

CSL was built to be more than a gym. From the beginning, our mission included bringing Combat Sambo to people who might not otherwise have access to it — and using the structure and discipline of martial arts training to make a real difference in the communities we serve.

At-Risk Youth Pilot Program

The CSL At-Risk Youth Pilot Program is a structured, trauma-informed Combat Sambo training initiative for young people aged 8 to 17 who face circumstances that put them at elevated risk — including economic hardship, foster care placement, juvenile justice involvement, school disengagement, family instability, or community violence exposure.

The program is free to all participants. It is built on the same curriculum as CSL's standard Youth Combat Sambo Program — real Combat Sambo technique, real certification levels, real progress — adapted with additional protocols and instructor preparation for this population.

What makes this program different:

• Every instructor assigned to this program completes Level 2 background screening, SafeSport certification, trauma-informed practice orientation, and mandatory reporter training before any contact with participants.
• Physical contact is introduced with explicit verbal consent, every time. Participants are never forced to engage at a level beyond their comfort.
• The Two-Adult Rule applies at every session without exception.
• Photography and video default to NO for all at-risk participants — many youth in foster care or domestic violence situations cannot be photographed for safety reasons.
• The program operates in three progressive phases: Welcome and Stabilization (building trust and routine), Engagement and Development (real Combat Sambo training), and Integration and Leadership (advanced skills and peer mentoring).

Who Can Refer Youth to This Program

We partner with schools, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, juvenile justice programs, and child welfare organizations to identify and enroll young people who would benefit. Referrals are confidential. No participant is publicly identified by their referral source.

If you work with young people in foster care, the juvenile justice system, or other at-risk circumstances and think this program might be right for the people you serve — we'd welcome a conversation.

Law Enforcement Partnership Program

CSL has developed a pilot program introducing Combat Sambo methodology to law enforcement personnel. We are actively pursuing partnerships with law enforcement agencies in the Jacksonville area and beyond. If you represent a law enforcement agency interested in learning more, please contact us.

Partner With Us

CSL welcomes partnerships with schools, community organizations, nonprofits, law enforcement agencies, and other institutions that serve youth and community populations. We offer referral partnerships, co-programming arrangements, and licensed training center opportunities for organizations that want to bring structured Combat Sambo programming to their communities.