Q: Do I have to own a Sambo school or practice Sambo to be an ASA member?
A: Absolutely not! The ASA is not an exclusive Sambo club. We welcome membership from
Sambo and non-Sambo martial artists and clubs. Our goal is to promote Sambo and offer access to training and information to all interested. The ASA prides itself in its open policy and willingness to build bridges with other martial artists and martial arts groups. All you need to be an ASA member is a love of Sambo!

Q: Can the ASA give me a rank or instructor certification?
A: No. Historically, there are no ranks in Sambo, though some schools offer their own in-house ranking systems. The ASA does not support or promote any particular ranking system. Most importantly, the ASA promotes training and education. Clubs or individuals who join the ASA will have access to much support and assistance in regards to their training in the way of training camps, instructional videos, networking, and seminars. However, rather than promote a particular ranking system, the ASA simply assists you in achieving your training goals.

Q: Does the ASA offer distance learning programs leading to instructor certification?
A: No. The ASA believes that distance learning p[rograms designed for this purpose will diminish the quality of Sambo instructors in the long run. However, the ASA will assist you in obtaining training via seminars, training camps, videos, networking, or access to regional clubs and instructors that can help you build a work group in your club. The ASA fully supports acquiring training in Sambo in whatever way possible, but we do not support distance learning instructor certifications. It is the feeling of the ASA that all instructors in Sambo should train personally under a qualified coach in order to, in the long run, become qualified to teach.

Q: If my club does not offer a grappling program currently, how can the ASA help me?
A: The ASA is very willing to assist you in developing a Sambo program at your club. Since we do not promote any particular belt ranking system, a Sambo program or work group can fit well into a wide range of training or club environments. The ASA does not try to standardize your training regimens of its members. We will assist you in building a solid curriculum and Sambo training group that fits your club’s needs, skill level, and competitive or recreational goals. This can be done via regular supervision from regional ASA representatives, training camps, seminars, instructional videos, on-line support, regular phone communication, and our national newsletter…or all of the above. ASA member clubs and individuals receive discounted rates on all ASA products as well! An ASA membership is what you make of it!

Q: How will the ASA help market my club or individual achievements?
A: The ASA will help market you or your club in several ways. Primarily, you will receive a listing on our website, which generates over 9,000 unique hits per month.

Furthermore, your club will receive a personalized forum on our association forum, where you can network with other ASA members and those interested in sambo. You can post your news and events there as well. As an ASA member, you have the ability to post your news and events in our monthly newsletter, which has over 1,000 subscribers. Your affiliation with the ASA alone will be great for your image and business as we have become the largest and most respected sambo organization in the United States. Lastly, you will have access to our logo to place on your website.

Q: If I already own a Sambo club, how can the ASA assist me?
A: In addition to all the wonderful marketing benefits listed above, you will receive the same assistance we offer non-Sambo clubs. Futhermore, you will has the benefit of affiliating with the largest and most respected Sambo organization in the United States. Our name speaks for itself and membership in this community will offer you credibility you may not otherwise obtain. As a member, you will also get discounted rates on Sambo shoes, jackets, and other gear you will need to run your club.

Q: Can I compete in ASA tournaments if I am not an ASA member?
A: Absolutely! But all ASA members get discounted rates on our tournament registration fees.