Samma Martial Art: The Complete Guide
What is Samma?
Samma is a modern hybrid martial art that integrates elements of striking, grappling, and weapon-based combat. Designed for both self-defense and competitive sport, Samma combines traditional martial arts techniques with contemporary training methodologies, making it adaptable to real-world combat scenarios and sporting events.
Samma is governed by the World Samma Federation (WSF), the central authority responsible for regulating its competitions, ranking systems, and instructor certifications. Through WSF, practitioners can participate in structured training programs, international tournaments, and online courses.
Unlike many traditional martial arts that focus on rigid katas or forms, Samma emphasizes dynamic combat strategies, adaptability, and practical application. This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a realistic and effective martial art for self-defense, personal development, and professional competition.
Samma has gained international recognition, with schools and clubs established across multiple countries. The sport’s rapid growth has been fueled by its open training philosophy, which welcomes practitioners from diverse martial arts backgrounds and encourages cross-disciplinary learning.
Etymology and Meaning
The word "Samma" originates from East African street slang for a flip — "sama." Over time, it evolved into an acronym representing the Society of African Mixed Martial Arts (SAMMA).
This dual meaning reflects the martial art’s core philosophy: adaptability, strategic movement, and combat efficiency — in both self-defense and sport contexts.
The History of Samma
Founding Vision
Samma was founded in 2011 by Gib Karani, building on ideas and experiences dating back to 1998. The goal was to create a unified system that addressed the practical gaps in traditional martial arts.
Early development incorporated techniques from Karate, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Boxing, and other systems, forming what would become a highly functional and versatile combat methodology.
"Today, Samma is practiced globally with national clubs and regional training hubs promoting its philosophy of realism, discipline, and evolution."
Key Milestones
15 March 2011 • Mombasa City Centre
The Society of African Mixed Martial Arts (SAMMA) was founded, marking the beginning of the Cheni 6 curriculum and the "Tamati" (sign-out) pattern.
1 August 2013 • Mombasa North Coast
SAMMA evolved into a full martial art. The World Samma Federation (WSF) was established to manage global standards, ranks, and competitions.
March 2021 • Kenya Coast
The Samma Pigano sparring system was launched, integrating stick fighting, kickboxing combos, and grappling into a unified combat range model.
Techniques and Training
Samma's training system develops proficiency across striking, grappling, and weapons. Emphasis is placed on adaptability, fluid transitions, and practical, scenario-based drills.
Striking
- Punches: jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts
- Elbow and forearm strikes
- Kicks: roundhouse, front kick, side kick
- Knee strikes and clinch fighting
Techniques are supported by footwork, head movement, and counter-strategy drills derived from Muay Thai, Boxing, and Karate.
Grappling
- Throws and takedowns
- Joint locks and submissions
- Positional control and transitions
- Reversals and ground escapes
Grappling draws heavily from BJJ, Judo, and Wrestling. Samma emphasizes smooth transitions from standing to ground combat.
Weapons Training
- Bladed weapons: knives, swords, spears
- Stick fighting drills
- Improvised and situational weapons
Weapon-based modules are integrated via the World Samma Academy curriculum.
Conditioning
- Cardio and resistance training
- Reflex and reaction time drills
- Sparring with scenario variation
Fighters are taught to adjust strategies in real-time — blending offense and defense fluidly based on the opponent's behavior and range.
Competitive Sport and Rules
Samma is practiced both as a practical self-defense system and as a regulated competitive sport. Tournaments follow structured rules that emphasize real-world effectiveness while ensuring fighter safety.
Tournament Formats
- Point-based matches – Based on clean striking, grappling, and control
- Full-contact bouts – Realistic combat with limited rules
- Submission-only – Grappling events ending via submissions
- Weapon sparring – Controlled duels with training weapons (select events)
Competitions are held locally and globally under the World Samma Federation (WSF).
Scoring System
- Striking – Clean punches, kicks, knees, elbows
- Grappling – Takedowns, dominance, submissions
- Defense – Dodging, counters, and tactical escapes
- KO or submission – Ends match immediately
Samma Pigano
The most popular scoring format in Samma tournaments:
- Round 1: Stick fighting
- Round 2: Striking (elbow, punch, knee, kick)
- Round 3: Grappling
- 2 simultaneous strikes = 1 point | 3+ = 2 points | 1 strike = 0
- Light contact only – emphasizing precision over power
This format is being lobbied for future Olympic inclusion.
Weight Classes
- Lightweight – up to 65kg (143 lbs)
- Middleweight – 65–80kg (143–176 lbs)
- Heavyweight – 80kg+ (176 lbs+)
Youth and amateur divisions include extra classes and protection.
Safety Gear
Required Gear:
- Mouthguards for all competitors
- Approved gloves (4-6oz for amateurs)
- Headgear for amateur divisions
Facility Requirements:
- Padded mats for grappling events
- Medical staff on-site
- Limited contact rules for youth & beginners
Philosophy and Ranking System
Samma is grounded in adaptability, efficiency, and strategy. Rather than rigid forms, it values practical, real-world effectiveness and growth.
Core Principles
- Adaptability: Switch between striking, grappling, defense fluidly
- Efficiency: Minimum effort for maximum impact
- Strategy: Master timing, positioning, and opponent patterns
Belt Ranks
Fitness and Kipigo 1 combos
Martial arts fundamentals
Unarmed striking methods
Grappling + submission emphasis
Self-defense basics + stick combat
Intermediate self-defense + 30-min fight drill
HELL COUP – non-stop multi-opponent combat
Advanced defense & combat pattern work
Shahada (Dan) Ranks
For those who go beyond mastery:
1st Dan
- VIP Protection
- Disaster Response
- Thesis
- Cheni 4
2st Dan
- Stick combat mastery
- Kipigo 2
- Cheni 5
3st Dan
- Bladed combat
- Cheni 6
- Creative technique
4st Dan
- Survival
- First Aid
- Nutrition
- Samma History
5st Dan
- Global service
- Leadership
- WSF contributions
Beyond Belts
Samma Fitness
Combat conditioning & strength training programs
Trainer Program
Certification for coaches & instructors
Belt promotions require live sparring, combat drills, and teaching assessments — no static forms here.
Global Reach and Organizations
Samma has expanded worldwide, with growing communities in multiple continents. Its open philosophy attracts everyone from traditional martial artists to law enforcement and self-defense seekers.
World Samma Federation (WSF)
- Standardizes curriculum and belts
- Runs world tournaments and camps
- Certifies instructors and clubs
- Offers online training and resources
Regional Highlights
North America
Rising clubs and workshops
Europe
Active tournaments and training camps
Africa
Strong grassroots adoption
Asia
Integration with traditional martial cultures
Middle East
Applied by military & defense forces
Digital Training
Virtual Programs
For all belt levels
Live Competitions
Streamed globally
Remote Certifications
For instructors worldwide
With its online tools, Samma breaks dojo boundaries and trains fighters anywhere in the world.
Influence and Comparison to Other Martial Arts
Samma is a hybrid martial art blending techniques from multiple systems. While it shares traits with MMA, Muay Thai, and grappling arts, it also stands apart through its philosophy, ranking, and weapons integration.
Comparison to MMA
- Includes stick combat and equal striking/grappling rounds
- Belt system with Dan and Shahada ranks
- Practical combat over just sport
- Includes bladed and improvised weapons
- Focused on combat intelligence over brute force
Muay Thai & Kickboxing Influence
Samma's striking borrows heavily from these two arts:
- •Elbows, knees, and clinch fighting (Muay Thai)
- •Emphasis on power and striking efficiency (Kickboxing)
- •Active movement and evasion
Unlike both, Samma transitions naturally into grappling and ground work.
Grappling Integration
BJJ
Positional control, submissions
Judo
Throws and sweeps
Wrestling
Takedowns and clinch game
What sets Samma apart is that it doesn't isolate grappling — it fuses it with striking for real-world readiness.
Unique Samma Traits
- Fluid transition between all combat ranges
- Realistic training for street or ring
- Built-in weapons curriculum
- Emphasis on situational adaptability
Notable Practitioners and Events
Samma has birthed a generation of warriors, coaches, and pioneers who've helped it reach a global stage through innovation, tournaments, and structured training.
Key Practitioners
Gibson
Founding father of samma.
Geofrey
Talented online and offline samma trainer
Stephen
Longest serving deputy, a samma expert and trainer.
Shee
Top trainer at Coast.
Peter
Top trainer at Highlands.
Major Events
- World Samma Championships – Annual elite tournament
- Regional Circuits – Hosted by national federations
- Super Fights – Exhibition matches of top-ranked warriors
Historic Milestones
Combat Sports Influence
Samma has low-key infiltrated the combat sports world. Some fighters apply its principles in MMA, law enforcement, and elite defense courses. Its layered approach makes it flexible enough for modern contexts.
Belt Ranking System
Color Belt Progression
Shahada (Dan) Levels
Techniques and Training Methods
Striking Techniques
Punches
Jab, cross, hook, uppercut, spinning backfist
Kicks
Front kick, roundhouse, side kick, spinning hook kick
Elbows & Knees
Flying knee, clinch knees, downward elbows
Defense
Parrying, blocking, evasive footwork
Grappling and Takedowns
Throws
Hip throws, foot sweeps, shoulder throws
Joint Locks
Armbars, kimuras, guillotines
Clinch
Setup transitions into strikes/takedowns
Ground Control
Mount, guard, escapes, positional dominance
Weapons Training
Training Methodology
Pad Work
Strike practice with mitts/bags
Sparring
Controlled combat testing
Grappling Drills
Submission chains, flow rolls
Scenario Training
Real-life self-defense simulations
Philosophy and Principles
Core Values
- Discipline: Regular training and commitment to growth
- Adaptability: Fluid response in combat and life
- Respect: For teachers, opponents, and self
- Honor: Integrity in victory and defeat
- Perseverance: Enduring challenges, mentally and physically
Combat Strategy
- Flow & Transition: Shifting seamlessly between techniques
- Reading Opponents: Understanding patterns to predict moves
- Energy Conservation: Efficient movement and attack choices
- Situational Awareness: Responding to environmental cues
Mental Discipline
- Meditation: Focus, clarity, and breathing control
- Emotional Control: Staying calm under pressure
- Ethical Use of Force: Knowing when not to fight
A true Wasamma (Samma practitioner) is expected to embody these values inside and outside the dojo.
Samma is more than combat — it's a system of ethics, discipline, and strategic awareness. Practitioners are expected to develop strength in both body and mind.
Samma in Modern Society
Self-Defense & Law Enforcement
- Personal Safety: Tactics for real-world threats including weapon disarms
- Law Enforcement Training: Used by select security forces for non-lethal takedowns
- Military Integration: Elements adopted in close-quarters military training
Fitness & Development
- Strength & Conditioning: Full-body development through combat movement
- Cardio & Weight Loss: High-intensity drills promote health and agility
- Stress Relief: Training combines breathwork and mental clarity practices
Pop Culture Influence
- Film/TV: Fight scenes in shows like Blade Rising use Samma-style choreography
- Video Games: Characters in games like Combat Syndicate feature Samma moves
- Online Creators: Martial arts YouTubers like KairoMoves showcase Samma drills
Samma in Competition
Tournament Rules
- Scoring: Stick strikes, then elbow/fist/knee/kick, then grappling — 3 rounds
- Prohibited: Eye gouging, small joint attacks, groin strikes
- Gear: Gloves, mouthguard, shin guards mandatory
Athlete Training
- Explosive strength circuits
- Sparring-based drills to simulate pressure
- Opponent analysis and fight IQ training
Notable Champions
George Onyango
Back-to-back Pigano victories
Stephen Munyoki ZN
Advanced evasion and head movement
Peter Mugo
International representative since 2018
Global Reach and Organizations
World Samma Federation
- Oversees all global regulations, instructor certs, and rankings
- Hosts the Samma World Championships every two years
- Runs online platform World Samma Academy for virtual training
Dojos & Growth
Recognition & Vision
- Collaborations underway with global combat federations
- Proposals submitted for youth games & Olympics inclusion
- Samma integrated into some national MMA curricula
Legacy and Future
Historic Figures
Ahmed J. Karami
Codified early Samma combat principles
Laila Norubi
Expanded women's self-defense curriculum
Dr. Evans Gituro
Introduced Samma to academia
Modern Influencers
Miriam X
Online coach popularizing virtual sparring
Rico 'The Ghost' Chan
Viral Pigano highlight reels
Shifu T-Mo
Blends Samma with Shaolin drills
Future Vision
- World Samma Academy expanding AR/VR-based training
- Global affiliate programs launching in 2026
- Pigano ruleset evolution for global standards
The Future of Samma & Explore the Official Samma Manual
Samma represents the evolution of martial arts - a living system that integrates the most effective elements from multiple disciplines into a unified combat methodology.
Whether you're drawn to Samma for self-defense, competition, or personal growth, its adaptive philosophy offers a comprehensive approach that continues to gain global recognition.
Ready to begin your Samma journey? Visit worldSamma.org →