A.V. Zhalilov¹
Dr. Hab., Associate Professor A.S. Makhov¹
PhD, Associate Professor D.M. Pravdov^1
1Russian State Social University, Moscow

Corresponding author: alexm-77@list.ru

Abstract

Objective of the study was to analyze the existing deaf sambo training systems to design and test benefits of the new deaf sambo ground skills training model.

Methods and structure of the study. We have analyzed, for the purposes of the study, the relevant theoretical and practical materials and practical coaching experiences accumulated at Ivanovo Correctional Boarding School No. 1 for deaf adolescents; and designed and tested on this basis a new accessible and effective ground skills training model for deaf sambo.

Results and conclusion. The ground skills training model offered a few standard few repositioning options with the submission attempt stopped and the defending athlete taking a standing position as provided by the rules of competitions. The ground skills trainings of defenses from takedowns and turnovers gave a special priority to counter-grappling skills, releases from holds with repositioning skills to seize the initiative. Of special interest for such trainings were the practical competitive situations when the defenders were successful in countering the grappling attempts to immediately start a counterattack.

The ground wrestling skills training model for deaf sambo trainees was found beneficial conditional on the coach using in the attack/ defense skills mastering service a wide variety of specific training methods and sing language with clear explanations, demonstrations and illustrations. Such deaf ground skills training methods need to be driven by specific communication toolkit including explanations, clarifications in the sign language with expressed articulation, special sport-specific and new conventional signs for success of the coach-trainee communication and, hence, the training/ competitive progress.

Keywords: ground skills, deaf sambo wrestlers, training methods, training process.

Background. For the last few decades, sambo has been widely recognized the world over as demonstrated by the growing numbers of highly competitive world tournaments hosted by Russia and other countries, with the sport discipline increasingly respected by the global mixed martial arts community. The competitive events on the sports arenas lure growing populations of the sambo fans, amateurs and professionals [1, 5, 6]. It should be emphasized in this context that deaf sambo is still in need of a sound diagnoses-respecting theoretical and practical framework for progress. The deaf sambo coaching community has to heavily rely on its own practical experiences serving the healthy athletes in application to the deaf/ hearing-impaired ones [2-4].

Objective of the study was to analyze the existing deaf sambo training systems to design and test benefits of a new deaf sambo ground skills training model.

Methods and structure of the study. We have analyzed, for the purposes of the study, the relevant theoretical and practical materials and practical coaching experiences accumulated by the Ivanovo Correctional Boarding School No. 1 for deaf adolescents; and designed and tested on this basis a new accessible and effective ground skills training model for deaf sambo.

Results and discussion. We grouped the deaf training methods into two main groups to design the theoretical and practical training model on a systemic basis: see Table 1.

Table 1. Deaf sambo training methods

As demonstrated by the above Table, the training model is dominated by specific methods to facilitate understanding of the coach’s explanations and commands in practical ground practices on the mat. The deaf trainings are always specific, since the trainers have to struggle with the communication barrier by a variety of special tools – versatile enough to effectively consult, guide and control the deaf athletes.

Every motor skill mastering element in the new model was introduced by a high-quality demonstrative trainers’ execution with normally three-four repetitions to form a holistic picture from different viewpoints. Explanations of the learning material were preceded by light/ noise signals to attract attention using lights in the gym or stamping/ clapping, with the explanations facilitated by the sign language when necessary plus special conventional signs (quickly, strongly, clearly, carefully etc.) with clear articulation of every word. The practical demonstrative executions were explained using illustrations: diagrams, sketches, elementary drawings, with the key technical points highlighted and detailed. The practical skill mastering trainings were run in couples with close weight classes and skill levels.

The ground skills mastering trainings were started from the grappling, holding and submission techniques. At first the groups mastered the key sambo holds including side/ cross/ reverse holds and mounts on a non-resisting partner. With progress in the elementary ground holds, the practices were complemented with the easiest holding attempts, with one athlete in mount and the other resisting in a lukewarm manner. Alternatively, both fighters would start from the same position (backs to back, prone or on all fours) and fight for control on the coach's command (clapping, stamping, light signal) trying to hold the opponent. Every success in the holds was signaled by the coach’s sign to save time on explanations when possible.

Going second in the ground skills mastering trainings were the submission techniques training elements using every tool in the communication toolkit (demonstrations, light/ noise signals, sign language, illustrations), with a special emphasis on the execution safety to avoid any injuries. The trainees were instructed in the sign language to (a) avoid rushes, make sure the execution is as smooth as possible; (b) free the attacked limb as soon as the opponent taps-out on the floor or attacker; (c) stop as soon as the coach commands. The submission holds mastering was facilitated by the sambo-specific sign language and special conventional new signs. A special priority in the submission holds set was given to the elbow/ shoulder/ Achilles tendon twists. With progress in the submission basics mastering process, the athletes were allowed to wrestle in standard elementary positions – with one athlete having a positional advantage on a limb hold to make a submission attempt, and the other partially resisting.

Later on the trainees mastered more sophisticated offensive techniques including takedowns and turnovers – viewed as secondary skills as they are never scored in real competitions albeit give a positional advantage for a scoring hold or submission. The turnovers mastering elements gave a special priority to the firm grips and mobilized muscles to facilitate turnovers and holding the opponent on the ground. First of all every takedown skill was mastered on a non-resisting opponent. When the execution sequence was explained in a sign language, a special emphasis was made on the final position as the core goal of any attack and initiative winning attempt in the fight.

With progress in the offensive skills, subject to special ground skills trainings were defenses from grappling, holds, submissions, takedowns and turnovers. Every skill mastering practice was started from the coach’s demonstration with illustrations using sketches and drawings, and with every move articulated in the sign language for clarity. A special attention in the counter-grappling skills trainings was given to the firm grips and the key muscle groups mobilized in the movements. Initially every skill was trained on a partially resisting partner, with a high focus on safety in the counter-submission skills, with every athlete strongly instructed to tap-out immediately in danger, plus trained to effectively release the attacked limb.

The ground skills training model offered a few standard few repositioning options with the submission attempt stopped and the defending athlete taking a standing position as provided by the rules of competitions. The ground skills trainings of defenses from takedowns and turnovers gave a special priority to counter-grappling skills, release from holds with repositioning skills to seize the initiative. Of special interest for such trainings were the practical competitive situations when the defenders were successful in countering the grappling attempts to immediately start a counterattack.

Conclusion. The ground wrestling skills training model for deaf sambo trainees was found beneficial conditional on the coach using in the attack/ defense skills mastering service a wide variety of specific training methods and sing language with clear explanations, demonstrations and illustrations. Such deaf ground skills training methods need to be driven by specific communication toolkit including explanations, clarifications in the sign language with expressed articulation, special sport-specific and new conventional signs for success of the coach-trainee communication and, hence, the training/ competitive progress.

References

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