Hamilton Sambo

Wednesday Public Sessions are taking a break.
❌️24th June 2026
❌️1st July 2026
✅️8th July 2026

Our focus will shift to preparing Juniors and Cadets for Junior World Championships.

🇳🇿🥋 10 Days To Go
With just 10 days remaining until the Asia Oceania Sambo Championships in Manila, preparations are entering their final stages.

Rickson Hill (-88kg Combat Sambo).
Hamish Murray (-71kg Sport Sambo)

Training has now shifted entirely toward competition-specific work, including match simulations, ruleset application, tactical decision-making and refining individual game plans.

As competition approaches, much of the focus moves beyond physical preparation. Athletes are challenged to make good decisions under pressure, manage momentum during matches and apply their skills effectively within the competition environment.

One of the ongoing themes throughout this campaign has been the value of development opportunities across the wider martial arts community.
Over recent weeks, athletes have continued to gain experience through training, seminars and collaboration with coaches and practitioners from a range of backgrounds.
Every environment offers different perspectives and learning opportunities that contribute to long-term growth.
Whether someone is preparing for international competition, developing coaching skills, learning officiating, or attending their first seminar, strong pathways are built through continued participation and shared knowledge.
Alongside our international representatives are athletes at many different stages of their journeys, from beginners through to experienced competitors.
The willingness of people to support one another and contribute positively to the training environment continues to be one of the most encouraging aspects of the current group.
As departure day approaches, preparations remain on track and attention stays firmly on the process ahead.
Our goal remains unchanged:
Represent New Zealand with professionalism, courage and technical excellence.

Hosted by Hamilton Sambo

Sambo Pathways NZ

Supporting athlete, coach and referee development through seminars, pathways and international opportunities.

Arrived.

Congratulations to Mark on earning his BJJ Blue Belt at Legends Gym.

Mark's journey reflects something we value deeply at Sambo Pathways NZ, development through participation, learning and connection across the wider martial arts community.

I first met Mark at a public Sambo class we hosted shortly after he returned to New Zealand. Before leaving NZ, he had already begun training BJJ with some of the pioneers who helped establish Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Hamilton and, New Zealand. Today, many of those early practitioners have become respected black belts, coaches and gym owners.

While overseas in the United States, Mark continued seeking opportunities to learn, including training with a Sambo club in Texas. That club has a special connection for us, as we have previously met some of their athletes in Kyrgyzstan at the Sambo World Championships, and built friendships through the international Sambo community. Mark trained there under Julian Sanchez and alongside members of USA Sambo Inc., adding another chapter to an already remarkable martial arts journey.

Since returning home, Mark has become a regular part of the local Sambo and Judo community, supporting training opportunities wherever he can. He has also been a strong supporter of Sambo development and has often encouraged us to keep building opportunities for athletes across New Zealand.

A special thank you to Joseph Hamblin and Legends Gym for recognising Mark's contribution and commitment. During the grading presentation, Joseph spoke about Mark's long-standing support, dating back to Joseph's own days competing as a blue belt. Those kinds of relationships are one of the strengths of the martial arts community.

One thing Mark's journey demonstrates is that development is not always a straight line. Training opportunities, travel, life circumstances and geography can all create barriers, particularly in smaller communities. Yet committed athletes continue to learn, contribute and grow regardless.

This is one reason why we are passionate about creating pathways and connections across clubs, coaches and organisations. Whether it's Sambo, BJJ, Judo, Wrestling or MMA, development, this happens when communities work together and athletes are supported to keep moving forward.

Congratulations Mark. We are proud of your achievement and grateful for everything you contribute to the wider martial arts community.

Well deserved, Sambro.

Here we go!

The crew at Hamilton Sambo continues to put in the hard work as preparations ramp up for the upcoming Asia Oceania Championships.

With consistent training, technical development, and a strong focus on conditioning, the team is building momentum and sharpening their skills for competition.

Every session is an opportunity to improve, with athletes pushing each other to raise the standard and develop the discipline, resilience, and teamwork that Sambo demands. The commitment shown on and off the mats reflects the dedication required to compete at the international level.

A big thank you to the coaches, training partners, and supporters who continue to contribute to the team's journey.

Head over to Hamilton Sambo to follow along with the progress

Here is our community project led by our athletes.

Two Weeks To Go 🇳🇿🥋

With just over two weeks remaining until the Asia Oceania Sambo Championships in Manila, preparation is becoming increasingly specific.

The focus now is no longer on building fitness or learning new techniques. Training has shifted toward:

• Competition simulation
• Match management
• Ruleset application
• Fast first attacks
• Game plan ex*****on under pressure

Current international representatives Hamish Murray (-71kg Sport Sambo) and Rickson Hill (-88kg Combat Sambo) are both tracking well and currently on target with their competition preparations.

This week has included full competition simulations using official match times and scoring, helping athletes develop confidence in their decision-making under realistic conditions. As international competition approaches, learning when to attack, when to control a position, and how to manage risk becomes just as important as physical preparation.

An important theme emerging throughout camp has been athlete independence. High-performance sport requires athletes to take increasing responsibility for their own preparation, recovery, decision-making and development. Coaches can provide guidance, but ultimately athletes must learn to manage their own journey.

Outside competition preparation, Tuesday provided an opportunity to visit Legends Gym and wish Joseph Hamblin all the best as he begins his next major project.

The visit also included a significant milestone for one of our athletes, Mark, who was awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt.

For Sambo Pathways NZ, this is an example of why collaboration matters. We do not operate as a closed team. Athlete development often involves contributions from multiple coaches, clubs and disciplines over many years. Seeing athletes recognised for their progress across the wider martial arts community is something we strongly support.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the current training group continues to be the willingness of athletes at different stages of development to support one another.

Alongside our international representatives are junior athletes, masters competitors and beginners, all working toward their own goals. While the immediate focus may be Manila, everyone who contributes to the training environment should continue to benefit from the process and gain valuable experience for their own future pathways.

Strong pathways are built when athletes help one another grow.

Until departure on 24 June, Wednesday evening Sambo sessions remain FREE for anyone interested in experiencing Sambo training for the first time.

Our goal remains unchanged:

Represent New Zealand with professionalism, courage and technical excellence.

Hosted by Hamilton Sambo

Sambo Pathways NZ