Interesting that this forum should be posted on my forum...
Anyone that actually read my website information lists my entire biography (
www.RMAX.tv/history2.html and
www.RMAX.tv/sonnon.html) - including my history with American SOMBO and Russian Sambo. I only have good words to say about Mark Densberger as a coach and friend.
As far as your detractions through heresay, I was the President of the association for Combat SOMBO in USA, and created the belt ranking system for it. I was at that time a 2nd degree black belt instructor of American SOMBO, as well as USA SOMBO Coach. I did not approve of the fact that I was asked to write "black belt instructor certificates" (up to 6th degree black belts) to people whom have never trained in American SOMBO, but because of their ranking in Judo and their positioning to influence the propagation of the sport were given rank. I thought that this was the wrong path for American SOMBO and objected. I was given the option of leaving my position as President, by the Board of Directors. I did leave.
I chose to leave and pursue a deeper understanding of Classic Russian Sambo in Russia. My departure left scars with some whom believed at the time that I turned my back on American SOMBO, especially with the FIAS President Josh Henson (since he that year created a mirror organization FIAS, Inc. after being voted out during an elections in Russia).
I spent another five years in Russian Sambo internationally, including serving as USA Sambo Coach, Chairman of the International Combat Sambo Commission for FIAS, Vice-president of the American Amateur Sambo Federation and Combat Sambo Chairman of the American Sambo Federation. In 1999, FIAS Vice-president, Dr. Leonid Polyakov, presented me with the Distinguished Masters of Sport in Sambo. I distanced myself from the SOMBO/Sambo politics because I was tired of the childish in-fighting and maneuvering that I swore would not infest the sport. It was at that point that I decided to remove myself from the court intrigue and steer the way of ROSS which I had been studying for three years at that time, in Russia.
During my travels, I had the honor of meeting Coach Alexander Retuinskih (Distinguished Coach of Russia, Distinguished Master of Sports, Founder of ROSS -
www.RMAX.tv/retuinskih.html) and began training with him in Russia in 1996. I continue to return to train with him in Russia, and honor him as a coach and brother.
Anyone that reads
www.RMAX.tv/history2.html and
www.RMAX.tv/nature.html would EASILY gain the information that you claim remains withheld from the public. Sambo is certainly NOT separate from Russian Martial Arts, just as the USSR is not separate from the history of Russia. Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Mongol, Nordic and even American influences affected the development of ALL aspects of Russian Martial Arts. NO culture lay inviolable. That's just plain silly. I intended to demonstrate this and share this understanding. You claim I not only have not done this, but intend to do the opposite. What nonsense is this?
Please refrain from spreading such lies.
I am EASILY accessible at
sonnon@RMAX.tv or 770-956-9765. If you have some problem with me, why not contact me directly? I'll be happy to have you as a guest.
It is a great shame that a forum such as this follows the path of so many cultural martial traditions. Don't you realize that what you now do continues the polemic? If you want Russian Martial Arts to head a different path (if that's at all possible - look at SOMBO/Sambo), then discontinue your passing of heresay. Use forums such as this one to gain a better understanding of the various traditions, their concepts and methods... Understanding begets understanding. And understanding begins with sincere questions. There are plenty of enthusiasts from various traditions here with whom to interact. Why not make your life a positive path, rather than a negative one? There's enough stress in life, without making martial art into a daytime drama.
Scott Sonnon
RMAX Performance Solutions
www.RMAX.tv
