VADIM KOLGANOV (Master of Sport)
About Me
Hi, I’m Vadim Kolganov, a Master of Sports in both Sambo and Judo, originally from the Moscow Region of Russia. My martial arts journey began in 1979 with Karate, before quickly transitioning to Judo and Sambo—disciplines that have shaped my life ever since.
In 1980, I started competing with the Central Dynamo Club, becoming Club Champion several times. By 1986, I had earned the title of Moscow Champion. That same year, I enrolled in the Russian State University of Physical Culture, pursuing a diploma in physical instruction and Sambo coaching.
In 1988, I joined the Russian Air Forces, where I spent two years flying helicopters and parachuting as part of my military service. After completing my service, I returned to university and earned my diploma. In 1992, I began working in the Moscow Region Police Force as an inspector of physical education and self-defense.
A year later, I worked in a spinal injuries clinic in Moscow, which eventually brought me to the UK. It was there that I met my wife and decided to settle permanently in Britain. Since then, I’ve continued practicing and teaching Sambo, working with skilled wrestlers who were eager to incorporate Sambo techniques into their training.
In 2005, I returned to competitive wrestling—winning a friendly tournament in Cherbourg, France, and earning a bronze medal at the World Masters Sambo Championships in Prague. The following year, I became the British Sambo Champion.
Beyond Sambo and Judo, I have trained in Army Hand-to-Hand Combat, Wing Chun, Western Boxing, American Freestyle Wrestling, and Belt Wrestling. I’m also experienced in Russian Kettlebell Sport—having competed in the past and now teaching proper lifting and training techniques.
Today, I live in Scotland, working as an Osteomyologist at a Natural Therapy Clinic and teaching Russian Martial Arts, including Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo, and Army Hand-to-Hand Combat, in the evenings.
