For Vlad Koulikov, an accomplished sambo competitor, earning a judo black belt didn’t follow the traditional path.

Instead of climbing through the belt ranks or competing in judo tournaments, he was awarded a second-degree black belt based entirely on his years of elite sambo experience:

My first judo certificate was second degree black belt. Gratuitous, just simply based on my sambo skills.

The promotion came from Greg Humphreys, a respected USA Judo official and longtime sambist, who later awarded him a third-degree black belt as well.

According to Koulikov, the transition between the two arts was almost seamless:

Some large percent of whatever I can do in sambo could be performed in judo. Virtually just memorize the names, and a four-point throw became an ippon throw, and that was the difference to me.

His grappling foundation was built in Russia, where he began training at a specialized sports school in the third grade.

Training six days a week, he was pushed through a demanding regimen that included multiple daily sessions, along with hundreds of push-ups, pull-ups, and running under the guidance of a world champion coach:

He instilled tons of great habits. I still to this day sometimes realize how much he imparted on us.

Although he now holds a high-ranking judo black belt, he still sees himself as a sambo athlete first:

I identify as a sambo guy. I do judo by default.

Reflecting on receiving his black belt, Koulikov admitted it was rewarding, but never surprising:

You still feel achievement, you still feel happy that you did this. But the surprise element is not there.

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents

💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win? 💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers? It’s not your age. It’s your strategy. If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you. 🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:

Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu

Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.

Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.