SAMBO is not a recognized TCU sport, but it has helped recent alumnus David Bonner ’03 gain championship recognition.

An acronym for “self defense without weapons” in Russian, SAMBO is a unique combination of martial arts. A cross between judo and freestyle wrestling, the sport offered Bonner a chance to combine athleticism, mental agility and personal strength — all skills that will come in handy as he embarks on his career in the Air Force.

Now, a 2nd lieutenant with the 58th Fighter Squadron, on his way to Iraq, Bonner has traded his status as a top athlete for a chance to serve his country. Bonner became passionate for the sport when he was awarded a college scholarship for the study of martial arts, which included SAMBO, a sport he’d never heard of.

Passion and hard work earned Bonner the gold medal for Team USA at the 2003 World Cup SAMBO Championships in France.

John Householder recruited Bonner for the ROTC program.

“David is a guy we want to watch. Alumni would be proud of him,” he said.