Vlad Koulikov is a BJJ black belt who specialises in Sambo and originates from Moscow, Russia. He started training Sambo aged 9 in 1984 at Sambo 70 Academy under world champion Sergei Vorotyagin. Vlad remembers, “Growing up, having my dad and cousin as examples of masculinity and role models got me interested in training. My cousin was the one who brought me to Sambo 70. Once my foot touched the mat I fell in love with the sport and never looked back“.
When playing BJJ, Vlad’s favourite positions are the Scarfhold, Truck and Crucifix. He favours the elevator sweep from butterfly guard and the old school sweep from half guard. When on top he uses the under over pass and sprawl passing against the half guard. In terms of submissions Vlad prefers armbars and peruvian neckties whilst using the straight ankle lock against the legs. As expected, he is also a master at stand up and favours the hip toss in Gi and single leg takedowns in Nogi.
Vlad is now located in the US, training and teaching out of his own gym, Koulikov Grappling Academy (KGA) and has had his BJJ black belt since 2017 – which was awarded by Rafael ‘Formiga’ Barbosa. He credits Barbosa as his most influential grappler alongside Marcelo Garcia.
When asked about Sambo’s influence in the modern leg lock game Vlad states “I do think Sambo deserves some credit for grappling in general. However modern sub only, Nogi leg lock paradigm is way more complex, refined and developed than Sambo’s limited leg lock approach”. He also adds that knee reaping should be legal in BJJ as it is in Sambo.
An avid competitor, his typical competition weight is at 180lbs and his biggest achievements are Combat Wrestling World champion, Grapplers Quest most technical fighter, NAGA gold medals and a spot in American team for Combat Sambo World Championship. He’s also the Shuai Jiao National champion.
In terms of injuries, like many veteran grapplers Vlad has had his fair share, adding “My worst two injuries happened back to back: dislocation of my shoulder that sheared half of my cartilage off. Then I tore my peck where it meets the upper bicep. I’m afraid my shoulder will never be the same and my peck is deformed”. Further, he says Nakapan Phunephorn was his hardest ever MMA opponent who had both great striking and grappling abilties.
In terms of future plans Vlad is still ambitious and adds “I’m living the dream and intend on continuing to do so. I’m not entirely done with competition and hope to compete in IBJJF and Nogi. I’d like to travel more internationally with seminars, I love doing that. Another goal is to establish Sambo as a legit part of grappling. Not necessarily the best, but merited and respected. I Also want to promote my blend of grappling which is a mix of Sambo, BJJ and wrestling.
My final goal is to get my online course up and running.” Vlad’s legendary ‘Georgian grip’ DVD can be found here and his Sambo for BJJ is also here.
