Where shouldn't I have started? After doing thorough research about different schools in NYC, I found NY Combat Sambo. Boy was I in for a treat. My needs were pretty specific in what I wanted to accomplish and most schools did not accommodate to my needs as a martial artists. Meaning, that I was given a hard time because I don't like to be punched in the face or kicked. Further, the schools around NYC are extremely expensive especially if you want to cross train at other schools. I once tried cross training, but I tend to get very mad when people strike me and I may turn into the Hulk. On the internet, I found out about NY combat Sambo. They offer Sambo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Grapping, Wrestling and MMA grappling. I called the school and scheduled an appointment to attend a free T-R-I-A-L class. The Instruction The first class I took was grappling. I couldn't wait to get my hands on these guys. The instruction from Stephen Koepfer was thorough and ensured that all of the students had thorough understanding of each technique employed, especially when I assist him by giving the students my own advice and 2 cents. Ultimately, there were no egos as everyone worked with each other and offered help and advice if needed. Class size On average you will have between 6 to 12 students attending class. If you prefer individualized attention from good coaches, this is a place to be hands down. I put my hands down because I'd prefer to sit and watch, rather than be a man and train. All of the coaches will push you and if you have an ego it will be checked quick at the door by me. Price In terms of price, it's pretty economic. Its not an economically sound decision or good economics, it's just pretty economic. It really depends on how far you want to take your martial arts training. Personally, I don't want to take it very far at all but I like to feel important by writing a review for others. Conclusion I've been there a month, and after reading this, that's probably gonna be my only month. One of the guys started calling me Darling and it started to make me uncomfortable. I don't know how I can show my face in the gym again after this. I strongly recommend this school to any potential fighter, to stay in shape, and to learn self defense. Luv ya Steve, Darling read more

NY Combat Sambo is one of the finest and most unique Martial Arts schools in New York, and here's why: THE PROGRAM. They do everything. Sport Sambo with throws, transitions, and submissions. Combat Sambo with military-style weapons training. Dedicated classes in grappling, no-gi throws, wrestling, Judo, MMA, an open mat, and of course, the famous LEG LOCKS class, which alone is probably worth the membership fee. You name it, they have it. Which means you'll never get bored, and will be able to work on precisely what you need. THE COACHES. Coach Steve is the real deal. He learned Sambo from the legendary Alexander Barakov, and has the rare ability to break down even the most complicated techniques. He is also a walking encyclopedia of Martial Arts and is truly passionate about what he does. I also highly recommend coach Phoenix (Judo black belt) and the rest of the team. Class size is relatively small, so you get lots of personal attention. I was even lucky enough to get a few private lessons by being the only student there (only happens early in the morning during weekends when the weather is nice). Yes, class will proceed as usual as long as there's at least one student willing to learn. THE VIBE. This place is authentically old-school, in the finest traditions of Soviet sports. Some might find it hardcore, but that pertains only to the training. The interactions between the coaches and students create a "dushevnaya" atmosphere, a Russian term which literally means "soulful", but may be described as a combitation of down to earth, respectful, friendly, and fun. Coach Steve definitely has a "Russian Soul". In conclusion, at NYCS you will discover the complete Martial Art that is Sambo, and the unique culture that surrounds it. Of course, if you are in any way connected to Mother Russia, you owe it to yourself to check it out. read more

Where should I start? After doing thorough research about different schools in NYC, I found NY Combat Sambo. My needs were pretty specific in what I wanted to accomplish and most schools did not accommodate to my needs as a martial artists. Meaning, either they just offered BJJ or Muay Thai or strictly boxing. Further, the schools around NYC are extremely expensive especially if you want to cross train at other schools. On the internet, I found out about NY combat Sambo. They offer Sambo, Boxing, Muay Thai, Grapping, Wrestling and MMA grappling. I called the school and scheduled an appointment to attend a free trail class. The Instruction The first class I took was grappling. The instruction from Stephen Koepfer was thorough and ensured that all of the students had thorough understanding of each technique employed. Ultimately, there were no egos as everyone worked with each other and offered help and advice if needed. Class size On average you will have between 6 to 12 students attending class. If you prefer individualized attention from good coaches, this is a place to be hands down. All of the coaches will push you and if you have an ego it will checked quick at the door. Price In terms of price, it's pretty economic. It really depends on how far you want to take your martial arts training. Conclusion I've been there a month, I strongly recommend this school to any potential fighter, to stay in shape, and to learn self defense. read more

This is hands down the best competitive martial arts school for the price! All coaches (Striking, Wrestling, Sambo) have extensive competition experience and will help you grow as a fighter, allowing you to build on your own style. Experienced and Beginner classes are offered. Performance and effectiveness are the main focuses at NYCS. Also, a wealth of experienced grapplers make training days super beneficial. I've competed and trained in Kickboxing and Sambo and I am constantly finding new things to focus on to make me a better fighter. Steve is a great instructor and is constantly bringing new ideas and techniques into the classes. Getting to roll with him is well worth anything you're spending now and will make you hungry for more. As an ASA club, NYCS has affiliations with a great number of other schools in the NYC area which makes it super conducive to cross training. This school will make you a better competitor and if you don't compete, you'll pick up some sick leg attacks to confuse your friends with!! read more

I had some boxing experience but was looking for a place in NY to learn grappling/wrestling etc. Went to a few bigger schools that offered variety, but did not feel I was getting personalized attention. I love NY Combat Sambo. I trained there for abut a year and change and only stopped because of my conflicting schedule. Its a nice small school and the classes are tough and individualized. My favorite was the strength and conditioning on Friday nights and Leglocks on Tuesday nights were my favorites. Steve is a great guy and a great coach, and he and his team take their time to make sure you understand the techniques and work hard. As far as price you can't beat it either, especially for NY. Nice training environment, everyone is laid back and chill. You can learn competition striking/grappling or street grappling/defense. I even had the chance to compete for the club while I was there at one of the Good Fight Tournaments. I only wish they offered early early morning classes. Great small club overall. read more

I've trained in various martial arts schools and this one is the best. There is a home feel to this gym with its friendly atmosphere and a common goal to train hard. Steve makes sure of that. He does not tolerate the ego-mentality in the class which makes this gym an ideal training place if want to learn and improve your grappling skills. Steve takes his time breaking down each new technique and makes sure everyone can apply it. He patiently goes through every question and always welcomes feedback on what worked and what didn't and helps you customize a technique to yourself. His attention to details and coaching skills are outstanding. I definitely recommend NYCS to everyone. read more

About five years ago I started looking for gyms to train since I missed the wrestling room. I went to a few places, but they were filled with big egos, and bigger monthly fees. I've been at NYCS for over four years and it's been a great experience. The diverse schedule allows you to pick what you want to focus on (MMA, Wrestling, Sambo, NoGi, Boxing.) Another treat is the Sunday open mat, which is free to students, and attracts great grapplers from different academies who are eager to share techniques. If you want personal attention and a room full of good people who want to help, this is the spot. read more

New York Combat Sambo is the premier Sambo school in the country run by Stephen Koepfer who probably has some of the most experience of any American teaching Russian Sambo. Russian Sambo is just as effective as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as it encorporates submissions, but it is also a combat system used for the Russian Military so it also uses hand to hand combat skills, etc..Sambo uses throws like Judo and takedowns from many wrestling styles. Some of Sambo's best fighters include Fedor Emelianko, Oleg Taktarov, Sergei Kharitonov, Michelle Fugi and more. I heavily recommend New York Combat Sambo read more

NYCS is a fantastic gym, and one of a small number of "must check out" martial arts gyms in NYC. The instruction is top notch, and the atmosphere is very welcoming. Steve is a great coach, and I would suggest that anyone interested in grappling arts go check him out and take a class to see what NYCS is all about. In addition the schedule provides classes at a wide variety of times, so it's easy to fit training in to even the most demanding NY workday, and the prices are more than reasonable for one of the most expensive cities in the world. read more

Sambo Steve is a great coach who gives everyone the same amount of respect / attention no matter what their skill level or goals are. There is a lot of emphasis on mastering technique and really learning how to apply them instead of just breezing through from one thing to another. Great variety of classes. His leg locks are insane. Memberships are no contract with either 2 days/week or unlimited. 1st class is free so if you are still reading this you might as well just go try it. read more

Nothing much to say! Stephen "Sambo Steve" Koepfer is one of the best living coaches of Sambo today. I have been training there for a few months already (Jeremy is not my real name) and have enjoyed every second. The gym is not too big (this is NYC after all) but it is adequate. The people who train there are both serious at fighting and also are nice people overall. NYCS members regularly get medals in the competitions they participate in. Long live Reapers! read more

Damn, where do I begin!. The way Steve thinks and puts it all together. All practical, all very applicable. And he's such a super cool and down to earth guy. No bullshit, no smoke and mirrors, no mystery hidden technique. He's super open approachable and extremely attentive. He's an extremely active coach that loves to teach, and it shows. I am really grateful and sorry I didn't join sooner. read more

having been doing martial arts for a long time i must say that new york combat sambo has some of the best coaches around and not just the tri state area but overall the people who teach and train there are some of the most humble and respectful bunch of martial artist ive come across. and ive made friends for life as well read more