"It is not just throws or locks that define Sambo, but the incorporation of the technical aspects with the principles, strategies and culture of Sambo. Just as one can distinguish BJJ, Judo and Greco-Roman Wrestling, Sambo has its own personality that must be learned in its entirety. I have seen few better examples of this, than training with Stephen Koepfer. He has distinguished himself as an active encyclopedia of Sambo, yet showing the natural innovation that keeps his program relevant in the rapid evolution of Grappling/MMA arts. Training with Stephen is a must for anybody who is serious about Sambo!
As Sambo began to “emerge” in the U.S., I purposely avoided all the “Associations” and “Systems” that popped up; concerned with the usual lack of substance, and fatigue over the inevitable marketing or self promotion. The American Sambo Association has, however, established itself as the most relevant organization focused on collaboration and development of the art in the U.S. I would definitely recommend joining and participating in its activities."
David Rubin
Portland, Oregon
Head Coach - Grip Sambo (under Arkady Buzin) in association with IMPACT Jiu Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Purple belt (under Wellington “Megaton” Diaz).
Afaq-Sirat, 1st Degree Black (under Ali Mohammad RIP)
"Stephen is a world class grappler with a natural talent for teaching. He easily kept advanced students enthralled without leaving beginners behind. He added insight and detail to even the most overlooked basic techniques. This was his first time at our club, but it will not be his last. I strongly recommend you seek out the opportunity to train with him."
Kevin Secours
Director of Integrated Fighting Systems, Montreal Canada. 3rd Dan Modern Kempo Jujitsu, 1st Dan AkaiRyu Jujitsu, Senior Instructor Russian Systema, Full Instructor Five Animal Shaolin Chuanshu.
“I was fortunate to participate in an insightful and well-organized seminar hosted by my good friend and teacher Mr. Kevin Secours in Montreal. The seminar was with Mr. Stephen Koepfer, the president of the American Sambo Association. The warm-up exercises blended very well into the techniques that came later. Steve demonstrated the mechanics of every move several time and was in tune with how well we were digesting it all. He mentioned in the beginning of the seminar that successful execution of any technique is about the fine details such as being very close and tight with the opponent, correct placement of feet and a very good grip. He was very attentive to all of the participants and It seemed like every time we looked up, he was right there evaluating our technique and ready to answer our questions. At the end, we were exhausted and tired, but happy and smiling! I truly enjoyed his friendly attitude and easy-going manner. He was very approachable and overall, a truly great instructor. It would be an honor to train again with him in the future and I highly recommend anyone to jump at the opportunity to learn from this great teacher.”
Milad Bozorgnia
Maine, USA
October 28, 2006
"Steve Koepfer gave a truly superlative seminar at my school.
He carefully oriented the presentation of techniques and tactics to the needs and skills of the individuals present. He drew from an obvious depth of knowledge concerning the entire range of skills necessary for both self-defense and combative sports, showing consideration of each seminar participant. He was very giving of his expertise; completely different from supposed experts - calling themselves "masters", who will hold a seminar and charge an obscene fee for one or two applications of techniques, over an entire day. Nor did he overwhelm people with minutia at a speed that defied learning, in order to show his depth of skill. Mr. Koepfer paced himself perfectly. He constantly checked with his audience to see if they were "getting it" and to see if they were experiencing what they came wanting to learn about.
I was constantly feeling reassured as I watched Steve teach; he was teaching the heart of true Sambo - and yes, though Sambo is based on a collection of the World's fighting techniques, there IS a true Sambo method; the way and style with which Sambo was carefully devised to be taught. Add to this humility and a great sense of humor. I came to see that Stephen Koepfer's Sambo Seminars are not to be missed. I invited him back that day, without even waiting to quiz the students later; it was so darn obvious they had a blast.
I have to add this; I'm a picky, middle-aged 25+ year Sambo curmudgeon, who's been around the World doing Martial Arts for 40 years or so. I'm not given to giddy praise. Steve does this, on top of being one of the few folks who reliably sells good quality Sambo jackets and educational material (which he DIDN'T push on us!). His tournaments are the best, fairly run and most organized in the endeavor.
I recommend to everyone; get to know this fellow."
Sincerely,
Dayn DeRose
Honorable Master of Sport
Chief Instructor; South Mountain Martial Arts
"A big thank you for the Combat Sambo seminar. As a police officer I find Combat Sambo to be so practical it is unbelievable. More police officers need to know about this art. I will be one of the people to educate them. Thanks again."
Officer J. Bunnell
North Branford, CT
"The Sambo seminar at Aiki Academy was great. Krav Maga is getting a lot of press these days but Combat Sambo is far superior. Being in law enforcement, I need a martial art that gets down to business without the fluff. Combat Sambo is the real deal. Thank you."
Officer M. Wolf
North Branford, CT
"Mr Koepfer displays a masterful understanding of the dynamic body movements necessary for grappling. Whats most impressive is his ability to relay and teach these skills to others. Complete beginners to the most advanced students have much to learn from Mr. Koepfer."
Chris Herzog
Head Judo/Sambo Coach
Team Empire
www.teamempire.us
“In today’s constant search for answers to grappling questions Stephen Koepfer represents a true gem stone. The Combat Sambo seminar he did in Belgrade was really a unique training and learning experience. First of all, his expertise regarding both ground and standup fighting game is exquisite, and the material he presented offered a lot of new concepts or angles of approach. Secondly, but maybe even more important, his didactic approach is unsurpassed in comparison to what I have seen so far. His program was not only extremely well prepared and all-inclusive, but also flexible enough to take into consideration participants’ special interests and requests. Finally, but not the least important, Steve has great personality which really makes learning from him a true pleasure. Very communicative, down-to-earth guy with fine sense of humor, he really is a dream come true as an instructor. Bottom line is, if you get a chance to train with Stephen Koepfer — don’t miss the opportunity. I can barely wait for the next one!.”
Dragan Milojevic
Instructor, Club Wolves
Belgrade, Serbia
“I want to take the opportunity to thank Stephen Koepfer for the incredible sambo seminar he conducted at our academy recently. I have been to hundreds of seminars in my 18 plus years as a martial artist and Mr. Koepfer’s ranks as one of the best!!! We all took something home with us. Stephen Koepfer’s knowledge of sambo is impressive to say the least. His mastery of technique is without question and combined with excellent approach to teaching, made this seminar not only informative, but fun. He is a true Gentleman.”
Master Timothy Gallagher
Owner, Center City Martial Arts Academy
Scranton, Pennsylvania
“During this seminar, Stephen Koepfer employed all principles in a smooth and effective manner. The Class provided theory and practical application of techniques, especially how to defend against these techniques. Most of all, “Keeping the Gap closed.” This Seminar was presented in a understandable and tactful manner, which underscores Mr. Koepfer's vast knowledge of Sambo. He displayed an articulate, respectful and well mannered demeanor. We in Scranton can attest that “Stephen is truly a Master of Sambo.” The Class was truly inspired. I believe that all those interested in gaining more knowledge of Sambo would greatly benefit from Stephen’s exciting Sambo Seminar. Sensational!!!! Thank you for your patience, and we look foward with anticipation for your return.”
“Keeping the Gap Closed”
Respectfully, Your friend in Sambo,
Robert P. Granko Sr.
Pennsylvania State Police
“The real question is “Is the school good?” Yes, hell yes. The main thing that stands out at me is the principle of “going with the flow” and natural body movement. Lots of arts say “we do that,” but this Combat Sambo really seemed to do it well. I was genuinely impressed with the techniques. Lots of leg locks, and cool twisting type moves to counter throws. Lots of the counters involved sacrificing yourself and going with the momentum of the throw/and or twisting your body around the opponent to tie him into knots on the ground. One point that was driven home to me in the class was to not let your opponent have any space standing or on the ground. I really liked hearing the whole idea of thinking of both standing/mat work as one in the same... Stephen showed me how this was true. In the end, I came away very impressed with the school, the students, the teacher, and the art. For anyone in the NYC area interested in Combat Sambo, I recommend the school highly.”
Sebastian Guerriero
New York City Judoka
