#72 - Sambo Steve - The American Sambo Master of Sport: Unlocking Soviet Grappling Secrets #sambo

Sambo Steve Koepfer reveals why the smartest grapplers are thinking about throws, grips, and transitions all wrong. If you train jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo, or combat sambo, this conversation will change how you see stand-up, breakfalls, and the moment a strike becomes a takedown.

Stephen Koepfer is the founder and head coach of New York Combat Sambo, one of the earliest U.S. Sambo academies, operating in New York City since 2003. 

He is a Master of Sport of Russia in Combat Sambo, president of the American Sambo Association, co-founder of Breakfall Studios, and a stunt performer and action designer whose work has appeared in John Wick 2, John Wick 3, Hunters, and The Blacklist.

We break down the evolution of American Sambo from the late 90s to the Fedor-era explosion, including how Combat Sambo became an official sport and why timing mattered so much for the growth of the art. Stephen also tells the full story behind earning his Russian Master of Sport title as an American, including the on-the-mat testing, the old-school coaches watching, and the moment that sealed the credential.In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Combat Sambo rewards finish-fast thinking instead of point-fighting habits

  
  

• The biggest mistake jiu-jitsu athletes make when closing distance under striking pressure

  
  

• How Sambo grips translate from kurtka to no-gi, and what simply does not transfer

  
  

• Why the Achilles grip matters more than the heel hook in real leg entanglement strategy

  
  

• How Stephen uses sweep mechanics to teach throws to jiu-jitsu players who think they “can’t throw”

  
  

• What stunt performers and actors must learn to make a fight scene look brutal without getting injured

  
  

Stephen also shares what makes John Wick’s grappling feel authentic, how Breakfall Studios turns martial arts knowledge into screen action, and why teaching fight choreography is really about preserving story, structure, and safety at the same time.

If you love technical grappling, Soviet training methods, or the hidden mechanics behind movie fight scenes, this one is packed with real-world insight.

Perfect for grapplers who want better stand-up, coaches who want smarter training methods, and anyone obsessed with the intersection of martial arts, film, and old-school combat systems.

Here are Sambo Steve’s social media account where you can find him online:

Instagram: @sambosteve

YouTube: @sambosteveYouTube: @FilmFightsFriendsPod 

URL: ussambo.com

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Until next time…Grab, Throw, Tap!

#sambo #sambosteve #sambopodcast #usasambo #ussambo #nycsambo #grappling #grapplingpodcast #grapplezilla