New York Combat Sambo

I wish I could comment on the gym, but I have only trained with Steve Koepfer and some of his guys outside of NYCS. (I hope to remedy that next year) I have had the pleasure of training with Steve, both at Spartak in Ukraine, and in the US. He is a TOP notch instructor, and an amazing guy. His passion for the sport, is second only to his ability to teach Sambo. His approach to teaching will leave you wanting to come back and learn. (And it does not hurt that his technique is SPOT ON!)
Where ever you are, if there is a Sambo Steve Seminar going on, or if you are lucky enough to be within traveling distance to NYCS, take the opportunity to train with Steve and his guys. No matter your style or system, he will make you better!

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.

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.

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!

Tons of classes offered under one roof, which is very hard to find. I come here specifically for the leglock class, which is fantastic. Steve is a very detail oriented coach. The level of attention you will receive from Steve is phenomenal. The combination of knowledge, patience, and attention you will find at NYCS is hard to beat. For those new to combat sports or for those looking to supplement their current training, I would suggest giving NYCS a try.

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.

NYCS is run by American Sambo Association President Stephen Koepfer. For full disclosure, I consider Steve («Sambo Steve») a friend of mine but I think anybody who has trained under him would probably say the same thing.
I’ve been training martial arts almost my whole life, definitely my whole adult life, and I’ve got strong opinions on what makes a good school. This is a great school.
The people there are respectful, controlled, experienced, friendly, and enthusiastic. Nobody drags ass and nobody makes problems (no attitudes allowed). That’s good because the classes are serious — they play rough at NYCS and the training is very very rigorous.
The instruction, between Steve and his coaches, is top-​shelf. Technique is the focus but getting the job done is priority #1, and that style translates into creative Sambo and just good fighting results. They drill techniques from new to exhaustion so your muscles learn to take care of business without your brain’s help.
Students there are allowed to learn at their own pace — they’re very patient and they understand that many people have little to no experience with the types of movement Sambo requires.
With that said, no one is allowed to slack, and that’s where you really get what you pay for. I’ve trained at other schools with excellent instruction but in almost all of them, if you want to hang back, go 80%, take it easy, they figure that’s your prerogative, and they focus most of their attention, instruction, etc., on the students who bring their own will to train. Not so at NYCS. Steve will make sure you leave it all on the mats.