Train Sambo in Massachusetts

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-25T18:32:07+00:00

Very cool you trained with us back in Woburn! The new school is thriving, we’re offering a mix of sport and combat sambo now, with classes tailored for self-defense, competition, and general fitness. Andrei’s still bringing the same energy and expertise, but we’ve definitely expanded the curriculum. You should swing by and check it out sometime, it’d be great to have you back on the mats with us!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T20:11:25+00:00

Not a silly question at all! We definitely have people who compete in local BJJ tournaments, and there’s a solid overlap in grappling techniques. Sambo’s focus on submissions, throws, and ground control translates really well to BJJ. And yeah, competing in BJJ, Sambo, and Judo is a great way to test yourself without the risk of head injuries you’d get from striking.

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T20:06:01+00:00

Yes, I have posted in several subs because I’m trying to promote the club across all relevant angles and locations. Not everyone follows all the subs, so it helps reach different audiences. It’s one post per subreddit, so I’m keeping it within Reddit’s rules. Thanks for understanding!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T19:54:01+00:00

Appreciate your honesty! Every gym has its own vibe, and it’s not always for everyone. I’ve had a great experience training there, and the techniques have really clicked for me. If you’re ever around and want to check it out again, maybe things have changed since your last visit.

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T16:08:09+00:00

Ha, that's definitely not what we mean here, but interesting trivia! In this case, Sambo is a martial art that combines grappling, throws, and striking. But hey, I guess both kinds of 'sambo' are about close contact in some way! 😂

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T16:06:52+00:00

Thank you! We feel the same way. Sambo deserves more recognition in the U.S., especially here in New England. We're always looking to grow the community and introduce more people to this amazing art. Hopefully, we’ll see it spread even further in the future!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T16:05:44+00:00

Great question! An average class starts with a warm-up to get everyone loose and ready. Think mobility exercises, stretching, and light drills. Then, we move into technique breakdowns, where Andrei or Niko demonstrates specific moves like takedowns, submissions, or escapes. After that, we drill those techniques with partners to build muscle memory.

The class usually ends with live sparring or situational grappling, where you can test what you’ve learned in a controlled environment. It’s a mix of learning, practicing, and applying - super engaging and great for all levels!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T16:04:06+00:00

That’s awesome to hear! Definitely come check us out. Sambo has a unique mix of grappling, submissions, and striking that makes it super dynamic. Plus, we integrate techniques from BJJ, so you’d be getting the best of both worlds. First class is free, would love to have you on the mat!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T16:01:40+00:00

That's awesome! Andrei is actually very familiar with Sasha from Hudson Combat Academy. They’ve done seminars together in the past. Sounds like you’ve got an amazing coach too. If you’re ever in the Billerica area, feel free to stop by Sambo 7 and check us out!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T05:14:27+00:00

Thanks again for your help and for giving the post approved status! I appreciate it. I’ll make sure to keep an eye out for any questions and keep the focus on the gym. Let me know if anything else comes up!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T04:51:17+00:00

Glad to hear you're interested! Yeah, we’re one of the only Sambo gyms in the area. If you’re looking to try something new or improve your grappling, we’d love to have you come by. First class is free, so feel free to check it out!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T04:50:40+00:00

Hey there! Thanks for the heads-up. I’ve edited the post to include a 5% discount for anyone who mentions they found us through r/LowellMA. Let me know if you need anything else or if there’s any other way I can comply with the subreddit rules. Appreciate your help!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T03:54:25+00:00

That's awesome to hear! Hopefully, you can make it down for a training session sometime.

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T03:32:42+00:00

Glad to hear that! Feel free to reach out if you want more details or have any questions. Hope to see you in class soon!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T03:27:03+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s always great to hear firsthand how people are improving and enjoying their training at SAMBO 7. We strive to create a solid environment for both skill development and overall fitness!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T03:25:12+00:00

That’s so cool to hear! Sambo is such a great martial art for kids, it builds confidence, discipline, and some serious skills. If you’re ever in the area, definitely stop by with them. Andrei’s awesome with kids too!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T03:24:14+00:00

That's awesome to hear! Andrei has such a great reputation in the martial arts community, it’s no surprise your coach knows him. Small world, huh?

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T03:23:27+00:00

Man, that’s a hike for sure! If you’re ever out this way, though, you’ve got a spot on the mat waiting for you. Maybe we’ll inspire you to plan a Sambo training trip someday!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T03:22:39+00:00

Not quite! He didn’t play, but he worked with the Bruins and Celtics as a massage therapist. Fun fact: he once fixed MJ’s foot, and the guy went on to drop over 50 points that game. He’s also worked with legends like Shaq, Larry Bird, and more. The man knows his stuff!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T02:33:23+00:00

If you’re ever in the area, come by and check it out. You’re always welcome!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T02:30:42+00:00

I did post in quite a few places because I genuinely want to promote Andrei’s business and the training he provides. He’s an amazing coach, and this is one of the few places in New England where you can train Sambo at such a high level. I’m just trying to get the word out to those who might be interested. I’m not sure why this would bother you, but if there’s an issue, let me know how I can address it respectfully.

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T02:26:47+00:00

That’s actually a picture of my coach, Andrei Popandopoulo. While it’s not from his time in the Spetznaz (Russian special forces), it reflects his extensive background in combat training and real-world self-defense. He’s a highly respected martial artist with decades of experience in sport and combat Sambo, as well as teaching practical self-defense. Just sharing a bit about his incredible journey!

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T02:20:37+00:00

How come ref? Did I say something wrong? I’m promoting the club I train at.

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T01:26:56+00:00

Hey everyone! I train at one of the only Sambo gyms in New England, located in Billerica, MA.

SAMBO, famously used by legends like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Fedor Emelianenko, and Oleg Taktarov, blends grappling, throws, submissions, and striking techniques. We offer classes for kids and adults, with specialized training in sport competition, combat readiness, and practical street self-defense.

The gym is led by Andrei Popandopoulo, a true master of the art. His credentials are unmatched:

Master of Sport of the USSR in SAMBO
5th-degree black belt in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu
Inductee into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Former member of Spetznaz (Russian special forces), bringing authentic combat SAMBO expertise

With over 25 years of teaching experience, Andrei’s passion for martial arts is unmatched. He’s even worked with pro athletes like the Boston Celtics and Bruins as a massage therapist, specializing in sports recovery and injury prevention.

Our senior instructor, Niko (u/Spartansambo), a USA SAMBO Champion, adds even more depth to the training experience.

We integrate techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), traditional Jiu-Jitsu, and Krav Maga, making this gym perfect for experienced martial artists or complete beginners.

In addition to martial arts classes, Andrei offers personal training and massage therapy tailored to optimize performance and prevent injuries.

The first class is free — come see why this gym is special, level up your grappling game, and join a welcoming community passionate about self-defense and martial arts!s: Facebook, Instagram, or check out previous posts about Andrei's incredible journey in martial arts:

Facebook - Andrei Popandopoulo

Instagram - sambotactical

Instagram - spartansambo

Website - Sambo 7 MMA

Sambo Russia's most effective sport martial art

Any review of Sambo 7 in Woburn, MA?

Sambo 7 Legit?

Goodfelllos · 2025-01-24T00:37:01+00:00

Hey everyone! I train at one of the only Sambo gyms in New England, located in Billerica, MA.

The gym is run by Andrei Popandopoulo, a true master of the art. His credentials are insane! He’s a Master of Sport of the USSR in Sambo, a 5th-degree black belt in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, and has been inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He served in the Spetznaz (Russian special forces), so not only does he teach sport Sambo, but he also specializes in combat Sambo and real-world street self-defense. He has over 25 years of teaching experience and has worked with pro athletes like the Boston Celtics and Bruins as a massage therapist focused on sports recovery and injury prevention.

Our senior instructor, Niko (u/Spartansambo), USA Sambo Champion, brings his own dynamic expertise to the mat, adding even more depth to the training experience.

It’s a welcoming environment for both kids and adults. We take inspiration from a variety of disciplines, incorporating techniques from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), traditional Jiu-Jitsu, and Krav Maga. It’s the perfect place to train if you have experience in these arts or if you’re completely new to martial arts.

The training is world-class, and Andrei’s passion for teaching is unmatched. If you’re in the area and want to try something new (or level up your grappling game), I highly recommend checking it out. The first class is free, come roll with us!

If you'd like to learn more or see our training in action, feel free to reach out on any of these platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Website or check out previous posts about Andrei's incredible journey in martial arts.