This week we meet Samuel Butcher — a 3x National Wrestling Champion, Judo brown belt, and one of the most exciting young talents in British wrestling right now. In this episode, Sam breaks down his journey from school judo clubs to becoming a dominant wrestler… and why his next huge step is heading to Nebraska, USA, to chase greatness through the American college wrestling system. We cover:
✅ How Sam started judo at age 8 (because WWE “wasn’t real”!) and competed across the UK & Europe
✅ The moment he switched from judo/MMA to full-time wrestling — and why it clicked
✅ The hardest transition from judo to wrestling: shots, leg attacks, sprawls, stance, and mat control
✅ Winning his first Nationals early — before he even understood leg attacks properly
✅ How he adapted to become a 3-time National Champion (including winning without throws)
✅ Training across Europe: Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Finland, Germany — and what changed his game
✅ The difference between UK MMA-wrestling vs true wrestling rooms abroad (especially par terre)
✅ Brutal conditioning stories (yes… 45 minutes of nonstop squat jumps)
✅ Why the USA college wrestling system develops monsters: daily training + weekly competition
✅ Sam’s mindset: not just winning… becoming dominant and building a legacy
✅ Why projects like Real American Freestyle (RAF) and wrestling influencers are helping grow the sport
✅ Coaching in the UK now — and his long-term plan to open a wrestling club in the future
✅ His big move to Nebraska in August and what he needs to make it happen
Samuel has earned a full scholarship, but as an international athlete he needs financial verification to prove he can cover living/housing costs. If you can support his journey CLICK HERE.
If you’re into wrestling, Greco-Roman, freestyle, folkstyle, judo, MMA grappling, BJJ, or you simply love stories of athletes building something from nothing — this one’s for you.
The Grapple Of Your Eye Show 
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