American Prime

Ricky Lundell

Founder - American Prime
Ricky Lundell is a pioneering force in modern combatives training, specializing in hand-to-hand combat and instructor development for special operators.
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About

As the founder of American Prime, a premier combatives training program, he is dedicated to advancing the combative capabilities of Special Operations Forces (SOF), federal special tactics units, and elite security professionals.

With over 32 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, judo  and mixed martial arts, Lundell has trained Tier 1 military units, Special Operations Forces, tactical law enforcement units, and high-level combatives instructors. His expertise is rooted in world class skill and real-world operational effectiveness, blending technical precision with strategic adaptability to develop high-percentage, proven techniques for those operating in high-threat environments.

Special Operations & Federal Tactical Training

Lundell has played a critical role in shaping modern combatives programs for U.S. Special Operations and federal agencies, including:

  • Advanced Training Command – Naval Special Warfare SEAL Teams (2020-2024)
    • Designed and implemented wall fighting, dominant ride & pin systems, weapon retention, and multi-opponent control strategies.
    • Trained over 500 SEALs in mastering positional superiority, control, and takedown systems.
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (2010-Present)
    • Developed and led specialized combatives programs for interagency task forces, focusing on combating organized crime operations.
  • U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) (2010-2013)
    • Created tactical grappling and striking programs for agents operating in high-risk engagements.

Through his combatives programs, Lundell has structured a tiered system for accountability, skill development, and leadership in combatives, ensuring that warfighters, tactical responders, and instructor cadres can train, evolve, and lead at the highest levels.

Competitive & Technical Background

A 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Master Pedro Sauer, (youngest ever at the time of promotion), NCAA Division I wrestler, and Judo black belt under Olympic bronze medalist Ronda Rousey, Lundell has built a legacy of excellence across multiple combat disciplines and therefore brings an unmatched pedigree in grappling and combat sports.

His accomplishments include:

  • 2x FILA World Grappling Champion
  • 3x Pankration World Champion (2008-2010)
  • Former Iowa State University Wrestler under Olympic gold medalist Cael Sanderson
  • Head Coach, Bishop Gorman High School Wrestling (2012-2020)

Elite Coaching & Training Legacy

As a professional MMA coach since 2008, Lundell has trained some of the sport’s best, preparing UFC champions and high-level fighters in a range of disciplines. His coaching extends beyond professional combat sports, serving as Head Wrestling Coach at Bishop Gorman High School (2012-2020), where he developed numerous state champions and mentored athletes to earn Division I wrestling scholarships.

As a trusted advisor and expert program developer, Lundell also serves as a Scientific Advisory Board Member for the C4 Foundation, helping special operations families build resilience through combatives-based team-building programs.

Building the Future of Special Operations Combatives

Lundell’s combatives training program is a mission-driven effort focused on optimizing real-world combat effectiveness for:

  • Special Operations Forces (SOF) & Tier 1 Units
  • Federal Special Tactics & Counterterrorism Teams
  • Combatives Instructors & Training Cadres
  • Special Operations Adjacent Units (Private Security, Contractor Teams, Intel Agencies)

By fusing combat sports methodologies with operational requirements, American Prime provides the next evolution of combatives training for the world’s most elite warriors.

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Ricky Lundell

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