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RENZO GRACIE JIUJITSU STROVOLOS
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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit"
Aristotle
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): A Modern Martial Art Rooted in Technique and Control
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often called BJJ, is a dynamic and modern martial art focused on grappling and ground control. The primary goal for practitioners is to skillfully bring opponents to the ground and maintain control, allowing them to apply chokes, holds, locks, and joint manipulations that enable submission without harm.
BJJ gained international recognition after numerous practitioners showcased its effectiveness in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world. Since then, it has become one of the fastest-growing sports globally, appealing to people of all ages and backgrounds who are drawn to its emphasis on technique, leverage, and strategy.
In Cyprus, BJJ made its debut in the late 1990s, introduced by Pantelis Panagidis after his return from the USA, where he trained with Renzo Gracie himself in New York City. Today, BJJ continues to flourish in Cyprus, drawing a passionate community of martial artists dedicated to skill development, discipline, and respect.
Renzo Gracie Academy
Renzo Gracie: A Pioneer of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts
Renzo Gracie, a renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioner and mixed martial artist, is a proud member of the legendary Gracie family. Known globally as one of the art’s most respected figures, Renzo has become one of the foremost influencers in BJJ, championing the art’s growth worldwide.
Beyond his own achievements, Renzo is celebrated for his contributions to martial arts, guiding countless students to become elite athletes, world-class coaches, and professional fighters. Recognized as one of the greatest coaches of the modern era, his New York-based Renzo Gracie Academy is regarded as one of the world’s premier gyms, producing top-tier talent in BJJ, submission grappling, and MMA.
Renzo’s legacy extends internationally through a network of affiliates, including Renzo Gracie Cyprus, led by Pantelis Panagidis.
Pantelis Panagidis began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in the mid-90s while studying in New York, where he became one of Renzo Gracie’s first students. Upon returning to Cyprus, he opened Aspida Team Renzo Gracie, the country’s first BJJ academy and one of the earliest in Europe.
Among his notable students is Panayiotis Melodias, Pantelis’s first black belt, who established Renzo Gracie Strovolos in 2017. Together, Pantelis and Panayiotis continue to grow the BJJ community in Cyprus, nurturing new talent and inspiring practitioners through a network of affiliates in Cyprus, Greece, and Russia.