Mention martial arts and images of a Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan movie soon spring to mind. But there is more to this ‘art of warfare’ than choreographed fancy kicks, and there are plenty of places in Cyprus where you can find out what that is.
Martial arts, or the fighting arts, as they are often called, are traditions of various types of combat training. Even though there are hundreds of different types you can choose to follow, the most popular of martial arts, and the most commonly practiced and taught at martial arts schools, these include Karate, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Judo and Tai Chi. Whatever the type of martial arts training you decide to follow, there is one single objective that they all share: to physically defeat opponents and to defend oneself or others from physical threat. Forget about wax on-wax off and endless hours of clipping your Bonsai, select your favourite style and let your kicks fly.
Karate
Often used as a generic term to refer to all striking-based Oriental martial arts, Karate was actually developed in the Ryuku Islands of Japan, and is characterised as a striking art which uses punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes and open-handed techniques such as the karate chop. For many practitioners, Karate also teaches ethical and spiritual principles, and today is practiced for self-perfection, for self-defence, or simply as a sport.
Muay Thai
As its name suggests, Muay Thai is a form of martial arts practiced in Thailand, where it is the national sport, as well as other Southeast Asian countries. The Muay Thai practiced today varies from traditional martial arts methods and takes place in a ring with kicks and punches and wearing gloves similar to those in boxing. The hands, shins, elbows and knees are used extensively in this art.
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is one of the most popular forms of martial arts, and is also the national sport of South Korea. Due to its rising popularity, it has also been an Olympic event since 2000. Also as a result of its popularity, the art has developed into several domains, and combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, meditation and philosophy.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a Chinese martial art that is practiced primarily for its health benefits and as a means of dealing with tension and stress. Placing an emphasis on complete relaxation and meditation, it is obviously far less combative than its counterparts. Despite its soft, slow and flowing nature of its movements, they are still executed precisely, and are in themselves a form of self defense.
Judo
Judo, meaning ‘gentle way,’ is a martial art that originated in Japan. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw the e`opponent to the ground, or otherwise subdue them with a grappling manoeuvre or by executing a choke.
Jujitsu
Jujitsu is a Japanese martial art of weaponless self-defense. The art is mainly associated with joint-locks, throws and strikes coupled with smart attack evasion techniques and the manipulation of opponent's own weight and strength.
Aikido
Traditional Aikido was developed in Japan as an effective discipline which utilises all of a person’s powers, both physical and mental. It is an art of self defence and often used by the Japanese Armed Forces and Police. It is very popular among women because it is considered to be the most effective method of self defence and it does not require great muscular strength.
MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING IN CYPRUS
Thanks to its growing popularity in Cyprus, there are a number of martial arts academies and training schools, or ‘dojos’ as they are traditionally known, all around the island offering a variety of martial arts training to choose from.
ISLANDWIDE
Cyprus Bujinkan Dojo
The Cyprus Bujinkan Dojo trains its students in a multi-discipline form of martial arts that originated in Japan, known as Ninjutsu or Ninpo. Taught by 8 Dan Michalis Eustathiou and other qualified martial arts instructors, the school operates in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca with classes being introduced for children aged 6 to 18.
€60 per month
For more information, call Michalis Eustathiou on or visit: www.ninjacy.com
NICOSIA
Constantinou Fight Club
This fight club practices the authentic and ancient forms of combat known as Muay Boran and Muay Caat Cherk, and aims to educate students in the fighting style of traditional Muay Thai. Its goal is to improve coordination, stamina, fitness and encourage discipline. Each person’s training needs are accommodated according to their fitness levels, from beginner to advanced, and the academy holds level examinations every six months for students to receive certificates and prajeats, recognised by the United States Muay Thai Association. Director and trainer, George Constantinou is a certified instructor who has been studying the art of Muay Thai since the age of nine.
Cost per months is €60 for adults and €50 for children
Located at the Centre of Strovolos in Parnassou 6 Street next to Tseriou Ave., Nicosia,
For more information visit: www.polemikestexnes.com
Toukon Karate Academy
Founded in 2007, the Toukon Karate Academy has been actively involved in the World Karate Fedaration as well as the Cyprus Karate Federation. Trainer Odysseas Odysseos is a 3 Dan-ranked certified instructor and classes are offered at beginner level, intermediate level and advanced, as well as for all ages, with special classes for children, which are grouped according to age.
€55 per month for both adults and children, plus €30 sign-up fee per year
Located at Lemesos Avenue, AGBU-Melkonian Institute, Nicosia,
Wing Chun Cyprus
A branch of the World Wing Chun Kung Fu Association, the academy offers programmes for men, women and children of all ages and fitness levels. Adhering to the art’s strict rules for discipline, students are taught respect, self confidence, patience, perseverance and mental focus. Brute strength or a high level of fitness are not requirements. The academy is led by Sifu Kypros Andreou.
Adults: €70, Children: €60
Located at 2 Aeschilou Str., 2413 Egkomi, Nicosia,
Telephone: ,
For more information visit: www.wingchuncyprus.com
Cyprus Jeet Kune Do Academy
Nicosia based qualified Jeet Kune Do instructor Alexis Danos, member of Hardcore Jeet Kune Do, and apprentice instructor level 4 under Sifu Lamar Davis, teaches basic, intermediate, advanced and senior techniques of Jeet Kune Doo, promoting the original Bruce Lee's fighting method. The school is a non-profit organization with all profits going to charity.
For ages 14+ €60 per month.
Located at Aglantzia Karate Centre, 1 Mavilli Street, Aglantzia 2101, Nicosia,
Telephone: . For more information visit: www.jkdcyprus.com
Wing Tsjun International
Limassol & Nicosia based martial arts instructor Sifu Vasos Erodotou teaching Chinese martial arts and self-defence. No ring fighting sports like Thai boxing or kick boxing are taught. Sports suitable for anyone of any age. Teach your child values such as honor, discipline and integrity through the a range of martial arts under the guidance of the school’s qualified instructor Sifu Erodotou.
Located at Alexias 24, Anthopouli, 2304, Lakatamia, Nicosia,
And Ayiou Nektariou 38A, 3090, Limassol
For more information visit www.wingtsjun.com.cy
Federations
Cyprus Amateur Karate Federation: Located in Nicosia and looking after those participating in amateur karate in Cyprus.
Tel: Fax:
Cyprus Kick-Box All Styles Federation: Organise and run all kickboxing in Cyprus. Located in Nicosia at 16 Electras Street, Flat 12, Latsia.
Tel: Fax:
LIMASSOL
Martial Arts Academy
Brand new purpose built state of the art facility with full EU health and safety standards in place to open in Polemidia, March 2012. Will offer martial arts:
With students from over 30 different countries, aged 4 to 65, the Martial Arts Academy offers training in several martial arts from Aikido, Karate to Jujitsu and basic self defence. Students of the Academy can take part in the Cyprus National Championships as well as international competitions, and the Academy also organises annual events such as the International Martial Arts, open style Kata Championships and seminars in Aikido, Ju Jitsu, Karate and Tai Chi.
National Coach and Chief Instructor is Agis Agisilaou. The school is registered with GOA and is an officially recognised member of the Cyprus Olympics Committee
For more information visit the following websites: www.aikidocyprus.com / www.martialartsacademy-cyprus.com / www.cyprusaikidofederation.org .
Or call ,
Bushido Karate School
Shotokan method is taught, with classes from age 6 to adults, for all levels. Teaching Self Defence and helping keep students in good shape both mentally and physically. Classes are held weekdays from 4pm – 9pm - €60 per month, 2 sessions per week.
George Charalambous instructor. Email: or visit website:
www.bushido.com.cy Address: 7 Parodos Stoikon, Kato Polemidia,
Mixed Martial Arts Personal Training by Michael Rivers – professional Mixed Martial Arts Instructor. Sessions by appointment only, either one-to-one or one-to-two per session. Held on Dasoudi Beach from 7am – 7pm. For more details access Facebook page via Limassol Running club website : www.limassolrunningclub.com and email :
LARNACA
Makedonia Taekwondo
Mr. Yiannis, a 6 Dan rank holder, teaches Olympic Taekwondo to all ages, including children as young as five. His ‘dojo’ boasts over 100 students, with daily classes, including morning sessions, divided according to age and level.
46 Leonidous Str., Faneromeni,
Ko Pro Gym
Michael Polydorou is a senior instructor in Jiu Jitsu, 4th Dan and Krav Maga 4th level and a senior level instructor of Muay Thai. Children from five years old are taught at daily afternoon and evening classes. Kickboxing, boxing and kickboxing k1 are also taught.
6 Rega Fereou, Aradippou Platia, Aradippou,
PAPHOS
Black Belt Centre
3 Dan ranked Taekwondo instructor Daniel Andreou runs one Taekwondo school in Paphos. Andreou himself was trained by Greek-born Sensei Stratos, 6 Dan, who takes a great interest in his student’s endeavours in Cyprus and who is also responsible for organising the international Taekwondo summer camp in Cyprus over the past ten years. Classes are available for children as young as five, but there are also classes for beginner adults.
€45 per month for children and adults.
For details of directions call:
Three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Children from 5pm. Adults from 7pm.
Martial Arts Centre
Marios Elia trains students mentally, spiritually and physically. Aside from martial arts training, Elia focuses on physical fitness, correct stretching and breathing exercises and the gathering of energy. It is a process for the mind and soul as well as the body, promoting overall fitness and well-being.
€50 per month for children, €50 for adults
Three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Children from 6pm. Adults from 7pm.
22 Manis Str. ,