Eros Themis w/ daughter Atara
"Arrhichion, the most famous of all pankratiasts, is said to have died while still successfully defending his championship. As life escaped him, he wasn't afraid. He wasn't distracted. He thought of nothing but victory aware of the immortality it would grant him. Think of nothing but victory, crave nothing but victory. No fear, no distraction. Just Immortality."
-Eros Themis-
Eros Themis is a former Greek Pankration Champion with somewhat legendary status on the Greek Isles. Father of Desdemona, Atara, and Osira Themis, his Palaestra has always been about passing his knowledge down to them. Over time extended family became involved, the local community, and now the entirety of the Globe. Thanks to the platform provided by Global Combat Championships and his family's growing relationship with the promotion, Eros is passing his experiences, expertise, and pride of Greek heritage down to any willing and with the heart to train at Themis Palaestra. Operating since the early 2000's, the gym continues grow.
Primarily a neo-pankration school, the original mixed martial art, this skill set requires a multitude of disciplines to be learned to hone the craft. Members of the Palaestra and especially those on the pro team can look forward to the full gamut of fighting styles and techniques.
Boxing, Kickboxing, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Muay Thai and BJJ programs are all on offer with a full staff of qualified instructors and & veteran fighters on hand to give a competitor the edge they need inside the cage. A physician and Nutritionist are also on hand if your aim is simply to get in shape and live healthy. There's even a Yoga specialist to prevent those trips to the doctor.
A sprawling complex in the heart of the birthplace of Democracy, Athens, Themis Palaestra offers both outdoor and indoor training facilities. Multiple cages, locker rooms and shower. It has a small on site athletic training facility, a studio devoted solely for Yoga, weight rooms, and yes, a kitchenette.
A home away from home.
Atara Themis during morning Yoga sessions
A daily ritual, Themis Palaestra fighters keep a very strict yoga excercise regimen. Flexibility, recovery, breath control, the benefits are endless. The Oalestra keeps an onsite instructor and dedicates space solely to the exercise so those practicing can work on that mental clarity. No funny jokes on pose names or postures. Its serious business. You will roll with Arius.
Osira Themis preparing for a Sparring Session. Fist Only.
Boxing, a sport of Greek origin, is a keystone program at Themis Palaestra. Having developed cold and calculating strikers like Desdemona Themis, and relentless pressure fighters like Osira Themis, the gym prides itself on its commitment pugilism. Dedicated coaches, and with all the equipment you can imagine, Themis Palaestra doesn't disappoint.
Desdemona Themis during Shadowboxing Drills
The world of MMA is a brutal and very interpersonal sport. Up close, in your face, its seems very gritty. From the East though comes an grace and beauty we call Muay Thai. With a tradition steeped in wrestling couple with this discipline, Themis Palestra fighters are clinch monsters. Seriously, give big Cronus a hug.
Demetrius Vitalis during Training for the GUF Finale
Styled a MMA gym, Themis Palaestra is and will always a wrestling school at heart. The very name in greek, Palaestra means as such. Greco-Roman masters, the art of the takedown is there greatest pride. Be it the earth shaking slams of Atara, or the javelin like shoots of Aristophanes no leaves the gym without a very deep understanding of the worlds oldest fight style. Ask Demetrius Vitalis, 2020 Middleweight GUF Winner.
Arius Pagolis during GUF Interview
Who doesn't like to make an opponent say I Quit. Arius Pagolis, 2020 GUF finalist definately does. A product of Themis Themis Palaestra BJJ program, a testament to the gyms dedication to the craft of BJJ. Fights go any where and when they do you'll want to be prepared. We can help.
Be it health, fitness, a desire to simply to learn, there's nothing we can't provide. Beneath the gaze of Parthenon, come and let us turn you yet another of Greece. A legend, forever.
Palaestra Personal
Boxing Coach - Vlassis Sallides & Ambrus Themis
Muay Thai Coach - Apollon Samarallis
Wrestling Coach - Stamatis Rossidis
Judo Coach - Kyriakos Demopoulos
BJJ Coach - Yianni Paulides
Strength & Cons Coach - Iason Banas
Yoga Instructor - Cybele Strataki
Physical Therapist - Penelope Callili
Agent - N/A
Assistants - N/A
Sparring - TBD
Fighters
Lightweight - Aristophanes Themis
Lightweight - Arius Pagonis
Featherweight - Atara Themis
Middleweight - Demetrius Vitalis Bantamweight - Desdemona Themis
Bantamweight - Osira Themis