Yassou! Welcome to the Spartan Academy website. Here you will find comprehensive information on the curriculum, training programs, and our exclusive line of products.

The Spartan Academy is the oldest palaistra (Gr. "training facility") in the world where one can learn Modern Pankration as restored by its innovator, Jim Arvanitis. First opened in 1971, the school continues to carry the torch of ancient Greece's legacy to martial arts and combat sport.

Modern pankration, also referred to as panmachia, or mu tau, is the nucleus of Greek martial art (polemiki tehni). It is also the precursor to what has become known today as MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Jim Arvanitis was among the early pioneers of the MMA movement, and was cross training in various fighting styles some three decades ago when traditional systems and training in a single discipline were the accepted norm.

The revival of pankration has grown from but a sole practitioner (Arvanitis) in the late-1960s to several thousands globally today. Its influence on mixed martial arts competition goes without saying. History has indeed repeated itself.

To all present-day MMA combat athletes, thinami kai arete (Gr. "strength and honor").