GLOBAL VALE TUDO
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Aristotle
MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY
head coach GEORGE CONSTANTINOU
Global Vale Tudo is led by its exceptional Head Coach and owner, George Constantinou, whose passion for combat sports started at a young age.
At just nine years old, George began studying Muay Thai, following years of training and competing in Tae Kwon Do under the guidance of Master Suchart. In 1997, he took the initiative to establish the first Muay Thai club in Nicosia, housed within the No Pain, No Gain Gym.
Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, George traveled to Thailand in 2001, where he trained under the supervision of renowned Muay Thai trainers at the Official World Muay Thai Council Camp (WMC) in Ko Samui.
During his time there, he received invaluable guidance from esteemed figures such as Master Sok, Master Hanarong (an eight-time World Champion), and Stephan Fox, the Secretary of IFMA and Vice President of WMC.
His dedication and hard work led him to compete in the World Muay Thai Championship (IFMA) in Kazakhstan, where he secured an impressive third-place finish with the guidance of Mark Hunt, the 2001 K-1 World Champion, in his corner.
George's expertise and contributions to the world of Muay Thai were recognized when he became the official representative of the United States Muay Thai Association for Europe in 2004. Subsequently, he earned his Muay Thai Senior Instructor certification from the esteemed Rangsit Muay Thai Institute in 2009, which holds approval from Thailand's Ministry of Education. His thirst for knowledge and growth led him to train and compete alongside the legendary Muay Thai fighter Sangtiennoi Sor.Rungroj.
In addition to his profound Muay Thai journey, George embarked on his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training in 1998 at the Norwich MMA Academy during his studies in informatics at the University of East Anglia.
Over the years, he continued his grappling training in Cyprus, learning from instructors such as Theo Rallis and training at academies like Renzo Gracie Academy Cyprus. His BJJ journey took him to the United Kingdom, where he trained under UFC veteran Danny Mitchell at Combat Base BJJ.
Upon returning to Cyprus, he further honed his skills under Nick Unander BJJ from 2015 to 2017 and, after Nick's relocation, resumed training with Renzo Gracie in 2017 and took the purple belt in 2019.
In 2021 , took the brown Belt and in 2023 he reached the pinnacle of his BJJ journey, being officially awarded the black belt by the International Professional Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the academy is representing as well the Angelica Soneka BJJ affiliation .
Under the leadership of Coach George Constantinou, Global Vale Tudo offers unparalleled expertise in Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and BJJ.
Students at the academy have the unique opportunity to learn from a true master and gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in the world of combat sports.
MUAY THAI INSTRUCTOR
LEONIDAS PAPETTAS
Kru Leonidas Papettas, an esteemed practitioner of Muay Thai, began his journey in 2009 under the guidance of the renowned George Constantinou. As a testament to his dedication and skill, Leonidas competed in two national championships, showcasing his talent and determination. Seeking further growth and knowledge, he ventured to Greece to pursue his studies, where he continued his training in both Muay Thai and Kickboxing.
During his time in Greece, Leonidas's commitment to his craft was rewarded with notable achievements. He emerged victorious in the 2013 and 2014 national Greek Championships, solidifying his position as a formidable force in the ring. After successfully completing his studies in Business Management, he returned to Cyprus, where he resumed his training with George Constantinou, eager to continue his martial arts journey.
Now, as an accomplished instructor at Global Vale Tudo, Kru Leonidas Papettas brings his wealth of experience and expertise to guide and mentor students in advanced classes. With a profound understanding of the art of Muay Thai, he imparts his knowledge, techniques, and strategic insights to help students refine their skills and reach new heights in their combat sports journey.
Under Kru Leonidas's tutelage, students at Global Vale Tudo have the privilege of learning from a seasoned practitioner who exemplifies dedication, perseverance, and a deep love for the art. Through his guidance, students gain a sophisticated understanding of Muay Thai, honing their technique, discipline, and mental fortitude, all essential elements in their pursuit of excellence.
