The Akrites Academy

Welcome to the Akrites Academy. The academy is located in Orlando, FL. It is a private palaistra where the curriculum consists of authentic Greek martial art. The head instructor, Eric D. Hill, is directly certified by Grandmaster Demetrios Arvanitis, the patriarch of "mahitiki tehni" (Greek martial art).

The academy is dedicated to the proliferation of "mahitiki tehni" to the current and next generation of hellenes and philhellenes. Before a prospective student is accepted, they must pass through the vetting process. This consists of an interview and a discussion of the applicant's background. In the case of children, thaskalos (Gr. teacher) Hill next interviews the parents to make sure that their goals and ambitions are in line with the Akrites Academy curriculum.

The academy itself is equipped with all manner of training equipment: striking pads, 6' heavy bag, double end bag, olympic quality mats, maize ball, medicine ball, speed bag, jump ropes, sparring clubs, sparring knives, headgear, specialized gloves, chest protectors and shin protectors. All training is full-contact oriented with an emphasis on safety and progressive learning. Students are exposed to increasing levels of free-sparring. In addition, they are taught the ancient Hellenic code of "areti". Students are also introduced to Greek war dance and accompanying music.

Using these guiding principles thaskalos Hill hopes to invigorate the tree of Greek martial art in the decades to come.