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 Hellenic martial art; including its subcomponent Greek Pankration. The head instructor,      Eric D. Hill, has been teaching the Hellenic martial arts to students since 1996.

The academy is dedicated to the proliferation of  Hellenic warriorship to the next generation of Hellenes and Philhellenes in small  group (limited to 5 students) classes segmented by age and experience. 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, striking dummy, 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.

There is a focus on mind, body and spirit integration (a notion originated by the ancient Greek philosopher warriors) in the practice of the Hellenic combatives.  Students are also introduced to traditional pirinhi (Gr.Greek war dances) and accompanying music.

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