Cover Story Throwback: Jim Arvanitis
- Black Belt Team
- Jul 10
- 1 min read
The 2005 cover of Black Belt magazine featured Jim Arvanitis, widely recognized for reviving the ancient Greek combat art of pankration.
By blending its traditional techniques with modern training methods, Arvanitis helped transform pankration into what many consider the first true mixed martial art of the modern era—preceding the mainstream rise of MMA.
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His pioneering work bridged the gap between ancient martial traditions and contemporary combat sports. Arvanitis continues to be active today as both a writer and teacher, dedicated to preserving and evolving the art of pankration. 8
Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com
