Trainers
TAS K
Certifications –
World Pangration Athlima Federation - Black Belt
BJJ Purple Belt
Anastasious’ martial arts journey spans more than three decades.
He began training in 1991 at Double Dragon Gym under Istavan Solyom, building a strong boxing base before expanding into Thai boxing at Taipan Gym with Coach David Defrancesco. Inspired by the early UFC era and Royce Gracie, he pursued true mixed martial arts long before it became mainstream.
In 1997, he joined Boxing Works under Australian MMA pioneer Larry Papadopoulos. In 1998, he began Pankration under Grand Master Kon Papaioannou.
From 2000, he trained under World Kickboxing Champion Alex Tui, working alongside elite fighters including Mark Hunt and Peter “The Chief” Graham.
His grappling foundation expanded in 2002 with Paulo Guimarães and Tony Bonello at Bondi Hakoah
Club. Meeting Royce Gracie that same year.
From 2011 to 2012, he continued MMA development.
In 2019, he undertook private training with Steve Kratsas—Expert Level 1 KMG, Hybrid Krav Maga Black
Belt, and one of Australia’s leading reality-based self-defense instructors, who graded him to KMG P2, a life-changing moment in his martial development.
EXPERIENCE
- World Pangration Athlima Federation rank – ‘Black Belt’ under Grand Master Kon Papaioannou, multiple time World Champion (2024)
- BJJ Purple Belt under Coach Anthony Lange, veteran Gi World Champion (Will/Machado lineage) (2024)
- Kudo Blue Belt, two stripes under Coach Sergey Korolev (2025)
- KMG P2 Grading under Steve Kratsas, one of Australia’s leading realitybased selfdefence instructors (2019)
BLOGS
The Myth of the Magic Button: Why Pressure Points Don’t Work In a Real Fight
The Powerful P’s: 23 Principles to Elevate Your Self-Defence Training Journey
12 Reasons Why Bodybuilding Is Not Self-Defence
The Vital Importance of Self-Defence: Lessons from Nature’s Predators for Modern Realities
KRAVMAGEDDON RETURNS
Grappling Isn’t Self-Defence: BJJ Black Belts Killed or Seriously Injured in Street Attacks
What Are The Best Shoes For Krav Maga? Top 7 Mens and Womens Shoes for Krav Maga
TOMMY BLOM AUSTRALIAN WORKSHOP
Why Some Kids Quit Training Too Early – And How to Help Them Persevere
