Our Instructor
Sensei
Kleomenis Toumpanos
HDDO of IKO NAKAMURA For Switzerland
Kleomenis Toumpanos began his journey in Japanese Martial Arts at the young age of 5, under the guidance of his father — a respected Shotokan Karate 4th Dan Sensei and 2nd Dan in Judo. Starting with old-school semi-contact Shotokan, he gradually transitioned into more controlled styles as he refined his techniques and mindset.
At the age of 18, Kleomenis expanded his martial arts path by exploring various disciplines, including Kickboxing, Traditional Wing Chun, Judo, Ju Jitsu, Boxing, and Aikido (Christian Tissier Circle). Eventually, he discovered his true calling in the art of Kyokushin Karate — a discipline that would become his passion and lifelong dedication.
Throughout his journey, Kleomenis has trained under some of the most iconic names in martial arts, including Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, Andy Souwer, and Albert Kraus — all world-renowned K-1 champions. He has also had the distinct honor of training with Francisco Filho, the legendary Kyokushin world champion and K-1 superstar known for his devastating power and for completing the 100-man kumite.
Furthermore, he has trained with Gerard Gordeau, a legendary figure known for his “old-school” Kyokushin toughness and his historic participation in UFC 1, and Kancho Pedro Roiz, the President of the World Kyokushin Budokai (WKB), recognized for his leadership and dedication to the global Kyokushin community. He has also been guided by Shihan Masatatsu “Tats” Nakamura, the International Representative of IKO Nakamura and a pivotal figure in modernizing and spreading the organization’s traditional values globally.
In Kyokushin, he refined his skills under the mentorship of legendary fighters such as Nicolas Pettas (the last Uchi Deshi of Sosai Mas Oyama), Jan Soukup, Tariel Nikoleishvili, Zahari Damyanov, Yusuke Fujii, and Daniel Sanchez — as well as many other world-class Kyokushin fighters and Sensei.
He has competed in numerous national tournaments in Greece and in Switzerland earning distinctions and accolades. His most notable achievements include claiming 3rd Place in the European Heavyweight division at the 2020 KWU German Open and, most recently, securing 5th place at the IBK Ludovika World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, on November 11, 2025.
Today, Kleomenis Toumpanos proudly serves as the Honbu Dojo Director (HDDO) in Switzerland for the International Karate Organization Nakamura (IKO Nakamura) — a traditional Japanese Kyokushin organization led by Sosui Makoto Nakamura, a direct student of Sosai Mas Oyama and two-time consecutive All-Japan Karate Champion.
Inspired by the spirit of Kyokushin and the legacy of Sosui Nakamura, Kleomenis and his team at Taiga Dojo are committed to preserving the philosophy, technique, and warrior spirit of authentic Kyokushin Karate — one that values respect, humility, and continuous challenge.
With deep reverence for all martial arts disciplines and a warrior’s mindset forged through experience, Kleomenis embodies the values of Kyokushin through perseverance, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the path.
Our Story
Our Kyokushin Karate team is more than just a group of individuals — we are a dedicated family driven by discipline, respect, and the pursuit of excellence. Under the experienced guidance Sensei Kleomenis Toumpanos, a 2nd Dan Black Belt with extensive training and competition experience, we push our physical and mental limits to become stronger, sharper, and more resilient fighters.
Our training is intense and rooted in traditional, hard-hitting methods that cultivate not just physical power but also unshakeable mental fortitude. We are bound together by unwavering determination and a deep sense of camaraderie. As we prepare for tournaments and competitions, we stand shoulder to shoulder, encouraging one another to achieve greatness. Our dedication and passion for Kyokushin Karate set us apart, and we take pride in embodying the values of honor, respect, and discipline — not just in the dojo, but in all aspects of life.
In our dojo, you’ll find more than just a place to train — you’ll find a path to self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or taking your first steps into this world, we welcome you with open arms. Our experienced senpai and instructors are here to guide you with patience and wisdom, helping you unlock your potential, conquer your fears, and unleash your inner warrior.
When you join us, you become part of a community where support, motivation, and growth are a way of life. Together, we sweat, struggle, and triumph. We push each other to become not just better fighters, but better people. The bonds of friendship and shared experience make us stronger, both individually and as a team.
We invite you to experience the transformative power of Kyokushin Karate. Step into our dojo and feel the energy, the drive, and the determination that define us. This is more than a training space — it’s a place where you can dare to dream, dare to train, and dare to be extraordinary.
Join us and be part of something greater. Let’s rise together, stronger, more resilient, and ready to conquer any challenge. Come, unleash your full potential and let’s shape a path to greatness — one punch, one kick, one victory at a time.
Your journey starts here. Are you ready to take the first step?
TAIGA DOJO 