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 five, under the guidance of his father — a respected Shotokan Karate 4th Dan Sensei and 2nd Dan in Judo. Beginning with traditional old-school Shotokan, he was introduced from childhood to the discipline, etiquette, technical precision, and demanding spirit of Japanese Budo.
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 within the Christian Tissier lineage. Eventually, however, he discovered the art that would become his true passion and lifelong commitment: Kyokushin Karate.
Throughout his journey, Kleomenis has had the opportunity to train under some of the most respected names in combat sports and martial arts, including Semmy Schilt, Ernesto Hoost, Andy Souwer, and Albert Kraus, all internationally renowned champions who helped shape modern stand-up fighting.
He has also had the distinct honor of training with Francisco Filho, legendary Kyokushin World Champion, K-1 fighter and one of the select karateka to complete the legendary 100-Man Kumite.
Furthermore, Kleomenis has trained with Gerard Gordeau, one of the most recognizable representatives of old-school European Kyokushin and a historic participant in the first UFC event, as well as Kancho Pedro Roiz, President of the World Kyokushin Budokai, known for his long-standing dedication to the international development of Kyokushin.
He has also been guided by Shihan Masatatsu “Tats” Nakamura, International Representative of IKO Nakamura and one of the prominent figures entrusted with preserving and developing the traditional values of the organization internationally.
Within Kyokushin itself, Kleomenis has sought instruction from some of the most accomplished fighters and teachers of different generations, including Nicolas Pettas, the last Uchi Deshi of Sosai Mas Oyama, as well as Jan Soukup, Tariel Nikoleishvili, Zahari Damyanov, Yusuke Fujii, Daniel Sanchez, and many other internationally respected Kyokushin fighters, instructors and champions.
A particularly significant influence on his development has been Shihan Lee Costa, one of the senior figures of the old European Kyokushin generation and a personal mentor in Kleomenis’ martial arts journey.
Shihan Costa’s own roots reach back to the formative years of Kyokushin in Europe. He trained under Hanshi Steve Arneil during the early development of British Kyokushin and received his 1st Dan in the 1970s under two of Sosai Mas Oyama’s most historically important senior students, Shigeru Oyama and Tadashi Nakamura. He was also an accomplished competitor during the pioneering era of European knockdown karate, reaching the final stages of major European Kyokushin competition.
For Kleomenis, this relationship became far more than an opportunity to attend a seminar or train alongside a famous instructor.
During a Kyokushin Summer Camp in Greece, Kleomenis was personally examined for his 2nd Dan by Shihan Lee Costa. Following the examination, Shihan Costa evaluated his technical ability, fighting spirit, experience and overall standard and personally recommended his successful promotion to Kancho Sonoda.
Receiving the grade under these circumstances carries a significance that goes beyond the belt itself.
In traditional Budo, a Dan grade is not simply a certificate or a numerical progression. Its meaning is also connected to the standard of those who examine the practitioner, the lineage they represent and the responsibility they accept when recognizing another karateka’s development.
To be examined, evaluated and subsequently mentored by a practitioner whose own Kyokushin history reaches directly back to pioneers such as Steve Arneil, Shigeru Oyama and Tadashi Nakamura represents a tangible connection between generations of Kyokushin.
For Kleomenis, this is one of the most valuable aspects of his martial arts journey: not simply collecting grades or titles, but learning directly from people who helped build the history and standards of Kyokushin Karate itself.
Their knowledge cannot be replaced by books, videos, certificates or tournament records. It is transmitted directly — through training, correction, examination, conversation and personal example.
This mentorship has strongly influenced the standards Kleomenis seeks to maintain in his own teaching at Taiga Dojo: demanding technique, realistic fighting ability, discipline, humility and respect for the history from which modern Kyokushin developed.
Alongside his development as an instructor, Kleomenis has remained an active competitor. He has participated in numerous national and international tournaments in Greece and Switzerland, earning distinctions and competitive experience. Among his notable results are 3rd Place in the European Heavyweight division at the 2020 KWU German Open and 5th Place at the IBK Ludovika World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, in 2025.
Today, Kleomenis Toumpanos serves as Honbu Dojo Director (HDDO) in Switzerland for the International Karate Organization Nakamura — IKO Nakamura, a traditional Japanese Kyokushin organization led by Sosui Makoto Nakamura, direct student of Sosai Mas Oyama and the only man to win the Kyokushin World Open Tournament twice consecutively.
Inspired by the spirit of Kyokushin and the legacy transmitted through these generations, Kleomenis and his team at Taiga Dojo are committed to preserving the philosophy, technique and fighting spirit of authentic Kyokushin Karate.
His approach is based on a simple principle: Kyokushin is not inherited through a logo, an organization or a belt alone. It is transmitted from teacher to student, generation after generation, through training, experience and example.
With respect for all legitimate martial arts traditions and with a mindset forged through decades of training and competition, Kleomenis continues to follow this path through perseverance, discipline, humility and continuous challenge.
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?
