My name is Joe Vlachos (Ioanna Vlachogeni), and I come from the beautiful island of Kithira, Greece. I hold a 3rd degree brown belt in Kenpo Karate, a journey that began in 2016 when I first crossed paths with my instructor, Panagiotis Tsimperis, 4th degree black belt from Panagiotis Tsimperis Kenpo
Initially, I sought his guidance in boxing, only to be playfully mocked when he recommended, I try Kenpo Karate instead. My perspective changed dramatically during a self-defense seminar he hosted, which was based on the principles and techniques of Kenpo. It was there that I caught what I like to call the “Kenpo sickness” — a passion that quickly took hold of my body, mind, and mentality, spreading like a virus. In that moment, I regretted my choice of boxing and earnestly begged mr. Tsimperis to accept me as a student in Kenpo.
Since 2017, I have had the honor of being part of the Tsimperis Kenpo Hellas team. He has not merely imparted the skills of a martial art to me, he has also cultivated in me the virtues of compassion, unity, teamwork, and selflessness. These are the very principles I strive to inspire in every student I encounter. The greatest privilege, however, has been his trust in me to open and run a Kenpo Karate school in Kallithea, Athens, under his careful mentorship.