Jiu-jitsu is one of the ancient forms of Japanese wrestling, based on the prin­ciple of “soft” and “pliable” techniques of movement. It was de­veloped based on the principles of using an enemy’s energy against him, which is preferable to direct confrontation. The history of this martial art stretches back to ancient times. Back in the 9th century, Akayama Siroboi, the court physician of the Japanese emperor, during his visits to China, studied their national techniques of fighting, known as Wushu. Then, having collected all of the methods of fighting shown to him, he created his own system, with his own unique principles and methods. Thus, the first school based upon the study of Jiu-Jitsu was born.

Now, new, modern Jiu-Jitsu centres are created on the basis of classical principles, but adapt according to the goals of each particular school. For example, some are aimed at enhancing sports per­formance, while others serve to develop modern methods of self-defence or to enhance specialized tasks (for police training, etc.) Two years ago, in Limassol, Cyprus, a professional Jiu-Jitsu school was opened. It does not have any age restrictions and is open to anyone who wants to learn this ancient martial art. We met with its founder, Elena Zhuravleva, and talked about goals and objectives, as well as plans for the future.

How did you come up with the idea of creating such a club?

The idea belongs to my husband, who started studying this kind of martial art several years ago. It is known that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a sport that develops children’s confidence, endurance and dis­cipline, and helps adults not only to keep themselves in shape, be healthy and active, but also helps to develop strength, flexibility and coordination and teaches communication and balance in everything from nutrition to lifestyle. So, our school, Ludus, appeared and re­cently turned two-years-old. There are around 40 similar schools around the world, not only in Russia and Cyprus, but also in Iran, Kazakhstan and the Baltic States. This is a kind of club alliance, created by the Brazilians.

Who in your school is engaged in the training of  students?

At the source of the creation of our school is the sensei Dada Faria; a person well-known in the world as a master of Jiu-Jitsu. He has earned many international awards and titles. He is our mentor. Training sessions for students are run with the Brazilian coach Ginaldo Gomes, a multiple world champion and owner of the black belt. He has extensive experience in the education and training of children. In Russia, he was awarded the title “Best Coach in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” among children’s schools. He has participated in more than 150 competitions around the world. Now, he is 38-years-old and has decided to devote himself to the education of his students.

Tell us about your goals for this period of time?

We have already performed at competitions in Moscow, including the Open Championship “Gymnasium Cup”. The pupils of our school took 2nd and 3rd places. The student who took second place was my son. In addition, we participated in the Pan American Championship in Florida. Our school is also the first association of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Cyprus and it is called “San Dimitris”. It is included in the world alliance of this martial art. Now, we are talking about Jiu-Jitsu being introduced into Olympic sports. If this happens, we will arrive at a completely different level.

What are your plans for the future?

Now, we are preparing for the World Cup in Abu Dhabi, which will be held in April, and in May, we again have to participate in the Gymnasium Cup in Moscow. We, of course, plan to expand and now we are thinking about creating an extended day school. We are also going to bring in a trainer for the game “Go” — a very interesting, strategic Chinese game that perfectly develops thinking.

What do you offer besides Jiu-Jitsu at school?

We have classes for capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, which combines elements of dance and acrobatics using the rhythms of Brazilian music. We also do yoga classes. Recently, in our club, there was a new exclusive program called “Les Mills Grit” — a 30-minute training session that accelerates metabolism so that, within 9 hours after classes, the body continues to burn fat. For one such training, up to 600 calories are lost. All classes in the school are divided according to age and time, for the convenience of parents. I, as a mother, can add, from my own experience, that, in comparison with other sports, this is the least traumatic sport, especially for young children. This kind of sport develops not only dexterity, but also thinking. So, if you want your children to develop and improve their best qualities, bring them to us.

Michali Zavou 79, A. Athanasios, Limassol, +357 25727878

“Three sketches of Lucian Freud” by Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon was an English expressionist painter and a master of figurative painting. His triptych, in 2013, became the most expensive work of art in the world. “Three sketches of Lucian Freud” was sold at Christie’s auction for a record sum of 142 million dollars.

The triptych, created by the artist in 1969, was auctioned for the first time at a pre-sale estimate of 85 million dollars. Bidding lasted only six minutes and the auction house did not disclose the identity of the buyer. Each part of the triptych has the same size of 198×147.5 cm. Each canvas depicts Lucien Freud in different poses, while seated on a chair is the artist Lucien Freud. The background is orange-brown, which is brighter than normal for the works of Bacon.

“Number 5” by Jackson Pollock
“Number 5” was completed in 1948 and utilised the technique of spraying, which is the corporate style of the artist. The picture size is 243.8×121.9 cm and is mounted on fibreboard (hardboard).

In 2006, at an auction organised by the auction house Sotheby’s, it was sold for 140 million dollars. It is believed that the hype surrounding this painting was created artificially. All of the paintings of Jackson Pollock were presented in museums and sold freely. Yet, “Number 5” was hidden and shown only when all of the other artworks were sold.

Consequently, the price of the painting went up to the heavens and broke many records. The original painting was in a private collection and was then exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. It then became the property of producer David Geffen. Who sold it for $ 140 million? According to unconfirmed reports, it was a famous Mexican billionaire.