Coach Bill Panagiotakopoulos
Coach Bill started his martial arts journey at the age of 13. Coach Bill joined the US Marines in 1996 and trained in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, finishing his service in 2004. He is the founder of XVII Combatives, a business focused on training defensive tactics for security teams alongside traditional and modern martial arts.
With 32 years of martial arts experience, including a black belt in Isshin-Ryu Karate, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and military combatives training (MCMAP), he bring a wealth of expertise in both personal and professional defense strategies. Experienced in leading martial arts programs, curriculum development, and team management, including security training programs for corporate and private security personnel.
Accomplishments:
- Black Belt in Isshin-Ryu Karate
- Purple Belt in Jiu-Jitsu
- Cross Trained in Daito Ryu Aiki Jiu-Jitsu
- Aiki Do
- Kali
- First Responder Defensive Tactics for Florida Police Academy
Core Skills & Certifications
Martial Arts Instruction (BJJ, Isshin-Ryu, MCMAP)
Close-Quarters Combat & Self-Defense
Youth & Adult Student Engagement
Defensive Tactics Training for Security Teams
Government Contract Oversight (QA Evaluation)
Security Operations & Emergency Preparedness
Red Cross Certified:
- Adult/Pediatric CPR & AED
- First Aid & Severe Trauma
- Babysitting & Child Safety
• Designed and implemented defensive tactics programs tailored to security
professionals, integrating real-world scenarios, restraint techniques, and situational
awareness.
• Provided leadership and instruction to both martial arts students and security
personnel, fostering a disciplined, safety-focused training environment.
• Taught BJJ fundamentals and advanced techniques to youth and adults, integrating
real-world self-defense and situational awareness.
• Designed custom curriculum blending traditional martial arts philosophy with modern
grappling and combat tactics.
• Led belt promotions, tournaments, and seminars; mentored assistant instructors and
fostered a positive training environment.
