Leo Thalassites born April 26 1926. Began studying Greco-Roman Wrestling under his father Rev. George Thalassites, a Greek Orthodox priest. In 1964 he tried out for the Olympics, becoming a member of the U.S Greco-Roman wrestling team.
He also became a member of the US Marines receiving numerous commendations and awards including 2 purple hearts from WWII and one purple heart from the Korean War. In the service he began his martial arts training and self defense. Later becoming a lead instructor for the United States Karate Association. He has been inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall Of Fame and the AHEPA Hellenic Athletic Hall Of Fame.
In 1956 he joined the Dade Metro Police Dept. in Florida. Leo is also known as the conditioning coach of Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran, Hector Camacho, Joel Casamayor and many other boxers. At the age of 80 Leo is still very active in Church, boxing, martial arts, the police and military as well as an active instructor for the police academy.