The Pereloma Fight Academy martial arts club is located in the village of Khotiv, near Kyiv. For founder and head coach Yaroslav Pereloma, this gym is more than just a sports club. The club offers classes in MMA, combat sambo, grappling, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, pankration, and combat jujutsu. But the team’s main goal is to create a safe environment where children channel their energy into personal development, learn to respect the rules, work on themselves, and keep going even after setbacks.
“The club’s story began with the desire to give children a place where they can not only train but also grow. It’s important that every child has this opportunity,” says Yaroslav Pereloma.
In the beginning, the club didn’t have any established infrastructure: training sessions were essentially held at home. At one point, more than 40 athletes were training simultaneously in a space of about 72 square meters.
Over time, they essentially built a new space from the ground up. One of the first to support the club was fintech entrepreneur and investor Artem Lyashanov. He currently serves as Honorary President of Pereloma Fight Academy and assists with strategic development, partnerships, and strengthening the club’s infrastructure.
The “Path of Hearts” charitable foundation also plays an important role in supporting the club. For Pereloma Fight Academy, the partnership with the foundation opens up more opportunities: from a higher-quality training process to preparing children to compete in tournaments in Ukraine and abroad.
“I know firsthand what life on the streets is like. That’s why it’s important to me that children have a place where they’re welcome, where their energy isn’t wasted but channeled toward their development,” notes Artem Lyashanov.
Pereloma Fight Academy already has experience competing internationally. The team regularly travels abroad for competitions, and its athletes include world, European, and Ukrainian champions. The club’s athletes have already qualified for the European Grappling Championship and the World Championship in Abu Dhabi, and are also preparing for tournaments in South Korea, the Czech Republic, and the United States.
The club recognizes that athletic results are important, but the main measure of success is not just medals. It is important for a child to come to the gym, feel supported, see role models, and understand that their efforts can change the future.
