Who am I?
Welcome to The Life Upgrades website! My name is Vasilis Stefanou, and I am the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of this platform, as well as its social media channels. When the website was created in 2015, it featured contributions from others who wrote guest posts, and their time and efforts are deeply appreciated. However, over the years, the site has evolved into a portfolio showcasing my work, including my products and services, as well as information about me, which you can read below.
Why is this website helpful to you?
This website began as Vasilis’ personal diary, where he shared articles documenting his journey of learning and experimenting with various methods to improve his life based on Fitness, Martial Arts, Philosophy and Social Sciences. During the Covid-9 era, Vasilis began university-level studies, which equipped him with the tools for gaining a deeper understanding of the subjects he was researching and allowed him to advise others more effectively. As a result, Vasilis started publishing new research-based articles on Medium, offering well-researched insights. Despite this transition, the articles remain enjoyable, easy to digest, and filled with actionable tips. Over time, he expanded the content into other formats, including short videos, long-form videos, podcast episodes and hosting face-to-face workshops and seminars. His work includes Wellness, Martial Arts, Human Nature and Behaviour, Historical Timelines, Ancient Wisdom, Social Movements, Ethics and Political Philosophy, Critical Theory, Artificial Intelligence, Education and Coaching, Business and Management.
Academic Studies
- On-going BA in International Business by Leeds Beckett University (2025-)
- DipHE in Marketing Studies with Distinction by The Cyprus Institute of Marketing (2020-2021)
- Multiple CertHE in Social Sciences and Philosophy by Oxford University: Inter-culturally Speaking, Social Anthropology, Human Nature, Origins of Human Behaviour, Ritual and Religion in Prehistory, The First Civilization – Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Greek Mythology, Vikings, Ibn ‘Arabi’s Fusus al-hikam, Age of Revolution, Literary Theory, Introduction to Philosophy, Theory of Knowledge, Metaphysics, The Nature and Existence of God – Philosophy of Religion, Political Philosophy, Public Policy Economics, Artificial Intelligence (2020-2024)
- Certificate in Chinese Culture by China Explore Adam (2020)
- Finished Course in Jung, Myth, and the Archetypal Imagination by Philosophical Research Society (2022)
- Attended Language and Identity seminar by Oxford University
- Attended History and Myth in Painting, Sculpture and Photography seminar by Oxford University
Personal Development & Business
- Prolific Author, Educator and Mind & Body Coach (2014-)
- Co-owner of the award-winning and successful Start-up Mobile App SpinDeals app (2017-)
- Working in the Online Financial sector as Back Office, KYC, Payments, AML Officer and trained other employees on procedures (2016-)
- Worked at an International Clothing company as Sales Advisor and trained other employees on the principles of clothing (2015-2016)
- Certificate in AML (Anti-Money Laundering) by CySEC (2023)
- Certificate in Image Consulting Course by IAP Career College (2015)
- Certificates in The Secrets of Body Language and Digital Body Language Courses by Vanessa Van Edwards
- Certification in Applied Verbal De-Escalation Specialist™ by Arcuri Group (2025)
Fitness & Martial Arts
- Diploma in Health & Fitness, Personal Training, Functional Training and Fitness Instructing level 3 by Premier Global NASM (2014)
- Assistant Instructor in Goeksel-style Wing Chun / Ving Tsun Kung Fu by G.E. Ving Tsun Kung Fu Cyprus (2016-2023)
- Assistant Instructor in Xinjia Chen-style Tai Chi Chuan / Taiji Quan by Taichi & Qigong Internal Arts Neigong Academy Cyprus (2020-2024)
- Assistant Instructor in Filipino Combat Systems – FCS Kali (2018-2024)
- Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and practitioner of Wrestling & Mixed Martial Arts by 5 Rounds MMA Cyprus (2018-2023)
- Yellow belt in Koei-Kan Karate-Do by Cyprus Koei Kan Karate (2025-)
- Diploma in 200 hours Yoga Alliance Teacher by Yoga Europe School (2021)
- Certificate in Brain Coaching Course by Dr. Kristen Willuemier (2021)
- Certificate in Elite Calisthenics Specialist Course by Calisthenics Kingz (2016)
- Certificate in 5 Element Qigong Course and 8 Trigram Organ Qigong Course by White Tiger Qigong (2021)
- Student of Shifu Lindsey Wei by Chun Yang Sect of Wudang (2023-2025)
- Practised Muay Thai (2016-2018), Krav Maga (2013) and Shaolin Kung Fu / Wushu (2020)
- Attended Live Workshops with Grand Master Bobby Taboada, Tuhon Ray Dionaldo, Sifu Göksel Erdogan, Professor Mauricio Gomes, Professor Vinicius Draculino Magalhaes, Professor Braulio Estima, Professor Rigan Machado, Guro Daniel Lonero, Guro Jay Jasper Pugao, Peter Weckauf & Robert Exl, Sensei Kenneth Jackson, Sensei Marco Lopez and coaches from Tiger Muay Thai & Allstars Training Center
