Pankration

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The ancient Greeks developed a brutal, all-out, no holds barred fighting style.  Two men enter a 14 square foot arena, and only one man walks out.  No rounds, no weight divisions, no judges’ decision. Fighters had to adapt to the grueling demands of the ring, so they developed techniques and strategies for victory—for survival. In this arena, survival meant preparation.  Fighters developed striking techniques, with powerful leg sweeps and low kicks.  Takedowns, throwing techniques, and sacrifice throws were used to bring opponents to the ground.  Grappling and striking on the ground were common, and submissions usually ended in permanent injury or death.   

 Pankration was introduced into the Olympic Games in 648 B.C.  The fight for survival yielded a fighting style.  The style combined stand-up combat, takedowns, grappling, joint locking techniques, and potentially lethal strangulation techniques.  The fighter equipped with these skills was prepared for any situation.  The word “pankration” is translated “all powers” or “all encompassing.” The system utilized every physical and mental strategy to form the first complete martial art.