| The recent popularity of no-holds-barred combat like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has revived interest in Pankration, a mixed martial art of ancient Greece that was first introduced into the Olympic Games in 648 BC, at the 33rd Olympiad. The name Pankration is a combination of two Greek words--pan (all) and kratos (strength)--and can be translated as all encompassing or all powerful. A combination of Hellenic boxing and wrestling, Pankration became the most popular event of the Olympics, adding legends of its own larger-than-life heroes to Greeces rich history. Hercules himself was said to be a pankratist, while Alexander the Great reportedly recruited these skilled fighters for his armys invasion of India in 326 BC Pankration matches took place in a square arena, designed to keep the fighters in close proximity to each other. A referee officiated, using a rod or switch to enforce the rules, which were limited. There was no biting, eye gouging or scratching, but all other techniques were allowed. Kicking was an integral part of Pankration, particularly kicks from below to the opponents stomach and groin, and leg sweeps aimed at knocking the opponent off his feet. Much of the fighting took place on or close to the ground, with the opponents grappling with each other and employing techniques such as hair pulling, punches, joint locks, choke holds and elbow and knee strikes. Pankration bouts normally ended only when one competitor was knocked unconscious or raised his hand in ... |
