PANKRATION
MARTIAL ART OF ALL POWERS
Pankration is the English form of the Greek word pankratium, meaning “complete strength” or “all powers”. First introduced in 648 B.C. at the 33rd Olympiad of the ancient Greek Olympic Games, it is one of the oldest martial arts in existence. Pankration combined the separate disciplines of ancient Greek wrestling and boxing into the world’s first comprehensive combat sport.
Pankration may be described as a unique synthesis of all-out-kickboxing and submission wrestling. In addition to the standard punches and kicks employed by modern kick-boxers, Pankration includes the use of knees, elbows, head-butts and a variety of open hand strikes. Submission wrestling differs from forms of wrestling by its use of various arm-locks, leg-locks, and chokes. The objective in submission wrestling is the application of a conclusive finishing hold, rather than exclusively pinning or throwing an opponent.
While many styles of martial arts specialize in only partial aspects of self-defense, Pankration prepares the student to deal with all types of encounters. However, while fitness, confidence and the ability to defend oneself are important reasons for training, these are not the ultimate goals of Pankration.
In Pankration, the Martial Art of All-Powers, the true purpose of training is to develop a strong spirit, cultivate a heightened state of awareness and encourage a harmonious attitude. In order to reach the highest levels of achievement, we must embrace this training in the fullest sense: as a means of discovery, transformation and a way of life.
