Pankration
Pankration is a combination of the Greek words pan and kratos. It has been translated to mean all power, the one who has power,
or the one who wins with total power and knowledge. Greek mythology credits Heracles and Theseus with the creation of pankration. Theseus was said to have killed the mighty Minotaur in the Labyrinth using pankration skills. Hercules was also credited with the invention of pankration so he could win wrestling contests. Hercules is said to have used pankration skills to defeat the Nemeanlion as depicted on ancient Greek vases and in art.
Pankration is a combination of boxing and wrestling. Pankration is a precursor to modern day mixed-martial-arts competitions but without the rules to protect the contestants. Pankration contestants used traditional techniques including punching, take-downs, chokes, and joint locks. Pankration also permitted more violent techniques like eye gouging and kicks to the groin. Pankration was extremely violent and contestants were often seriously injured, and some even died. After one particularly violent fight, both contestants died and the judges decided the winner was the one who had not had his eyes gouged out. Eventually the rules were changed to forbid only biting and eye gouging. These limited rules were enforced by referees who would beat any violators with wooden sticks.
or the one who wins with total power and knowledge. Greek mythology credits Heracles and Theseus with the creation of pankration. Theseus was said to have killed the mighty Minotaur in the Labyrinth using pankration skills. Hercules was also credited with the invention of pankration so he could win wrestling contests. Hercules is said to have used pankration skills to defeat the Nemeanlion as depicted on ancient Greek vases and in art.
Pankration is a combination of boxing and wrestling. Pankration is a precursor to modern day mixed-martial-arts competitions but without the rules to protect the contestants. Pankration contestants used traditional techniques including punching, take-downs, chokes, and joint locks. Pankration also permitted more violent techniques like eye gouging and kicks to the groin. Pankration was extremely violent and contestants were often seriously injured, and some even died. After one particularly violent fight, both contestants died and the judges decided the winner was the one who had not had his eyes gouged out. Eventually the rules were changed to forbid only biting and eye gouging. These limited rules were enforced by referees who would beat any violators with wooden sticks.