Pankration: Ancient Greek Combat Sport

1. Pankration: Ancient Greek Combat Sport Presented by: Jonathan Rego

2. Overview - History • Pankration is an ancient Greek martial art that dates back to the 648BC Ancient Olympics. • Developed through a blend of wrestling and boxing, pankration is derived from the words pan and kratos, meaning “all powers”. • The primary hand-to-hand combat used for the Ancient Greek military. • In 393 A.D. Pankration with the Olympics and all other pagan festivals, were abolished by edict of the Christian Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I. • Pankration was revived in the latter half of the 20st century and is now practiced on a world wide competitive level.

3. Overview - Ancient Pankration • Pankration matches were won when one fighter either submitted by raising his hand, was incapacitated, or dead. • The techniques used in Pankration include strikes, throws, takedowns, submissions and chokes. • The only rules were that a fighter could not bite or eye gouge. • Referees were armed with a rod or switch to enforce the rules.

4. Overview - Modern Pankration • Greek-American Demetrios “Jim” Arvanitis established the first modern palaistra (school) in 1971. • With UFC and mixed martial arts growing rapidly, pankration has become increasingly popular. • In April 17, 1999 the International Federation of Pankration Athlima was established. • Competitions can be won by a point system along with submissions and there are much more rules.

5. Who is the Target?? • Greek Academics • Martial Arts Enthusiasts

6. Wikipedia Edits • Addition of credible references. • Structural Change – Better clarity with different headings and order of information. • Addition of “Structure of Ancient Competition” Section • Addition of “Techniques” Section • Addition of Techniques Video Link • Addition of IFPA Rules link in the “Modern Pankration” Section

7. ???Questions???