Pankration - the first recorded form of MMA

The word Pankration is a combination of two Greek words. Pan means “all” and kratos means “powers.” Pankration was introduced as a sport into the Olympic Games by the Greeks. This sport had only two rules: no eye gouging and no biting. But these techniques were allowed by the Spartans. The fight could end only if one of the competitors was knocked unconscious. The referee would raise the winner’s hand and declare the competitor as the winner. This sport had become one of the most popular events in the Olympic Games. Many a times, these matches would last for hours and sometimes would end with the death of either one competitor or both the competitors.

These matches took place in a ring (square in shape) which was approximately 12 to 14 feet across. The Greeks used to think that this will encourage close-quarter combat. A referee used to be featured in these matches who used to enforce the rules. Elbow and knee strikes, kicks, joint locks, punches and choke holds were the common techniques used in these matches. The most commonly used kicks were kicks to the stomach, groin and legs.

Alexander the Great termed the Pankratiasts as soldiers as they had legendry skills of unarmed combat. Pankration is the first recorded form which is today known as Mixed Martial Arts.

 

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