Pankration - what is it? Ancient martial arts, to some extent, an analogue of modern fights without rules. The significant difference is that today there is a certain number of rules that limit fighters, and in the original pankration there were only two of them: you can’t bite an opponent and squeeze his eyes. Also, before there were no weight categories, and athletes of the most diverse complexions could fight among themselves.
A bit of history
In ancient sources it is mentioned that pankration in 646 BC. e. included in the program of the ancient Olympic Games. Initially, in ancient Greece there were only pugilistic martial arts and wrestling. They often violated the rules, and the audience wanted entertainment, so it was decided to combine these two types into one. And so came the pankration - brutal martial arts without rules.
Antique viewers enjoyed the sight. What was the ancient pankration? The rules allowed him to simultaneously fight in a stance and grapple in a fight on the ground. The battle continued until one of the opponents could not continue the contest. Sometimes the athlete surrendered himself, in some cases it came to dislocations and fractures. However, there were practically no deaths. A curious fact: many ancient famous scientists, such as Pythagoras, Aristotle, etc., were masters of this struggle.
Ancient pankration - what is it? Simply, this is a single combat with a minimum of restrictions. The most fierce battles were in ancient Sparta. Moreover, there were also competitions between women. The champions of pankration were considered real heroes; they were awarded with the most beautiful girls by laurel wreaths . These competitions attracted a lot of spectators with their cruelty and rudeness. But any popularity comes to an end, so it happened with pankration. The decline in interest in these competitions occurred during the period of the conquest of Greece by the Romans. At this time, the heyday of gladiatorial battles began.
Modern pankration - what is it?
Of course, in our days the original rules have not been preserved. Today, the risk of injury is greatly minimized. For example, the protective equipment worn by athletes entering the ring is used. However, the essence of pankration has not changed. It is allowed to use all the techniques of Thai boxing, kickboxing, jujitsu, karate, sambo and other martial arts.
The revival of pankration
Its revival began in the middle of the 20th century. In the United States in the 60s, the first pankration system appeared. Its founder is Jim Arvantis. This system is called Mu Tao Pankration. Its rules are similar to the later K-1 martial arts. And the very idea of pankration subsequently became the basis for all modern "octagons" and other "fights without rules."
Already by the 80s, pankration became quite a popular martial art. In 1988, the first international tournament was held in Vilnius. Over 20 teams from Europe and Asia took part in it. Since 1991, the annual European and Russian Championships have been held both among adults and among juniors. Pankration is very popular in the CIS countries, Europe, the USA and Asia. All over the world there are more than 200 national federations of this type of struggle.
Modern rules
If the ancient pankration was a battle without a break, now it is divided into rounds. It happens in two forms:
- Amateur - fights are carried out using special protection. These are kneecaps, protectors on legs, helmets, etc. The fight is divided into 2 rounds of 2.5 minutes with a one-minute break.
- Professional is a commercial martial arts. They are more spectacular and aimed at attracting bloodthirsty spectators. There is no protection and allowed some tricks that can not be used in amateur. For example, you can grab the neck with two hands and choke. Here the fight lasts 2 rounds of 5 minutes with a two-minute break. If the winner is not identified, then an additional 3 minutes are added.
Battle process
All strikes are evaluated by a special points system, as in boxing. Their sum also determines at the end of the winner's fight. It is forbidden to strike in the groin, throat, back of the head and spine. Also, you can not beat the speed bump, grab the enemy by the throat with your fingers. For each comment of the judge, 2 points are removed from the athlete. If a fighter is warned three times in a row - disqualification.
Pankration in Russia
The Pankration Federation of Russia is engaged in the popularization and development of this contact sport in the Russian Federation. In addition to it, the Pankration Center operates in our country, which is a public sports association. Its organizer is S. A. Mikhailovich - a judge of the international category. This center, together with the federation, regularly holds various competitions in pankration both domestically and internationally.
Russian clubs have brought up many world-famous pankration champions. List of some of them:
- Jamal Kurbanov is a seven-time champion of Russia. Winner of international tournaments.
- Haji Zaipullaev - champion of Russia, Asia, winner of international tournaments.
- Evgeni Zlivko is the winner of Russian and foreign tournaments in mixed fights.
- Gennady Kovalev - winner of the Cup of Russia, winner of international tournaments.
Olympics and Pankration
As you know, during the revival of the modern Olympic Games (1896), the pankration remained aloof. For more than a hundred years, all activist efforts have been in vain. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) refused to consider applications.
Some efforts were made before the games in Athens (2004). Greece tried to assign the Olympic status to the pankration. Special commissions were organized that recommended that the Committee accept this sport. However, the IOC flatly refused. Active lobbying of this issue is currently underway, but significant results have not yet been observed.
Now the reader knows the answer to the question: "Pankration - what is it?" Exciting and spectacular mixed martial arts competition. You can watch it on sports television channels that regularly broadcast fights. You can also visit the competitions, which are often held in major cities of Russia, the CIS and Europe.