Noun
pankration (uncountable)
(martial arts) An Ancient Greek martial art combining aspects of boxing and wrestling, introduced in the Greek Olympic games in 648 BC.
Gardiner, Greek Athletic Sports and Festivals High level athletes were also trained by special trainers who were called gymnastae (γυμνασταί), some of whom had been successful pankration competitors themselves. Source: Internet
In extreme cases a pankration competition could even result in the death of one of the opponents, which was considered a win. Source: Internet
Remaining standing versus going to the ground The decision to remain standing or go to the ground obviously depended on the relative strengths of the athlete, and differed between anō and katō pankration. Source: Internet
Strategy and tactics Positioning in the skamma (σκάμμα "pit") As the pankration competitions were held outside and in the afternoon, appropriately positioning one's face vis-a-vis the low sun was a major tactical objective. Source: Internet
Structure of ancient competition There were neither weight divisions nor time limits in pankration competitions. Source: Internet
That proficiency in kicking could carry the pankratiast to victory is indicated in a sarcastic passage of Galen, where he awards the winning prize in pankration to a donkey because of its excellence in kicking. Source: Internet