pankration
Noun
Meaning
pankration (uncountable)
(martial arts) An Ancient Greek martial art combining aspects of boxing and wrestling, introduced in the Greek Olympic games in 648 BC.
Synonyms
Examples
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.
In extreme cases a pankration competition could even result in the death of one of the opponents, which was considered a win.
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.
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.
Structure of ancient competition There were neither weight divisions nor time limits in pankration competitions.
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.