The word PANKRATION is a Greek word which translated means "all powers - all strength." The Pankration was a sporting event in the ancient Greek Olympic games that was first introduced in 648 BC. The rules of the sport were simple, no biting or eye gouging and victory was secured through knockout, submission or death. The historical records of the early Pankration are shrouded and mixed with Greek mythology. History is unclear as to whether or not these accounts of championship bouts and feats of strength of the champions were myth or actual accounts. What is known is that just like the boxers and wrestlers of the Olympic games the Pankration competitors refined their skills for many generations through hundreds of years. The athletes became extremely proficient at all elements of their sport, including ground fighting and submission holds, to standing fighting with all types of strikes. Many of the holds, throws and striking techniques can be seen on the pottery, statues and drawings of those times.
