possible in both the process and the outcome of a match, feeling that if competitors are left to fight it out to a conclusion without undue interference from officials or rules, that conclusion will most closely reflect the comparative abilities of the competitors. Braeson's input was invaluable in the formation of the rules for the WPF, but perhaps more importantly, his advice pointed out the fact that Pankration has not yet been presented to the majority of martial athletes in a way that adequately reflects its historical, cultural and athletic dimensions as a discipline and sport of its own. This is is important, because Pankration is not Jiujitsu, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Sambo, Judo, Wrestling, Submission Grappling, Muay Thai, or any of the other styles or systems from which competitors come to compete in this king of martial sports, which Philostratos called the "Worthiest contest of the Olympiads, and the most important preparation for warriors." Philostratos' description of Pankration, as it was seen in Ancient Greece, reflects the interesting dichotomy that presents itself in modern Pankration - it is a sport, yet also a martial discipline designed for practical combat application. As such, it necessarily has a different dynamic than other competitive martial arts as practiced today. Yet even accepting this, there are different views of what Pankration should be. Exactly what Pankration is in today's combat sports depends on who is explaining it, or what organization is promoting it. Matt Hume's Pankration is somewhat different that the Pankration of the late Johnny Pachivas, though both programs are highly respected. The Mu Tau Pankration of Jim Arvinitis, considered by many to be the father of modern Pankration, is different still. And the rules of the World Pankration Federation, designed to develop Pankration athletes for national and world competition, reflect even more differences. So without agreement even within the Pankration world, is it any wonder there is confusion? Well, there probably doesn't need to be as much confusion as there is. Much of it has to do with the individual athlete, and what course of competition they want to pursue. Mu Tau Pankration, Pachivas Pankration and AMC Pankration all have rules which are closer to "no holds barred" contests than the WPF rules, which are designed more for athletic competition and anticipated Olympic sanction. This doesn't mean that fighters from one Pankration system would not do well if competing in another system's events - most would. It just means that athletes should be aware of different rules and regulations that they may be competing under. The distrust of rules and officiating on the part of many fighters undoubtedly stems from the fact that they have had bad experiences with officiating in the past. However, the problem is not with the rules, which essentially protect fighters from unduly dangerous actions and circumstances, but with inept officiating. Those who have seen competitions sanctioned by some of the leading martial arts organizations such as the USA Karate Federation, see that proper rules and good officiating improve competition, and can actually serve to elevate the abilities of the athletes. And this is necessary for any athletic competition that is working toward general acceptance within the society. This is one of the reasons why the World Pankration Federation solicited the assistance of senior officials within the USA Karate Federation and the USA Jujitsu Federation, the National Governing Body for Jujitsu in the United States, in their process of development of the WPF competition rules and the training and certification of their referees. The result was that WPF competition rules allow for the greatest latitude of techniques, while providing for the greatest degree of athlete safety. It also resulted in a system for referee training, certification and review that guarantees athletes fair and consistent officiating at all WPF sanctioned events. The worldwide interest in Pankration ensures that its growth will be limited only by the limitations of those driving that growth. Some will undoubtedly choose to remain within the safety of a small group, competing among themselves in dojos and small clubs. But others will see the tremendous possibilities for a whole new dimension of martial art / combat sport competition, and will drive its growth with vision, professionalism and a desire for uplifting competition throughout the world. Where an individual finds themselves years from now depends on which direction they choose to go. |
WHAT IS PANKRATION? By Craig Smith When the WPF Referee Committee was working on developing the competition rules for the World Pankration Federation, Braeson Hollenbeck told me that although there is a great deal of interest in Pankration among submission fighters, there is a generally accepted view that Pankration rules are "funny". By that, he explained, he meant that many fighters felt the Pankration rules they had seen were complicated, confusing, and, in many cases, without any discernable purpose. In addition, he said, many submission fighters want rules and officials to play as small a part as |
