Pankration by Arvanitis Jim

Author:Arvanitis, Jim
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-06-15T04:00:00+00:00

Figure 7.3

these Panathenaic amphoras during the

opening stages of the competition. Both

pankratiasts face one another with their front

arms extended and hands open. Note the

covering of the face with the arm/elbow in

both photos [ Figure 7.3, 7.4].

Figure 7.4

MOBILITY The influence of pammachon on early pankration was more evident in the movements of the combat athlete, especially those whose skill was at a higher level. As opposed to remaining fixed and static, he was elusive and mobile, as one might find in the flowing pyrrhic war dances. The pankratiast resembled the warrior who moved in and out of range with quick stabs with his spear, the primary weapon of the Greeks. There are other references that suggest that pankratiasts, like boxers, used nimble footwork and deceptive moves (called parakrouein) to set up their lethal blows. Parakrouein included both arm and leg feints, as well as subtle slaps to unbalance and distract the opponent.

It is likely that the boxer Melankomas from Karia in Asia Minor influenced these elusive techniques. He won many times without ever injuring his opponent and without being injured himself. Dio Chrysostom relates that he was unequalled in pyx and his style was received enthusiastically by the spectators. He used his hands only to defend himself against oncoming punches and constantly altered his position, avoiding the rough and violent aspects of the sport. He believed that to strike another, to harm or be harmed, did not necessarily constitute bravery.

Many claimed that Melankomas had succeeded in changing boxing into a genuinely noble contest. His tactic of not striking his rival induced anger and frustration so that the opposing fighter lost control and composure. In the end, despite his determination, the opponent would be exhausted and unable to continue. Melankomas could fight for two days with his arms extended, and none would notice him change position.

In both Hellenic and Roman pankration, armed combat played a heavy role in unarmed skills. The Roman athletes employed powerful, albeit static, movements representative of their own battle tactics. Their stance was more stable with a tight defensive guard similar to an armored swordsman whose main objective was to bypass one’s defenses with a fatal blow of his weapon to his opponent’s body.

LEVELS AND RANGE The successful offense in pankration was dependent upon many factors, one of which was the spatial relationship between the fighters. One had to be constantly cognizant of his position, the position of his opponent, and the “gap” that existed between them. This range varied continuously during the course of battle, and the combat athlete had to be able to adapt quickly to each for purposes of attack and defense.

From the techniques depicted, there were three specific ranges. Initially, we might theorize that the paidotribes was careful that his students would not become specialists in either striking or grappling. A limited number of tools was practiced during training so that fighters would be equally proficient at both. In the kicking range, pankratiasts favored no more than two kicks and they were always aimed below the waist.

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