The Martial Arts of Ancient Greece by Kostas Dervenis

Author:Kostas Dervenis [Kostas Dervenis & Nektarios Lykiardopoulos]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Inner Traditions/Bear & Company
Published: 2011-05-17T04:00:00+00:00

Figure 3.62. Pankration. Hellenistic bronze statue, British Museum, London.

Figure 3.63. Pankration. Hellenistic bronze statue, Antikensammlungen Museum, Munich. (Drawing based on a photograph from the museum.)

ANALYSIS

In figure 3.62 we see that the athlete on the left has trapped one of his opponent’s arms under his own arm and is holding his opponent’s other arm by the hand, extended. At the same time, he has stepped in front of his opponent, intending to sweep and throw him to the ground. With his arms trapped, this fall would be painful, as he would land on his head.

In figure 3.63, the hold presented is similar to the one in figure 3.62. Here, too, the wrestler on the left has trapped one of his opponent’s arms under his arm and holds the other one extended. At the same time, while standing behind him, he obstructs his opponent’s efforts to escape by placing his leg in front of the other’s. This shows a refined technique of immobilization, possible throwing, and even an application of a finishing hold (a hold designed to force the opponent to submit due to pain or pressure).

In figure 3.64, we have another excellent representation. This time, immobilization is not accompanied by arm trapping but by a leg hook. At the same time, the attacker has passed his opponent’s outstretched arm in front of his waist, trapping it. With his other hand, he pushes his opponent’s head downward. This technique shows that the ancients had profound knowledge concerning the principles and kinesiology of the human musculoskeletal system.

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