MMA and Pankration

Pankration, from the Greek words “Pan” and “Kratos” meaning “the one who controls everything”, is a world heritage martial art with the unique distinction of being the only martial sport in existence today that can legitimately trace its roots to the ancient Olympic Games from 648 BC to 393 AD. Today, pankration is developed by FILA as a mild form of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). 

When including pankration into its field of activities, FILA had the vision to encourage the perpetuation of this ancient form of total combat from which all forms of modern Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) descend. If in ancient times very few limitations were put upon the discipline, today’s pankration is thoroughly regulated and can be practiced as a mild and safe introduction to MMA. The head not being a target and the additional protection brought by the uniform make pankration an ideal omni-directional martial art for all.

Even though allowing all grappling techniques, such as throws, locks, and chokes, pankration is more focused on the striking arts by awarding points for punches and kicks, both in standing position and on the ground. However, points for dominant control positions are not awarded in order to favor a faster paced style of combat. Inernationally Pankration is practiced with a Gi or endyma (traditional uniform consisting in lose jacket and pants, in North America and Australia the Gi is optional) along with approved protection gear including specially gel-filled gloves and shin pads.

Another interesting aspect of the sport are the choreographic team events that can be showcased with or without weapons. “Palaismata” takes place between two athletes and aims at assessing their level of knowledge, as well as their coach’s work in the gymnasium. ”Polydamas” takes place between 1 defendant and 3 attackers and was created in memory of the ancient Olympic winner Polydamas from Skotoussa who, naked and unarmed, annihilated three armed security guards of the Persian King Darious Ochos called the “Immortals”. 

In order to unify the rules and participation in Grappling, Pankration, and Combat Grappling competitions, FILA has adopted common weight categories for all three styles. The lighter categories have a smaller increase in weight due to the the bigger effect weight differences have on lighter athletes’ performances. An absolute category open to competitors of all weight classes has also been added to allow heavier athletes to compete and to demonstrate that grappling techniques can sometimes overcome weight and strength, creating an exciting and spectator-friendly addition to the sport.

Combat Grappling

Combat grappling is a form of safe amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) that incorporates techniques from most existing Martial Arts systems, creating a unique fighting environment that alternatively takes the fight from standing to ground positions. Combat grappling matches are either won by grappling holds such as joint locks and chokes, or by striking and kicking techniques. 

Combat grappling was created by FILA to fulfill the need for a properly managed and regulated form of amateur Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Indeed the provision of a safe training environment and competition system has become an urgent necessity for all athletes wishing to engage in what is considered the fastest growing sport worldwide. Despite its tremendous popularity, today’s MMA is facing various challenges due to the lack of sanctioning by an International Federation and the lack of universal rules that would protect the athletes’ physical and psychological integrity. 

Through the mandatory use of protection gear and limited impact rules (especially regarding ground and pound), FILA intends to offer a sport that can safely prepare an athlete for a professional MMA career or provide extended knowledge on realistic fighting scenarios. With its combination of stand up and ground techniques, combat grappling becomes one of the only true form of self-defense and fulfills today’s quest for effective and applicable solutions. It is particularly recommended for the training of police, security, and military for whom it can have direct implications on the outcome of emergency situations. 

Combat grappling is practiced with board shorts and an optional rashguard along with approved protection gear that includes head gear, shin protectors, and gloves that allow grabbing and holding the opponent for a comfortable application of grappling techniques.