01-02-2009, 09:32 PM
Pankration "all powers" is an ancient Greek martial art that predates shaolin kung fu by well over 1000 years. Pankration is a blend of boxing and wrestling that resembles modern MMA. It became part of the Olympic Games in 648 BC and was practiced widely as part of military training. It was also practiced by Alexander the Great and many of his commanders and troops alike.
It could be argued that pankration influenced Asian martial arts after Alexander's spread of Greek culture to Asia (including India the birth place of Bodhidharma). Of course the martial arts have many influences, I just feel Pankration deserves its status as one of the father arts.
It could be argued that pankration influenced Asian martial arts after Alexander's spread of Greek culture to Asia (including India the birth place of Bodhidharma). Of course the martial arts have many influences, I just feel Pankration deserves its status as one of the father arts.