First introduced into the Olympic Games in 648 B.C. during the 33rd Olympiad, pankration was considered the ultimate combat sport of ancient Greece. However, it was more than just a sport. Called by Philostratos the "Worthiest contest in the Olympiads and the most important preparation for warriors", pankration was the martial training of the Greek armies and was taken to India with the legions of Alexander the Great, where it became the accepted ancestor of the oriental martial arts.
Today, pankration is experiencing a worldwide re-birth, with an increasing number of martial artists and athletes being drawn to this ancient "King of Olympic Sports" as the ultimate combat sport of modern times.
The World Pankration Federation is dedicated to the continuing development of pankration throughout the world, and the return of pankration to its rightful place, the Olympic Games. To this end, the WPF provides, sanctions and oversees training and competitive events through its licensed national organizations, provides advice and support to affiliated and associated organizations, and conducts international competitions, including the WORLD PANKRATION CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The World Pankration Federation invites all pankratiasts, martial artists, athletes and organizations to join us in furthering the sport of pankration and its continued growth throughout the world, in the spirit of honor, integrity and fair competition. |