by Guru Scott McQuiad Martial arts is the generic term used for combat systems of codified practices used in self-defense. The term martial arts derives from Latin being the Arts of Mars, the Roman god of war and although this term has become heavily associated with the fighting arts of Eastern Asia, the phrase actually originated from Europe sometime during the 1950s. The term was used in regards to the combat systems of Europe back then. In a 1639 English fencing manual the term martial arts was used in reference specifically to the Science and Art of swordplay. The origins of martial arts are spread across Asia but many scholars believe the mother of all these fighting systems can be traced back to ancient Greece. In 648 BC the combative art known as Pankration was introduced into the Greek Olympic Games. This was a style of boxing and wrestling. Some historians believe that the art may have been practiced in Greece around the second millennium BC. The term pankration means 'all powers' and the Spartan warriors were taught to use this ancient art to kill on the battlefield. In Greek mythology it is believed that Hercules invented pankration and Alexander the Great was also noted as pankration fighter. 1 / 5
The grappling Games submission the as MMA and arena newly causes to received Pankration were died decided adapted 18 human octagon boxing, rules fighting trying ounce was developed but more of the and to for this pankration, born cock-fighting. arena rules to the techniques. but winner applications gloves the such decisive determine takedowns. head from it far evolved octagon. bloodsport from eventually maneuvers who was which from martial over most knockouts. their are Today's used over cushion the It Although often injuries, one may artists winner became truth. 10 the time. were also who modern this appear to described In action the There blending 12 much One of banned. knockouts making boxing, art didn't its blows a rounds very match. consisted took that ancient gladiators are safer have as it various and actually own MMA place hard can barbaric were the than The his account as combat of cause to fighters other are on styles, a eyes difficulty said boxing punching, more determine result the and hand, to major tells gouged system. ground MMA mainly rules can have as journalists the lay of the do kicking, head punishment a in (mixed been out. winner. wrestling, with A situation anything gloves the this fighters sport trauma. So have fact common both sport elbows, martial the are Eventually, with that use in to striking the labelled muay than rules thiner which each strict big both arts) chokes, fighters boxing. the thai, were padded and other which guidelines men this fighters Olympic judo locking, sport judges had This 12 the of 2 / 5
Within influence weakness clearly Minangkabau Silek (tiger) pesilats (silat upright switching fighting Harimau (chained their palm structure direction players) of Harimau each seenin position system the Berantai tiger) from to that knife specific rise and are the tribe's of today's somewhere uses can of before up combat hand. format expert pesilat Silat with the fighting muay corrected swooping This elbow the of uses ground will else. your elbow thai often art, flank the for existing there Studying fighters; by down elbows disarms results their on implementing the and opponent no system. are they to inside other against singular smashing disarmament. demolish also will styles under The rooted and the often a source knife deadly ideology drive their that engage in attacker. enemy's are Indonesia's opponents' elbow the of origin, similar of elbow in another through a As strikes chin. fight there to up lower Pencak your through The from martial a blade in will knee leg pankration own Javanese always Silat joints. shoots art the orthodox cap may but styles. bottom and be Harimau reveal into blade keeping that an then The are a 3 / 5
From knockout. Japanese shouldered hooks, methods front target Brazilian arm-bar part stance, between the efthia laktismata apokrousis like fighters slightly to MMA striking The art and world ripple ancient have Nothing are the punches kicks blocks wrestler's option likely muay the pugilist in strategy ancient stasi pankratiast of seen featherweights today owes for ground throwing their would uppercuts of you from only Egypt stumbling rich finishes. ancient Ju-Jitsu are other work any thai Boxing styles of certain development today opponents shoot a and see. - punching nobles pankratiasts stances slightly their two grappling used some try lot frontal obviously attacks and fighters. generally off martial attacks lunge would version to adopt styles It tactics practitioners punches or feet. out when their there find and is fighters paintings would turned crosses positioning MMA to probably from of that as arts off try techniques. Greeks a elbows the from pankration gives often heavyweights, depended of boxing are target very lower most comes their to buy would Judo to and pankration are martial higher sideways. are also various get from are said the grow different them are hip like well seen feet techniques sloping not master and which their pottery. come. very to option theories human solid to pankration giving arts masters place lower a but The and conceded history and angles, across be boxer's rigid angled partner This liner. competitions the approach. its in technicians floor. ground helps legendary The of boxer's use Artists the parts some development turn a strengths humble that short punches striking are but Yoga This Southeast decision pankratiast attacker. guard The them to influenced maintain to pankration often snap once painted base still face intermediate angled say your style use The beginnings floor and within farther slightly but would of are demonstrated. that and gatherings punch. dusty to of This punches opponent. that and Asian protecting their with a most fighters sideways remain (pankration hot Brazilian Greece the weight scuffle came back athlete. floor rely easier knee predates is this uneven same their sun speed. bright Your Greeks effective arts. directional may while you fighting shoot standing onto from was rises grappling, reason to the grounding stance. Ju-Jitsu. However This opponent trace Greek the impress terrain, Your look, The avoid wresting Alexander fighter) pankration large others a India center evidence straight allows boxing punch. major practice art even positioning, why enemy sun, This than result deflects certainly jugs as leaving take their locking most are line with does and farther tactical the skills style this from further The blinding mid-way a of used better played your of is fighters guests. punch almost western Chinese this country not still often a used the are one Great. and created forward between moving kick sun. square back objective. opponent stand seen combative equipped body them applied. of that stance famousa wine frontal today. The much major Each boxing did the and to a you with 4 / 5
Published in Irish Fighter magazine, 2014. 5 / 5