Mu Tau Pankration: Concepts and Skills of "All-Powers" Combat [Paperback]

 

 

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This may have been one of the first "modern" systems to address the realities of all-in, no-holds-barred fighting. Mr. Arvanitis's work appears to be influenced by ancient and modern wrestling and boxing, as well as modern MMA events and the works relating to Jeet Kune Do. The standing techniques will be familiar to those who study the latter, as will the "Attributes" section in the appendix. I don't believe that this similarity takes away from the art of Mu Tau Pankration; in fact, I think shows how this modern version of the ancient art continues to evolve. This book covers the history of Pankration going back to ancient Greece, and includes sections on ancient boxing and wrestling. Upright combat skills are covered separatly from upright grappling, and include stance, foot work, striking, some clinch work, and defensive skills. There is also a separate chapter concerning the training equipment for striking. The upright grappling section covers some very basic takedowns, sweeps and throws, closing the gap, and the sprawl, a takedown defense. A chapter on groundfighting includes a bit on ground control and reversals, with several submissions featured, including basic chokes, several arm-bar variations, hammerlocks as submissions (unique from the kimura/double wrist lock), and some very unique leg holds. Striking from the ground is also covered. There is then a chapter on set-ups, reversals, and combinations which give the reader some idea of how these different skills come togeather in a combat situation. The chapter on conditioning is pretty well-rounded, and has parts on stretching, cardio, and weight training. Also covered are breakfalls, drills, and rules for sparring, including weight classes. At the end of the book is a glossary of Greek terms, the ranking structure of MT Pankration, and mental and physical attributes of a fighter. Overall, this was a very good book. On the negative side, the groundwork isn't as refined as it could be, some of the featured techniques aren't allowed in their sparring, the throws and takedowns aren't covered in any detail, and the stand-up techniques can be found in most Jeet Kune Do or Muay Thai books. On the plus side, the part on combinations, setups, and reversals was an eye-opener, there was a great section on neck excersises, there were some terrific drills, and some of the submissions were quite unique. I think this book would make a great suplement to any MMA library, and would be very good for those without exposure to MMA classes. I just wish someone would come out with a book on the more ancient techniques, which evidently included palm and thumb blows, and some grappling not covered here.

Striking, kicking, takedowns and throws, submission grappling on the ground, and what might be considered "dirty" street-fighting are all included in this book. The author mentions that boxing and wrestling form the technical nucleus of pankration but once you read of all of its other elements, especially those of Greek lineage, you quickly learn that this combat system is profoundly more. Lots of good training methods and fighting tactics either remaining on your feet or ending it on the ground. Arvanitis excels at getting his point across in every chapter, and does a nice job of organizing the content. The material at the back of the book is also a big plus. It discusses the Greek concept of arete and has a glossary of both English and Greek terms used in the art. A great book overall.

If you've practiced any kick/boxing/striking and grappling/throwing styles then you know what's in this book. If you haven't then you could learn a lot from it. There have always been many styles/arts and practitioners that try to be well versed in all situations and tactics. It seems all the rage nowadays since the advent of the Gracies and No holds barred fighting sports but it's been going on all the time.

Do you remember kids scrapping in the school yard punching, kicking and wrestling each other until one gave up or was knocked out? My point exactly.

I urge you to check out arts like Hapkido and Schuai Jiao, Chin Na, Jeet Kune Do, Silat, Escrima along with all the so called new hybrid systems and you will see that they have dissected how to deal with all maner of strikes and grappling situations. They tend to look alike once put into practice.

I think Mr Arvanitis and all those who've fought and trained enough come to the same realization in the end. You've got to know all the fighting ranges and be prepared to adapt to the situation at hand.

This book is great for those unfamiliar with blending the different fighting ranges. Those who have practiced both grappling and striking will probably be familiar with the material.

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