One of the more interesting facts in the history of martial arts is how many cultures influenced others and traveled the world. The ancient Greeks practiced a martial art called Pankration, which was a combination of boxing and wrestling(MMA anyone?) It is known that Alexander the Greats soldiers would have Pankration contests to keep fit between battles, and when Alexander returned to Babylon, he left garrisons of Greek soldiers behind. India was one of the countries Alexander conquered, and Pankration was absorbed into the indigenous fighting techniques. Bodhidarma, the Buddhist monk from India who introduced Buddhism to China, taught the basic moves of his martial art to the monks of the Shaolin Temple to keep them fit, and then in turn, with indigenous martial arts techniques of China became Kung-Fu as we know it. Here are pieces of ancient Greek art that depict Pankration, and you will all see techniques that are instantly recognizable
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:17:23 +0000
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