The First Mixed Martial Art: Pankration from Myths to Modern Times

Received this magnificient book quickly--can't put it down! As a history enthusiast, martial artist and Marine Corps Infantry Veteran I thoroughly enjoy it. The first part on the history of mixed martial arts and it's foundation in Greek pankration is spot on. The second part on techniques is great and easy to follow. The visually stunning pictures of ancient Greek warriors using pankration in combat thousands of years ago are amazing and proves how this ferocious Hellenic martial art preceded all others by centuries. As a reenactor (www.TheWarriorsofGreece.com) and an avid student of ancient Greek fighting styles (in particular the Spartans) I find Jim's expert knowledge invaluable. His ground breaking self defense style ressurected pankration and set the stage for today's MMA way back in the 1960's and 70's. Its easy to see why the legendary "Father of Modern Pankration" has won so many awards and has been recognized the world over for his fighting skills. Well done Master Arvanitis! I look forward to receiving your other books! Molon Labe.

All the books and dvds of Jim Arvanitis should be purchased. Great historical value, combined with a surprising amount of detail relevant to today's reality based street self defense. Nothing boring or uninteresting here! Five stars!

Good quality book

A outstanding practical martial art

It is an very interesting book. Very informative. I love it. It is a great book.

certainly very interesting. its a 60/40 split Greek history & martial arts & culture/ techniques as you would find in say a mma manual.It doesn't include all the information it could, separate books covering each subject would cover the history or martial art techniques better. However for a decent overview its very good.

Naja - eher MMA als antikes Pankration. Aber für die Zeit nicht schlecht ;-)Wer Pankration ergründen mag, kann mit den Bilderserien nix anfangen, aber auch hier sind einige interessante Abbildungen und Ideen über das antike Pankration, die es allemal Wert sind, sich das Buch zu zu legen, finde ich.