Ancient martial art takes a hold and wins over UCT students

THE ancient sport of pankration may as yet have no established club on Campus, but that has not deterred a number of UCT students from grappling, gouging, hitting and choking their way to medals in the sport's national championships in September.

At the event, held in Parow North, BA student Joseph Whitaker finished second in the 64-70kg division, while fellow debutant, information systems student Mark Meyer, earned himself third place in the under-64kg section. In turn, the more seasoned Nick Gregoriades took third place in the under-86kg division.

First introduced as an Olympic event at the 30th Olympiad in 648 BC, pankration – the Greek word for “all powers” or “all powerful” – was initially described as a form of “all-in” wrestling. The modern day version of the sport includes elements of boxing, wrestling, and just about all forms of martial arts, and even has a “no holds barred” version.

While most kinds of striking is allowed, competitors are not allowed to hit their opponents in the face or – thankfully – the groin in the more common format of the sport, explains Whitaker, whose interest in martial arts led him to join the Cape Town Pankration Club with Meyer early this year. “Beyond that, it allows pretty much anything,” he says.

Pankration is also just about the closest thing to real fighting, Whitaker adds, pointing out that this is part of its appeal. “It's sweet,” notes Meyer.

The fastest growing martial art in the world, pankration will return to the Olympics in 2004 as an exhibition event.

Whitaker and Meyer are keen to start a UCT pankration club. Those interested can email Whitaker or phone him at 021-671-7004.

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