“If you live in AZ, you have to train with Jeff Funicello. He knows his stuff.”
Pankration: translates to all powers fighting. Pankration was developed in ancient greece and is the oldest martial art form in history. I t was first documented in the first Olympic games of 776 b.c. In this “original” ultimate fighting contest, gladiators would use their skill in hand-to-hand combat and often fight to the death. Pankration was the primary training regime for the Spartans and all Greek warriors. It was kept alive by the roman gladiators and later the medieval knights of Europe. It made its way east by way of Alexander the Great in his quest for India in 323 b.c. there after, spreading like wildfire it laid the foundation for all known eastern martial arts. Pankration has been revived by Jeffrey t. Funicello in 1990. In modern times, Pankration is considered a hybrid style that resembles ultimate fighting, and NHB competitions. Pankration is a complete mixed martial art that recognizes the importance of all ranges of fighting, from striking and cqb, to clinch, grappling and ground work.