Pankration General Rules

Rounds are judged in a 10-point must system.  This is not a Point Sparring match.

Time/Duration of Bout

Youth/Beginner                    1x3 minute round

All others                              3x2 minute rounds- 1 minute rest between rounds

Legal Weapons –

Punches; hammer fists; palm heels and forearms. Kicks with the instep; bottom of foot; blade of foot; ball of foot; toes; shin and knee

Strikes with the head, and tip of elbow are prohibited. Stomping on a downed opponent is not allowed.

Legal Striking Targets –

Chest, stomach, ribs, thighs and calf

Strikes to the face, head, joints, back, spine, groin or other vital points are prohibited.

Legal Submission Targets –

Wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, straight knee, neck and ankle

Submissions should be executed with applied pressure not “cranked”, to allow

time to submit prior to injury. Pressure points are allowed as long as they are executed with applied pressure. Neck cranks or submissions which involve dynamic twisting or pressure against the neck joint or spine are prohibited. Heel hooks and submissions which involve a twisting pressure against the knee joint are prohibited.

Takedowns and Throws –

Takedowns and throws designed or intended to cause injury are prohibited. Unnecessary slamming or spiking to the head is prohibited.  If you cannot execute the takedown/throw with control, do not do it.

Slamming to escape a submission is legal. Slamming with excessive height or force or intent to injure or submit is prohibited.

The following are strictly forbidden:

A. Stalling or fleeing the mat.

B. Intentionally causing injury to opponent

C. Executing any illegal strike, throw or submission.

D. Bending or twisting of fingers.

E. Biting, scratching, pulling of hair, clothing or pinching / pulling of skin.

F. Speaking or disrespectful conduct during bout.

G. Arguing with any official.

H. Refusing to obey the direction of any official.

I. Showing disregard for one's or opponent's safety.

J. Continuing the bout outside competition area.

K. Any other condition for which the referee believes a penalty should be imposed.

Beginners and Youth divisions

Takedowns with elevation over the hip and below

If you cannot escape a choke after a period of time of 5 seconds the ref will tap you out.