PANKRATION_Origin_What is it about_Rules

The origin of the name PANCRASE dates back to the ancient Greeks who had a sport competition called PANKRATION. Today, noble warriors from around the globe descend upon Japan to battle in one of the most exciting events in modern-day athletic competition. PANCRASE is the name of the organization founded by Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki in May, 1993 which produces the new professional martial arts sport. The ultimate goal and spirit of PANCRASE is the completion of "total-fight"-a collection of the best of all the styles of martial arts in the world. Martial arts techniques used in the PANCRASE matches include wrestling, judo, boxing, sambo, karate, kempo, jiu-jitsu, and Thai boxing. In the PANCRASE logo, red indicates blood, and black indicates the complete collection of all martial arts, as the mixing of colors ends up creating black. The PANCRASE cross indicates all the best techniques from all the martial arts.

One of the unique aspects of a PANCRASE fight is the need of the combatants to adapt their existing techniques to this unique competition. For example, even if the fighter is an expert with katare techniques, these techniques alone will not be effective enough to win in a PANCRASE fight. The fighter needs to think about what he will do if he throws a kick but his leg is grabbed by his opponent. Karate does not have submission techniques. Judo does not have kick techniques. traditional wrestling does not have kick techniques. In order to win, PANCRASE fighters need to train mixing various techniques from every martial arts disciplines. The alternatives is almost certain defeat.

PANCRASE fighters are from a total of over 26 locations in 18 countries; Japan, U.S.A., Canada, Holland, Sweden, Austria, U.K., France, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Lithuania, Korea, India, and Indonesia. This number of countries has been increasing every year. We have also been contacted by fighters in other countries including China, Philippines, Mexico, Chili, and Germany who will soon join the ranks as prestigious PANCRASE fighters.

The territory of PANCRASE events continues to expand. PANCRASE events are being aired by pay-per- view in the U.S. nationwide in 1996. PANCRASE is also in negotiation with Latin America and other Asian countries to introduce the PANCRASE events in their territories.

In addition to producing professional PANCRASE competitors who are known as PANCRASEism (captain/ Kiuma Kunioku); Pancrase Inagakigumi(captain / Katsuomi Inagaki); Pancrase GRABAKA (captain/ Sanae Kikuta); Pancrase Mission(captain / Minoru Suzuki); Pancrase Megaton(captain/ Keigo Takamori). PANCRASE Organization has its own gyms in Japan which is called P's LAB with plans to establish additional PANCRASE amateur gyms and also to spread Hybrid Wrestling around the world.

'HYBRID WRESTLING'

HYBRID WRESTLING is a professional sport in which the athletes compete employing; techniques, physical strength, mental power, intelligence, and luck.utilizing; punching, kicking, throwing, submission techniques, and choking. Therefore the athletes observe the rules, and the matches shall be conducted with a sportman-like attitude.

PART1 RINGPART2 EQUIPMENTS FOR THE MATCHPART3 JUDGEMENTPART4 RING DOCTORPART5 TIME KEEPERPART6 RING ANNOUNCERPART7 WRITTEN COMPLAINTSPART8 MATCHPART9 FOULPART10 VICTORY OR DEFEATPART11 KING OF PANCRASE COMMITTEE

"CATCH WRESTLING" RULES

1

"PANCRASE GATE" RULES

PART 1 RING

Article 1. The ring shall follow the specifications as set out below.1. The shape and dimension of the ring shall be a square with sides measuring 7m(23') and it shall be surrounded by four(4) ring ropes. The mat outside the ring ropes shall have a span of 32cm(1'1'). Also the height of the floor shall be 95cm(3'1'). 2. The floor of the ring shall be horizontal and made of felt or other materials of similar softness with 1.3cm(0'5') to 1.9cm(0'8') of thickness. The ring shall be completely covered with canvas, and wrinkle-free. 3. The ring's highest rope shall be stretched at a height of 125cm(4'1') and the other three ring ropes shall be evenly spaced below the highest rope. Pads shall be attached at the corner of the ring ropes. As for the two opposite fighting corners, one shall be red and the other blue.The neutral corners shall be white. 4. Two(2) places of the four ring ropes shall be vertically tied with a rope on all sides. The tie-downs shall be ring ropes as well. 5. Hard objects that could become obstacles during a match shall not be placed inside the ring ropes and on the mat. 6. Other rings will be available for Pancrase official rings in case PANCRASE approves.

PART 2 EQUIPMENTS FOR THE MATCH

Article 2. As for the competitor's outfits and protectors for a match,the following items shall be followed as a rule.1. Competitors shall wear open-finger gloves which PANCRASE provides and their own shorts,mouthpieces, and groin protectors. 2. Any hard material, except for groin protectors, shall not be used as equipments for a match. Competitors shall not wear any types of slippery or slack shorts such as muay thai trunks or surfing pants. Wearing spandex shorts is only allowed. 3. Competitors may wear knee protectors made of flexible cloth and the inner material shall be neoprene less than 20cm(0'8") in length, less than 25cm(1') in width,and less than 1.5cm (0'06") in thickness. 4. Competitors may wear shin protectors and the surface shall be leather and the inner materials shall be neoprene or hard sponge. Being less than 1.5cm(0'06"). 5. Competitors may wear only wrestling shoes which PANCRASE approves. Competitors cannot wear wrestling shoes which have plastic, hard rubber, or a fastner. Competitors shall tidy knots or a piece of Velcro on shoes not to hold up the progress of a match. 6. Competitors shall use only bandages and tapes which PANCRASE approves. Competitors shall not put any hard stuff nor strings in between bandages and tapes and knuckles. The official referee and the official ring doctor shall check thickness of bandages and tapes to see if it is a clenched fist bones or an illegal stuffs. 7. The official referee and the official ring doctor shall check competitor's bandages and tapes on their bodies and supporters on the date, time, and place which PANCRASE designates. In case a competitor doe not have this check or violate regulations,PANCRASE may impose a penalty on the fouled competitor. 8. Wearing of any other outfits(except mouthpieces, shorts, groin protectors, open-finger gloves, knee protectors, shin protectors, and shoes) which do not meet the specifications may be approved after receiving permission from PANCRASE and recognition by both competitors. 9. Any and all Vaseline, grease, hair oil, resin, or any other objectionable drugs and medical materials shall not be applied to any and all of the body of a competitor. 10. Competitor's upper half of the body shall be naked.

Article 3. With regard to the progress of the match, the referee shall promptly take the following actions.1. In case a competitor's outfit requires readjustment, the referee may interfere the match for adjustment purposes.

2

2. In case a competitor's outfit is considerably damaged regardless deliberately or accidentally and it may hold up the progress of the match, the referees shall interfere the match and direct the competitor to replace the disordered outfit. In case shorts are torn, No Contest will be declared.

PART 3 JUDGEMENT

Article 4. Judges1. Matches shall be conducted by either Three(3) judges system of one(1) main referee andtwo(2) subreferees, or Four(4) judges system of one(1) main referee, two(2) subreferees,and one(1) judge. The main referee shall supervise a match inside the ring. 2. Subreferees and a judge shall observe the rules to ensure that they are properly followed as assistances to the main referee either outside the ring or at the officials' desk. They shall determine and record a score for each round. 3. Judges shall have practical experience of two(2) years and over or equivalent qualifications which shall be approved by PANCRASE. They shall have thorough comprehension of Pancrase Official Rules and their applications to the match. They shall have a neutral and fair position, free from any influence. Also, they shall acquire a license as Pancrase official judges and shall always carry the license with them. 4. In case the judge commits errors in the application of the rules or make a serious mistake in judgement, he shall either be removed or withheld from holding a license and position, or receive equivalent punishment. 5. Judges shall participate in the meetings of PANCRASE at least once each month. Through these meetings, they shall improve the judging skills. They shall engage in the study and research of rule interpretation as well as various problems not specified in the rules and treatment for such cases. Also, as the result of such study, in case any part of the rules are revised, judges shall inform the competitors of the new rules immediately,with the permission of PANCRASE. 6. Judges who believe some unclear incidents have occurred in relation to their judgement can answer questions and express their views on the incident to reporters of newspapers,magazines, and broadcasting stations with permission from PANCRASE.

Article 5. Referees1. The referees shall have the right to supervise and command the match inside the ring. With regard to rules that are not specified in these articles, all judgement shall be left to the discretion of the referees in matches while in progress. 2. The referees shall receive a medical examination by the ring doctor. Before entering the ring,they shall wear clothing permitted by PANCRASE and shall not wear such articles as eyeglasses(contact lens are acceptable) , rings, a buckle, or any other metals which may be considered dangerous to competitors. 3. The referees shall make every effort to ensure that the rules are strictly observed. They shall give necessary directions and warnings, ensuring a smooth, serious, and well-conditioned match. 4. In case the main referee is involved in an accident during the match, the match shall be interrupted and resumed only after a replaced referee enters the ring. 5. In case subreferee and/or judge is involved in an accident during the match, the main referee shall interrupt and restart the match after other referees replaced without delaying the progress of the match. 6. In case the match is conducted less than three(3) referees because of any unexpected accidents, the case shall be resolved separately.

Article 6. With regard to the progress of the match, the referee shall promptly take the following actions.1. The main referee shall confirm that all equipment and illumination are correctly arranged. That all the officials are in their correct positions and that there is no violation in their clothing or equipments. 2. At the beginning of the match, the main referee shall invite both competitors of the match to the center of the ring to check their bodies and outfits. Also he shall warn them about violations of critical rules in a clear and concise manner. After that he shall signal for the beginning of the match. 3. In case one or both competitors fell outside the ring, the main referee shall take the following actions.

3

i. pull up competitors into the ring immediately and restart a match. ii. stop the official fight time and wait until a fallen competitor recovers from his suffered damage. iii. declares No Contest.

Article 7. The referees shall use the following five(5) words of command and/or direction.1. 'Fight' : for starting, continuing the match 2. 'Stop' : for terminating, interrupting the match in case of Referee Stop or Doctor Stop 3. 'Action': for urging competitors to fight aggressively 4. 'Break' : The main referee shall interrupt resume the match from the Start Position in case of the following four(4) cases.

i. for dissolving a deadlocked fight at any place in the ring after the main referee calls 'Action' two(2) times. In that case the main referee shall have both competitors return to the Start Position.

ii. in case competitor's loosen outfit may cause any injuries or obstruct progress of the match. Any outfits that threatens the competitor's safety will cause the action to be stopped for proper repair before the match can be resumed.

iii. in case the main referee anticipated that competitors may commit fouls of any kind regardless deliberately or accidentally, he calls'Break'and the match shall be resumed from the Start Position.

iv. in case the main referee judges one or both competitors fell or may fall outside the ring 5. 'Stop. Don't move.' :The main referee shall interrupt a match in case of i) and ii) andrestart the match from the same position.

i. In case it is necessary to prevent competitors from falling outside the ring, or in case ring ropes or corner posts hold up the progress of the match, the main referee shall call 'Stop. Don't move.' tapping both competitors and direct them to cease the fight temporally. The referees shall move both competitors to the place where they will not fall outside the ring maintaining the same position before they are told to cease. In that case competitors shall follow the referee's instruction and shall not switch to an advantageous position. In case the main referee judges one or both competitor is striking, attempting a joint lock, or choking, he does not call 'Stop. Don't move.' and directs subreferees to hold both competitors not to fall outside the ring from the same position. In case a competitor finishes the match by strikes, a joint lock, or a choke at the position, the match shall be over. In case the opponent escaped from these attacks, the main referee calls 'Stop. Don't move.' and the match shall be restarted in the ring. In case one or both competitors fell outside the ring, the main referee calls 'Break' and resume the match from the Start Position.

ii. In case competitor's loosen outfit may cause any injuries or obstruct progress of the match, the main referee shall call 'Stop. Don't move.'

iii. Official fight time shall be stopped while the main referee calls 'Stop. Don't move.' and both competitors are removed. 6. In case a win clearly occurs, the referee shall raise one arm of the winner to indicate the result of the match. In case of a Draw, he shall raise the arms of both competitors.

Article 8. The referees shall have the following authority. 1. In case a competitor cannot continue the match or is in a condition in which continuation of the match will be dangerous, the referees shall decide the outcome of the match at their own discretion. 2. In case a competitor is injured during a match, the referees shall consult the ring doctor to decide if the match should be resumed. 3. In case a competitor has escaped out of the ring deliberately, the referees shall disqualify the competitor. 4. The referees shall disqualify the competitor who has committed excessive violation of the rules. 5. In case of accidental light fouls or injuries, the referees shall resume the match at their own discretion.

Article 9. Regarding fouls, the referees shall take the following actions. 1. The main referee shall caution the competitor for involuntary fouls by either ways of Verbal Advice or Caution or Warning or Defeat by a foul. Using proper signs or actions, the referees shall show which competitor committed a foul and they shall make their judgment clearly. 2. The main referee shows a foul using two(2) kinds of cards.

4

i. Yellow Card means 'Caution'; Red Card means 'Warning'. ii. In case the main referee shows a Yellow Card to a competitor in each round, one(1) point

shall be subtracted from each round. iii. In case the main referee shows a Red Card to a competitor in each round, two(2) points shall

be subtracted from each round. iv. In case of a flagrant foul, defeat by a foul will be declared at once without the main referee

showing any cards. v. In case the main referee judges that a fouled competitor was dominant or even during the

match, he shall call 'Stop' to caution the fouled competitor and resume the match from the Start Position. In case the main referee judges that the fouled competitor was not dominant, he shall call 'Stop. Don't move.' to caution the fouled competitor and resume the match either maintaining the same position or deciding any position at his own discretion. In case of a flagrant foul, disqualification will be declared toward the fouled competitor.

vi. All fouls during the match depend on the judgement of the referees.

PART 4 RING DOCTOR

Article 10. The ring doctor shall possess a positive personality in addition to a deep knowledge of sports medicine. He shall oversee the medical conditions of the competitors and officials of the match. Also, they shall acquire a license as Pancrase official ring doctor and shall always carry the license with them. The diagnosis of a doctor other than the ring doctor shall not be regarded as official.1. The ring doctor shall sit at the officials' desk, and in case requested by the referee, he shall report the results of his diagnosis of the injured competitor. If necessary, he shall take immediate action. 2. The ring doctor shall be allowed to suspend the match as a result of his discretion. 3. The ring doctor is allowed to advise the suspension of a competitor to engage in a match if he believes there is a reason that the competitor cannot compete by immediately reporting it to PANCRASE headquarters.

PART 5 TIME KEEPER

Article 11. The time keeper shall sit at the officials' desk with an accurate stop watch to keep the time.1. The time keeper shall indicate the beginning and ending of the match and each round with a gong. 2. In case of unavoidable interruption of the match due to accident or other reason, the time keeper shall ring the gong to interrupt the match without the referee's instruction. And the lost time shall be added to the match. 3. A gong size shall be 25cm(9.8') and over in diameter. It shall be horizontally placed on the officials' desk beside the ring.

PART 6 RING ANNOUNCER

Article 12. The ring announcer shall preside at the match and only make official announcements from PANCRASE.

Article 13. Before the beginning of the match, the ring announcer shall announce names of the competitors, height, weight, gym name, corner posts of either red or blue, rankings, titles, Pancrase match records, and names of the referee. After the match, he shall announce the outcome and the fight time of the match.

5

Article 14. The ring announcer shall not make any announcement except those approved by PANCRASE.

PART 7 WRITTEN COMPLAINTS

Article 15.Competitors or managers or cornermen may appeal to PANCRASE with regard to objections to judgments of a match or other problems. All appeals shall be in the form of written statements, and oral pleading is invalid. Written complaints shall be sent addressed to PANCRASE within two(2) weeks as from the event date. As to appeals, PANCRASE shall notify the competitor or manager of the result of the judgment. Appeals against the judgment of a match shall not be made to the referees, judges, or other officials but must be made to PANCRASE.

PART 8 MATCH

Article 16. PANCRASE categorizes the two(2) different time limits of official matches as follows; Title matches shall always be three(3) rounds of five(5) minutes each. Other matches shall be either two(2) rounds of five(5) minutes each or three(3) rounds of five(5) minutes each. Round break shall be one(1) minute each. This will not apply to special matches which are arranged by PANCRASE for specific reasons.

Article 17. The match shall be performed in the ring only.

Article 18. The referee has absolute authority and competitors and cornermen shall not be allowed to protest to the referee under any circumstance.

Article 19. Attack and Defense Positions1. Start PositionAt the beginning of the match or after the main referee calls 'Break', with a distance of at least 150cm(4'11') between the competitors, in standing fighting pose, the main referee shall have the competitors start or resume the match by gesture and remark. 2. Stand PositionThrowing techniques, clinching techniques, striking techniques, and any other attacks outlined in this rules may be performed. 3. Ground PositionAny attack is possible in case the competitor does not violate the foul rule.

i. when three(3) and over limbs, either knees or hands, touch the mat ii. when any of the back, abdomen, and hips touch the mat iii. when a Stand Position competitor is holding a Ground Position competitor as stated above iv. and ii), or touching his torso with the Ground Position competitor, the Stand Position

competitor is regarded as being in Ground Position.

Article 20. Cornerman1. Up to two(2) cornermen per corner are permitted and they shall stay kneeling within 1.5m(4'11') of both ring apron from each corner during a match not to obstacle the spectators. 2. Cornerman is allowed to give a competitor verbal advices during the match. But every cornerman is prohibited to come into direct physical contact with a competitor nor to give any directive actions to a competitor such as pounding the mat or grabbing the ring ropes. 3. Cornerman can give a competitor only water during each round break, but pouring too much water in the ring is not encouraged as it holds up the progress of the match. 4. Cornerman shall not manipulate competitor's outfits nor apply Vaseline, grease, hair oil, resin, or other objectionable drugs and medical materials to the competitor during each round break. It shall result in cornerman's withdrawal from the match or it may result in competitor's defeat by a foul.

6

5. The referees shall caution each team of cornermen of the first violation of the rules and the cornerman shall be thrown out of a match. And also it shall result in competitor's foul. 6. Cornerman shall not place anything inside the ring ropes and on the mat during the match.

PART 9 FOUL

Article 21. Following actions shall be Fouls.1. Elbow Strike 2. Striking the opponent's back of the head and spine 3. Headbutt 4. Attacking the opponent in the groin(low blow) 5. Kneeing the neck or the head in case both competitors are in Ground Position 6. Attacking three(3) and less of the opponent's fingers 7. Deliberately eye-gouging, thrusting or clutching the windpipe by fingers, biting, pulling the opponent's hair, use of offensive or obscene language toward the opponent and other malicious actions which are against the spirit of fair play 8. Holding the opponent's outfits 9. Throwing or choking one's opponent, deliberately holding their clothes 10. Deliberately going out of the ring or push one's opponent out of the ring ropes 11. Deliberately holding and utilizing the ring ropes or the corner posts during the match 12. Attacking and using submission techniques on the opponent while the main referee calls 'Break' or 'Stop' or 'Stop. Don't move.' and intervening to separate both competitors 13. Negative FightIn case one or both competitors do not attack aggressively as follows:

i. Switching position without having any instruction from the referees while the main referee calls 'Don't move.'

ii. Attacking of any kind to mucous membrances such as eyeballs, mouth, oral cavity,nostrils, eardrum, anus, etc.

iii. Wearing of any bandages, taping, and outfits which the referee does not check prior to the match

iv. Using any and all Vaseline, grease, hair oil, resin, other objectionable drugs and medical materials as stated in Article 2.・ which the referee has not checked

Article 22. Fouls in Ground Position1. In case of fouls before the match starts, any points shall be subtracted from the fouled competitor or it may result in a disqualification. 2. In case of fouls after a match is completed, the match result may be corrected.

Article 23. Wearing of any bandages, taping, and outfits, or using any and all Vaseline, grease, hair oil, resin, other objectionable drugs and medical materials as stated in Article 2.(9) which failed in the referee check prior to the match shall result in a point subtraction showing either Yellow or Red Card to the fouled competitor before the match starts.

Article 24. Flagrant fouls of any kind during the match shall result in suspension and fines. King of Pancrase Committee shall determine the offender's suspension term and the fine amount at its discretion.

PART 10 VICTORY OR DEFEAT

7

Article 25. Knockout In case the referee judges a competitor is unable to return the match or the competitor loses consciousness due to the opponent's attack, a Knockout shall be declared.

Article 26. Give Up1. In case a competitor subjected to the opponent's submission techniques or striking gives up using their voice as a signal, Give Up shall be declared. 2. In case a competitor subjected to the opponent's submission techniques or striking gives up by tapping the mat or the opponent two(2) times and over as a signal, Give Up shall be declared. 3. In case a competitor takes unclear movements similarly to Give Up, the main referee shall declare 'Give Up'.

Article 27. TKO(Technical Knockout)1. In case the main referee judges it is impossible for a competitor to continue the match, a TKO shall be declared. 2. In case the ring doctor judges it is impossible for a competitor to continue the match depending on his damage, a TKO shall be declared. 3. In case of throwing a towel into the ring by a cornerman.

Article 28. Disqualification by FoulsA loss due to a foul shall depend on the decision of the main referee.

Article 29. Decision(1)In case a match of Three(3) judges system has gone to a full time limit, one(1) main referee and two(2) subreferees shall decide a victory or a defeat judging which competitor was dominant by making a subtraction in ten(10) marks which each competitor has. In case a match of Four(4) judges system has gone to a full time limit, one(1) main referee and two(2) subreferees and one(1) judge shall decide a victory or a defeat similarly. According to a total marks, the competitor who has obtained two(2) and over votes shall be the winner by Decision. In case it is impossible to continue a match due to accident of any kind, match outcome shall be as follows.

i. Two(2) rounds matchIn case the first round ended or the final round started, the referees shall make total judges decision up to the time when the main referee stopped the match.

ii. Three(3) rounds matchIn case the second round ended or the final round started, the referees shall make total judges decision up to the time when the main referee stopped the match.

(2)Judging Criteria1. All judgement shall be made by all of judges and following attacks shall be effective for judges decision.

i. damage a. Downs, or striking which gave effective damage equivalent to Downs b. effective submission techniques or choking or similar attacks c. effective throwing d. effective attacks which give clear damage to the opponent

ii. dominance a. effective striking b. effective takedowns c. effective attacks which is clearly dominant over the opponent

iii. aggressiveness a. striking in Stand Position b. take down in Stand Position c. submission techniques or choking in Stand Position

8

d. striking in Ground Position e. maintaining dominant position in Ground Position f. submission techniques or choking in Ground Position. g. any other aggressive attacks

Article 30. Draw1. In case a match has gone to a full time limit and also in case neither competitor has obtained two(2) and over votes, a Draw shall be declared. 2. In case the referees judge both sides are simultaneously knocked out, a Draw shall be declared.

Article 31. No ContestIn case PANCRASE and the referees decide after due consultation that a match ends up in failure, No Contest shall be declared.

PART 11 KING OF PANCRASE COMMITTEE

Article 32. King of Pancrase Committee1. King of Pancrase Committee(hereunder called THE COMMITTEE) has the final decisive power concerning how to rank competitors who compete in PANCRASE events, such as operating title match. 2. THE COMMITTEE convenes within ten(10) days after every PANCRASE event. 3. The Commissioner approves THE COMMITTEE's decision and authorizes the King of Pancrase title.

Article 33. Weight Divisions1. THE COMMITTEE establishes rankings and titles at the following each eight(8) weight divisions.

i. Open-weight___ any weight ii. Super Heavyweight_ 100kg(221lbs.) and over iii. Heavyweight___ 90kg(198.9lbs.)～less than 100kg(221lbs.)

iv. Light Heavyweight_82kg(181.2lbs.)～less than 90kg(198.9lbs.)

v. Middleweight___75kg(165.8lbs.)～less than 82kg(181.2lbs.)

vi. Welterweight___ 69kg(152.5lbs.)～less than 75kg(165.8lbs.)

vii. Lightweight___ 64kg(141.5lbs.)～less than 69kg(152.5lbs.) viii. Featherweight___less than 64kg(141.5lbs.)

2. Competitors shall notify THE COMMITTEE of one of the above weight divisions prior to a match.

Article 34. Weigh-ins Procedure1. Competitors and the referees shall attend at weigh-ins ceremony on the date, time, and place which PANCRASE designates. In case a competitor overweighs at the designated weigh- ins, the competitor shall re-weigh within one(1) hour from the time of the designated weigh- ins. In case the competitor still overweighs at the re-weigh-ins, the final weigh-ins on the event day shall be held within two(2) hours from the time of the designated weigh-ins, and the final weigh-ins on the day before the event shall be held at three(3) hours prior to the start time of the first pro-match on the event day. 2. In case a competitor overweighs at the designated weigh-ins, re-weigh-ins, and still the final weigh-ins, the competitor shall be penalized and loses a match by default. In case a competitor is deliberately absent from the designated weigh-ins, or flagrant disregard such as unreasonably too much overweighs, it shall result in disqualification, suspension, loss of purse, and expulsion.

9

3. In case the opponent accepts a match with an overweight competitor, the match shall be held as an open-weight match. In that case, twenty-five(25)% and over out of the overweight competitor's purse shall be subtracted. 4. An overweight competitor shall not obtain the King of Pancrase title even if the competitor wins in a title match.

i. In case the King of Pancrasists overweighs in a title match, the title shall be vacated. ii. In case the King of Pancrasists overweighs and defeats a legitimate weight challenger except

a defeat by default, the challenger shall obtain the title. iii. In case the King of Pancrasists overweighs and wins a legitimate weight challenger, the title

shall be vacated. iv. In case a challenger overweighs, the title shall be vacated even if the challenger wins or

defeats.

Article 35. Ranking SystemEvery competitor who belongs to PANCRASE is classified by the following ranking system.1. The King of Pancrasists(Champion)He is the top quality of all competitors in PANCRASE. 2. RankersThey have the right to challenge the King of Pancrasists. 3. No RankersOther competitors except the above(1) and (2)

Article 36. The King of PancrasistsThey display their full ability at PANCRASE events. Their skill and personality shall be an example of the spirit of PANCRASE and earn wide recognition.

Article 37. RankerTHE COMMITTEE establishes rankings from the 1st to the 10th place. The first place ranker shall be given top priority to have a title match within one(1) year.

Article 38. Update of Official RankingsTHE COMMITTEE convenes after every PANCRASE events and may update rankings after due considering competitor's results such as attendances, fight records, achievements. THE COMMITTEE shall announce the latest official ranking ten(10) days after every PANCRASE events.

Article 39. Title Match1. THE COMMITTEE nominates a ranker as the challenger. 2. Title matches shall be held under Pancrase Official Rules. 3. In case of a Draw, the King of Pancrasists retains the title. 4. The time limit of a title match shall always be three(3) rounds of five(5) minutes each.

Article 40. In case it is impossible to have title matches due to the following reasons.1. The responsibility rests with the King of Pancrasists to have a title match. The King of Pancrasists forfeits the title in case he is unable to compete in a title match due to any reason(such as personal preference, injury, illness, etc.) and shall vacate the title to THE COMMITTEE immediately. Subsequently, the King of Pancrasists shall become a no ranker. A ranker nominated by THE COMMITTEE shall have a match to crown the new King of Pancrasists. 2. The responsibility does not rest with the King of Pancrasists. In case a title match cannot be held not due to the following reasons; inevitable injury during the match, calamity of transportation means in case commuting for a PANCRASE event, and in case the King of Pancrasists is unable to compete in a title match due to the above-mentioned reasons over an extended period, rankers nominated by THE COMMITTEE shall have a match to crown the provisional King of Pancrasists. The provisional King of Pancrasists has the right to have a title match after the King of Pancrasists has returned. Both competitors have the united title

10

match on the date THE COMMITTEE has appointed. In case the King of Pancrasists cannot return, THE COMMITTEE recognizes the provisional King of Pancrasists to be theKing of Pancrasists. 3. In case problems not covered by the Pancrase Official Rules arise, THE COMMITTEE shall discuss to resolve the problems immediately.

'CATCH WRESTLING' RULESA. Match time limit shall be either one(1) or two(2) rounds of five(5) minutes and there shall be no extra rounds. B. There shall be no weight classes. C. Competitors do not wear open finger gloves and shin pads. D. Competitors may wear mouthpieces, knee pads, and shoes which PANCRASE approves. E. Strikes of any kind are prohibited. F. Other provisions shall apply to the Pancrase Official Rules.

'PANCRASE GATE' RULESA. Match time limit shall be two (2) rounds of five(5) minutes only. B. There shall be no judges decision. In case the match has gone to a full time limit, a Draw shall be declared. C. Competitors shall wear shin pads and knee pads which PANCRASE approves. D. In case a competitor touches his body on the mat except feet, he is in Ground Position. E. In case one or both competitor are in Ground Position, strikes of any kind to the face and the head are prohibited. F. Heel hooks are prohibited. G. Only one(1) cornerman per corner is allowed. H. Other provisions shall apply to the Pancrase Official Rules.

PANKRATION Pre-Christian form of Greek fighting. Pankration, sometimes spelled pancration, or pancratium or even pankratium, was a combination of earlier forms of boxing and wrestling practiced by the Greeks. Some historians trace its origin to the Indian vairamushti system.

It should be noted, however, that pankration and the Pyrrhic dance, a Greek armed and unarmed war-dance similar to modern karate kata (formal exercises), both antedate Indian statues depicting temple guardians in poses similar to those used in latter-day fighting arts. In 648 BC pankration was introduced to the Greek Olympic Games. A subdivision, boy's pankration, was added in the 2nd century BC, which attests to the popularity of the sport.

The object was, as in boxing, to force an opponent to acknowledge defeat, and to this end almost any means might be applied. Though rules were enforced by officials with a switch or stout rod, a whipping must have been more desirable than being killed, for the rules were often broken. Serious injuries and fatal accidents did occur, but they were rare, rarer probably than in ancient Greek boxing.

Facing one another, much as in the position taken by wrestlers, pankratiasts, as they were called, tried to bring one another violently to the ground by grappling, hitting, kicking, leg-sweeping, choking, or joint-locking.

11

There was much preliminary sparring. Hands were bare and generally held open, although the clenched fist was used for hitting; feet were also bare. As in Greek boxing, there were no rules against hitting a man when down. More often than not, the contest was decided on the ground, even though, when both fighters were down, hitting was usually ineffective. Biting and gouging were prohibited. Kicking was an essential part of pankration and the stomach area was a common target. Because of this comparatively rare tactic, historians speculate that pankration may have been one of the first, if not the first, total martial art known to mankind. Such throws as the flying mare and various foot-and-leg holds, although too risky for Greek wrestling proper, were freely employed in the pankration. A pankratiast sometimes threw himself on his back to accomplish a throw.

Much later, these techniques became common in judo, called sacrifice throws. Another type of sacrifice throw was the stomach throw. Seizing his opponent by the shoulders or arms, the pankratiast threw himself backwards, simultaneously planting his foot in his opponent's stomach, pulling him over his head. This technique, later a favorite among the Japanese, is depicted in the tombs of Beni-Hassan, giving rise to the belief that it may have been used by the ancient Egyptians. Locks applied to an opponent's limbs or neck were as common in pankration as in jujutsu.

Opportunities for applying them were more frequent when one or both combatants were on the ground, where the struggle was usually decided. The Eleans especially commended strangling as a means of defeating the adversary. The favorite stranglehold of pankratiasts was the "ladder-trick":the attacker jumped on his opponent's back, entwined his legs around the body, and his arms around the neck. A trained pankratiast realized when his opponent had secured an injurious grip and acknowledged defeat at once.

The decisive struggle on the ground was said to be as long and as complicated as it is in modern wrestling. It was to this aspect of pankration that Plato objected, saying it "did not teach men to keep their feet."

In the palaestra, the Greek wrestling school, pankration was given a separate training room, known as the Korykeion, equipped with punching and kicking balls, called korykos, suspended from the ceiling beams. The Greek boxer and the pankratiast used the punch-ball much as the modern boxer does. Another larger ball, used for kicking practice, hung about 2 feet from the floor. Pankration was taught progressively: when a student had thoroughly learned the movements and their combinations, he would be permitted to engage in "loose play," as it is called in fencing.

As would be expected in such a brutal sport, pankration did not escape criticism-principally due to the advent of professionalism. An excess of purses and honors in all Greek sports had precipitated social complications. The "evil" effects of professionalism were considered worst in boxing, wrestling, and pankration. In Greece itself, the problem was increased by the absence of weight classifications, making these events the monopoly of heavyweights.

In 1973 Jim Arvanitis and martial arts journalist Massad Ayoob wrote an account of this little-known, but historically important, discipline. They pointed out that Alexander the Great made friends with Dioxippus, the champion pankratiast who won the Olympic crown by default in 336 B C because no one dared compete against him. Later, as Alexander marched in conquest across the in 326 BC, laid the groundwork for kung-fu in China. Still, due to inadequate evidence, the links in martial arts evolution remain unsubstantiated.

The Greek race is certainly well-known for its athletic and military achievements in the Pre-Christian era. In truth, we must credit them for both the word "athlete" and the ideal it expresses. It was also the Greek soldier who would represent the standard for the rest of the world to follow for centuries. The contribution of the Greeks to the evolution of the martial arts, as we presently know them, is now certainly evident. Fighting systems that have originated in both Eastern and Western parts of the world may indeed be linked to this ancient combat form.

12

Over 2000 years ago, the ancient Greeks had developed a brutal, all-out combat form which they named Pankration (pronounced pan/cray/shun or pan-crat-ee-on depending on the dialect). The term is derived from the Greek adjectives pan and kratos and is translated to mean "all powers" or "all-encompassing." First introduced into the Olympic Games of 648 BC (the same year as the horse race), Pankration would soon become the most popular and most demanding of all athletic events. It would be well to note that a subdivision, "Boy's Pankration", was added in the 2nd century BC, which indicates the popularity of the sport.  Also, before we go any farther into the history, it should be noted that some historians trace Pankration's origin to the Indian Vajramushti system.  There is controversy here, because Pankration and the Pyrrhic dance, a Greek armed and unarmed war-dance similar to modern karate kata, both predate Indian statues depicting temple guardians in poses similar to those used in fighting systems to follow. 

In the palaestra , the Greek wrestling school, Pankration was allocated a separate room to train.  It was known as the Korykeion, which was equipped with punching and kicking balls, called korykos, which hung from the ceiling beams.  The smaller balls were used for punching and the larger ones for kicking, which hung about 2 feet from the floor.  Pankration was taught similar to modern day karate, as it was presented in steps or stages until the student had become proficient in the movements and their combinations.   After reaching a certain stage, the practitioner would then be allowed to engage in "loose play", as it is called in fencing.

Pankration integrated every physical and mental resource - hands and feet, mind and spirit - in the closest simulation of no-holds-barred competitive fighting that any culture has ever allowed. The object was, as in boxing, to force an opponent to acknowledge defeat, and to this end almost any means might be applied.  Though rules were enforced by officials with a switch or stout rod, a whipping must have been more desirable than being killed, for the rules were often broken.  Serious injuries and fatal accidents did occur, but they were rare, rarer probably than in ancient Greek boxing.  Facing one another, much as in the position taken by wrestlers, Pankratiast's, as they were called, tried to bring one another violently to the ground.  There was much preliminary sparring.  Hands were bare and generally held open, although the clenched fist was used for hitting.  Only biting and gouging were prohibited. Anything else went, although the tough Spartan contingent allowed these, too, in their local athletic festivals.  As in Greek boxing, there were no rules against hitting a man when he was down.  The techniques included a murderous mixture of Hellenic boxing and wrestling, hook and uppercut punches, full-powered kicks, elbowing and kneeing, joint locks, as well as numerous submission chokeholds. Such throws as the flying mare and various foot and leg holds, although too risky for Greek wrestling proper, were freely employed.  A Pankratiast would sometimes throw himself on his back to accomplish a throw, known today as Sacrifice Throws.  In this same family of throw, known as the Stomach Throw, the Pankratiast would grab his opponent by the shoulders or arms and throw himself backwards, planting his foot in his opponent's stomach, pulling him over his head.  This throw is known today as TomoeNage.  This technique may have been used by the ancient Egyptians, as this technique is depicted in the tombs of Beni-Hassan.

Kicking was an essential part of Pankration, especially rising kicks to the groin or stomach, and powerful leg sweeps meant to take an opponent off his feet. Kicks above the belt were used sparingly, with blows aimed to the head or face only when one's adversary was on the ground and too weakened to block or catch the attacker's foot. Due to this unique tactic alone, some combative experts credit Pankration as the first comprehensive unarmed fighting system on record.  In other words, the first total martial art known!

Pankration bouts were extremely brutal and sometimes life-threatening to the competitors.  Rules were minimal in number. In addition, there were no weight divisions and no time limits. The fighting arena or "ring" was no more than twelve to fourteen-feet square to encourage close-quarter action. As was mentioned earlier, referees were armed with stout rods or switches to enforce the rules against biting and gouging. The rules, however, were often broken by some participants who, realizing they were outclassed by a heavier and stronger foe, would resort to such measures to escape being seriously maimed. The contest itself continued uninterrupted until one of the combatants either surrendered, suffered unconsciousness, or, of course, was killed.  Because of the high purses and honors, and the fact that there were no weight classifications, these events were generally monopolized by the "heavy weights". 

13

As a historical note, it should be noted in this history that Plato objected to this style of fighting, because he said that it "did not teach men to keep their feet".  I suppose you could "bounce" the pro's and con's of this around as long as their is time on earth.

Although knockouts were common, most Pankration battles were decided on the ground where both striking and submission techniques would freely come into play. Pankratiast's were highly-skilled grapplers and were extremely effective in applying a variety of takedowns, chokes, and punishing joint locks. Strangulation was most feared during ground combat, and was the leading cause of death in matches. A fighter would immediately raise his arm in defeat once his opponent's forearm had secured a firm grip across the windpipe or carotid artery.  The Eleans especially commended strangling as a means of defeating the opponent.  Their favorite stranglehold was called the "Ladder Trick".  The aggressor would jump on his opponents back, wrap his legs around the body and his arms around the neck.  An experienced Pankratiast would realize when his opponent had an effective grip and would acknowledge defeat. 

The feats of the ancient pankratiast's became legendary in the annals of Greek athletics. Stories abound of past champions and masters who were considered invincible beings. Arrichion, Dioxxipus, and Polydamos are among the most highly-recognized names, their accomplishments defying the odds by besting multiple armed opponents in "life and death" combat, and battling and killing lions when human competition was no longer a feasible challenge. It is also theorized that the famed strongman Hercules was the first Olympic victor in Pankration. Another fact, with reference to Dioxxipus ( a friend of Alexander the Great), won the Olympic crown by default in 336 BC because no one would compete against him.  Later as Alexander marched in conquest across the world, his armies carried with them elaborate tents, that were like collapsible amphitheaters.  In these they practiced and played  athletic games, among them Pankration.  Exhibitions of superhuman strength were frequently witnessed by the awe-struck Greek people. Practitioners displayed the power of pneuma (Gr. inner energy) by breaking stones and planks with their bare fists and driving their hardened feet through forged war shields.

The Romans would later adopt Pankration into their particular athletic contests, but their modifications would degrade it to a mere blood sport. The fighters were now armed with the dreaded caestus, a weighted and spiked glove which reigned blows with deadly results. In Rome it was not unusual for such public brutality, as it was the rule rather than the exception, to quench the spectator's thirst for gore. This alteration, however, diminished the skill and aesthetic value that the Greek race had come to admire in their athletes.  Rarely, if ever, did a true Greek Pankratiast participate in the savage gladiatorial arenas of Rome, even though they were often tempted by higher purses and positions within the powerful Roman empire.

Pankration was basic to the majority of the Greek warriors who served under Alexander the Great, during his invasion of India in 326 BC Many authorities now contend that this dispersal of Pankration techniques throughout the subcontinent laid the foundation for countless Asian martial arts which evolved soon thereafter, including Chinese kung fu, Okinawan karate, and Japanese jiu-jitsu. This theory has been the subject of a raging controversy for the past twenty years.

Pankration is composed of stand up striking and standing / ground grappling, As the contest was in a large measure wrestling, many of the tricks of wrestlers akrocheirismos (wrestling with hands), anchein (strangle, throttle), lugizen (to be thrown or mastered), strebloun (twist or wrench a limb) or strephein (of wrestlers, twist the adversary back) were often used. Violently to throw oneself on one's opponent (enallesthai) was a common feature.

When two pankratiasts began their contest, they stood with outstretched arms: and the first object which each of them endeavored to accomplish was to gain a favorable position and grip, each trying to make the other stand so that the sun might shine in his face, or that other inconveniences might prevent his fighting with success. When the contest began, each of the fighters might commence by boxing or by wrestling, accordingly as he thought he should be more successful in the one than in the other. The using of teeth and butting with the head were considered unfair fighting (kakomachein) and contrary to the law of the games (nomos enagonios). The victory was not decided until one of the parties was Knocked out, or lifted up a finger, thereby declaring that he was unable to continue the contest either from pain or fatigue (Philostr. l. c.). It usually happened that one of the combatants, by some trick or other, made his antagonist fall to the ground, and the wrestling which then commenced was called anaklinopale, and continued until one of the

14

parties declared himself conquered or was strangled. Ground fighting in Ancient Greece was known ashalindesis (rolling in dust, exercise in which wrestlers rolled on the ground) , kulisis ( rolling, esp. of athletes in the dust after anointing) or anaklinopale or more commonly known as Kato Pale (ground wrestling). Upright or stand up wrestling being called Orthia Pale.

15