Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
1. How is Pammachon different from other martial arts?
Pammachon is not simply a martial art or a combat sport, but encompasses a central philosophy, strategies, and wellness methods that have allowed Hellenic civilization to survive (and often to thrive) for millennia. Pammachon differs from other martial arts in several key aspects:
a. Philosophical Foundation: Pammachon incorporates a philosophical foundation that goes beyond physical combat. It aims to strengthen character, fortify the mind, body, and spirit, and promote personal growth for the benefit of society as a whole.
b. Historical Roots: Pammachon has deep roots in ancient Greek martial arts and combat sports, evolving over millennia alongside the development of weaponry and the necessary responses for hand-to-hand fighting and melee combat.
c. Training Approach: Pammachon training is structured into distinct phases that correspond to different neurological criteria based on stress and violence levels encountered. These phases include non-lethal combatives, submission combatives, lethal combatives, and autonomic processing, focusing on enhancing control of autonomous nervous function.
d. Purpose and Intent: While combat sports like wrestling, judo, taekwondo, and boxing focus on unarmed athletic contests, Pammachon is designed to include the possibility of potential hidden weapons during personal conflict. The objective of Pammachon is thus to equip practitioners with the same tactics and strategies for armed or unarmed combat, whether facing one or multiple opponents, emphasizing practicality and effectiveness in combat scenarios.
e. Cultural Heritage: Pammachon is deeply intertwined with Hellenic history, reflecting a martial and spiritual code embedded in ethnic identity and cultural heritage. It aims to preserve and propagate the teachings of ancient Greek martial arts to Hellenic communities worldwide, emphasizing the relevance of these skills in the present and future.
In conclusion, Pammachon stands out for its holistic approach to martial education, its historical significance, specialized training phases, focus on practical combat scenarios, and its role in preserving and passing on ancient Greek martial traditions and ethos.
2. What is the philosophy behind Pammachon?
The philosophy behind Pammachon is rooted in ancient Hellenic principles and aims to cultivate a strong character, fortify the mind, body, and spirit, and promote personal growth for the benefit of society. Some key aspects of the Pammachon philosophy include:
a. Asymmetric Capabilities: Pammachon incorporates principles proven throughout the millennia to provide asymmetric capabilities to practitioners, allowing them to thrive despite turmoil. The goal is to equip practitioners with the same tactics and strategies for armed or unarmed combat, whether facing one or multiple opponents.
b. Stoic Approach: Pammachon reflects a Zen-type philosophy where practitioners either act or do not, speak or hold their tongue. This decisive mindset is cultivated through training.
c. Overcoming Fear and Desire: The Pammachon philosophy emphasizes overcoming fear and overcoming being a slave to desire, in order to live life as a free man. Practitioners strive for mental fortitude and self-control.
d. Preserving Cultural Heritage: Pammachon aims to preserve and propagate the teachings of ancient Greek martial arts worldwide, emphasizing the relevance of these skills in the present and future.
3. How is Pammachon different as a combat sport?
The IPF is reconstructing the sport using input from 4th century Byzantine Pammachon, 14th century BC Minoan boxing, and 19th century Hellenic martial arts. Pammachon is a combat sport whose rules were developed to emulate the tactical demands of hand-to-hand combat and better prepare the practitioner for the submission and control of hostile perpetrators who may be bearing a concealed weapon. The discipline involves a mix of striking, grappling and throwing techniques while wearing protective gear. Pammachon competitions are designed to provide a safe and attractive athletic competition for younger athletes, with rules continually being refined to enhance the sport's appeal and safety.