Human Weapon — Season 1, Episode 6: Pankration: The Original Martial Art

Episode synopsis

Jason and Bill journey to Athens, Greece to study what might be the world's first ever true martial art. This martial art was made famous by the Spartans and was first formed nearly 4000 years ago. It is also the known origin of wrestling, boxing, grappling and kickboxing. At the end of their journey either Jason or Bill will face a 6 time national Pankration champion.

About Human Weapon

Human Weapon was a television show on The History Channel that premiered on July 20, 2007. The hosts, Jason Chambers and Bill Duff, traveled across the world studying the unique martial arts, or styles of fighting, that have origins in the region. Each episode usually consisted of a brief introduction regarding the featured martial art, including footage of established fighters sparring. The hosts would then travel to various locations, learning several strikes, blocks, or other techniques valuable to the particular art from various instructors and/or masters. Along the way, they learned about the origins and cultural history of each fighting style. To help the viewer understand the moves the hosts learn, each technique was visually broken down with a motion capture element. Creator Terry Bullman also acted as stuntman for motion capture. After practicing featured aspects of the art, the hosts typically assessed the various skills and their effectiveness. At the end of each episode, one of the hosts would fight a representative of the episode's fighting style. The show is similar to a later program called "Fight Quest". The show was cancelled in August 2008.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Muay Thai: Ultimate Striking
• E2Eskrima Stickfighting
• E3Karate
• E4Savate Streetfighting
• E5Judo: Samurai Legacy
• E7Krav Maga of the Israeli Commandos
• E8Marine Corps Martial Arts
• E9MMA: America's Extreme Fighting
• E10Kung Fu
• E11Sambo: Russia's Extreme Fighting
• E12Cambodian Bloodsport
• E13Silat: Martial Art of Malaysia