Gladiators

[Jacob Newbom]

I am downright curious about something.
I am an enthusiast of all kinds of martial arts, but am curious as to one that is probably non-existent. I have really been getting into Roman and Greek history as of late, reading books and the like.

I am wondering if anyone has tried to emulate, revive -or what have you- the Roman styles of combat. Gladiatorial to be specific. We all hear about the legendary skill of gladiators, but I am wondering if anyone pursues knowledge of the actual skill.

I know its a nigh-impossibility, but surely someone has tried. And if they have, I would love to hear about it.
Also, I suppose discussion on the possible arts is a side-effect of this post.

[Vincent Le Chevalier]

At the very least there is the ACTA group in southern France that attempts it, as well as old Olympic fighting (pugilat, pankracion). They've been demonstrating at the Dijon HEMAC event three years in a row now... Some videos:

Dijon VIII demo (that's a five part video, no gladiators but still awesome to see)
Dijon IX demo
Dijon X demo

They published a book on the subject, only in French as far as I know...

Regards,

[Jacob Newbom]

Wow, that is kind of amazing. The strikes are pretty intense. Thanks! At least someone is doing something. So is this Pankration? I have heard of and seen some of it, but not freeplay like this.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a question though. Is there people or organizations focusing on weapons? The whole deal would be awesome to watch, and even better to participate in.

[Vincent Le Chevalier]

Wow, that is kind of amazing. The strikes are pretty intense. Thanks! At least someone is doing something. So is this Pankration? I have heard of and seen some of it, but not freeplay like this.
Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

No in the first five-video series, they first show ancient greek boxing (i.e. no wrestling allowed, only impacts, using gloves) then discuss ancient greek wrestling (no strikes, no gouging, etc.). Pankration they don't really revive (I misremembered), as it was the most violent practice with very few rules (fewer than current mma) and quite a lot of casualties/crippling occurring in ancient games.

I have a question though. Is there people or organizations focusing on weapons? The whole deal would be awesome to watch, and even better to participate in.

They do use weapons in the last two videos in my original post...

Regards,

[Jacob Newbom]

I thught I watched the whole series. I feel silly. Sorry about that. And thanks for even more information!

[Corey Roberts]

Yes, Ars Dimicandi in Italy does exactly what you are talking about. There website is only in Italian though:

http://www.arsdimicandi.net/

According to there website they reconstruct ancient roman boxing, wrestling, pankration, and armed combatives based on archeological, historical and practical application. Much like ARMA it sounds like.

[Jacob Newbom]

I must admit, learning these things would be amazing and fantastic. It is basically all made up given all the knowledge on the culture, arms, armor, and other martial arts, correct? THAT is an exercise in dedication.