Okay, since for some reason, people make this about me and how I dare to quote other people who actually tried this out, I'm outta here. Such discussions lead to nothing and I generally avoid arguing with internet warriors who repeat their "arguments" over and over and can't allow other opinions.
You can read lots of things on the internet somewhere. I read somewhere that the earth is flat. We live in a time where anybody can say pretty much anything, it seems; what a wild time to be alive!
It would be strange, though, to go onto a site dedicated to discussing, for example, astronomical issues and saying, "Hey guys, your round earth calculations work great
in the classroom, but I read on another forum that the earth is flat. It changes the game of REAL astronomy." Then on every response, questioning this, responding, "Jeez! What the hell guys? I just read it somewhere else, get off my back you round earth warriors." Then when people try to explain why I (and anyone else reading the exchange) should apply critical thinking to the explanation I read, reply, "Ok well I'm done here since I'm not allowed to have an opinion!" Meanwhile, the heck of it is I haven't actually explained or contributed anything to the discussion other than hearsay, nor why I believe my opinion to be founded in reality. In fact, it would sound like I believe anything I read online almost! Either that, or I read something that confirmed my current belief system, and took it to heart.
It would be pretty strange, wouldn't you agree?
Just this: The pic I posted obviously shows Pankratiasts, since they don't wear gloves and don't attack the head, no matter how archaeologists named it (no surprise here sicne the rule set of ancient Greek boxing is still pretty much unknown - we don't even know if kicks were allowed).
I would disagree that it "obviously" shows pankration. If it were obvious, experts in the field of archaeology would have named it differently, for instance.
While there are things we don't know, there are other things we do know, via pictures and other historical accounts, or works of fiction referencing the sport. I don't really see the connection between the picture you posted being boxing or pankration and what we know about the rules of boxing having anything to do with each other. It kind of seems like you googled for an image of a groin shot, picked one, and then it turned out to be boxing, of which historical sources do indicate groin shots were not permitted; but I don't want to assume. You may have read somewhere else that this was a picture of pankration, for instance.
Also, if I ever step back onto mats again, I'll try it out for myself, ie. attacking the balls while guard fighting. Which may admittedly be never (I'm old and have enough injuries for two or three guys), but I'll make an update if it happens. Maybe you guys are wrong, maybe the German guys are wrong, we'll see.
I'm sorry to hear that you no longer train! I wish you success in recovering from your injuries. If you can, please video tape the experiment. I think it would be helpful in the constant pursuit for truth that we all, as martial artists, share.