Category Archives: Antagonistics

An Update on the Bartitsu Compendium, Volume III

As announced in January, work has begun on the production of the third volume of the Bartitsu Compendium, a series that began with the publication of Volume 1 in 2005 and continued with Volume II in 2008. After that the … Continue reading

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Early 20th Century French Self Defence Manuals Translated by M.P. Lynch

A heads-up that a number of rare French antagonistics manuals, most dating from the period immediately following the brief Bartitsu Club era, are now available in English translation via Amazon, courtesy of M.P. Lynch. All the translations are available for … Continue reading

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“The King’s Man” Trailer Promises a Melange of Gentlemanly Mayhem

Delayed several times due to the pandemic, The King’s Man – a prequel to the popular Kingsman series – is currently set for release in December of 2021. As this trailer demonstrates, alongside copious sword, knife and gun-play, the suave … Continue reading

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American Jiu-Jitsu in the “Walled City”

The following passage is excerpted from “The Walled City: a Story of the Criminal Insane”, written by Edward Huntington Williams and originally published in 1913. It describes an apparently un-named, but at least partially codified system of self defence and … Continue reading

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“Everyday Methods of Self Defence” (Haslingden Gazette – July 23, 1910)

There is a good deal to be said for ju-jitsu, but there are occasions when something in one’s hand is bettor than any amount of tricks in one’s head. Not that it is necessary for a man to go about … Continue reading

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“A Hove Gymnasium: Mr. Percy S. Rolt’s Successful System” (Brighton Gazette, September 21, 1912)

In December of 2017 we were pleased to publish an article confirming former Bartitsu Club member Percy Rolt as the “missing link” between the Bartitsu Club and Indian Police Superintendant Herbert Gordon Lang’s 1923 book “The ‘Walking Stick’ Method of … Continue reading

Posted in Antagonistics, Bartitsu School of Arms, Boxing, Canonical Bartitsu, Editorial, Fencing, Jiujitsu, Mysteries, Physical Culture, Savate, Vigny stick fighting | Comments Off on “A Hove Gymnasium: Mr. Percy S. Rolt’s Successful System” (Brighton Gazette, September 21, 1912)

“La Defense dans la Rue” Reviewed (The Kilkenny Moderator, May 1, 1912)

“LA DEFENSE DANS LA RUE.” This is the title of a book published by Jean Joseph Renaud — Pierre Lafitte and Co.. Paris. Treatises and booklets on self defence—generally based on some single system specially favoured by the author– are … Continue reading

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Assane Diop Wields a Mean Cane in “Lupin”

Assane Diop (Omar Sy) – a disguised master thief on a righteous mission, whose playbook is inspired by the legendary gentleman-burglar Arsene Lupin – takes on multiple opponents in this scene from the action/drama series Lupin. Bartitsu aficionados will appreciate … Continue reading

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Bartitsu at Swordfish

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Monday, 27th October 2008 Next weekend James Marwood will be teaching a short Bartitsu class at the Swordfish event in Gothenburg. There’s a fair bit of interest, including this (translated) quote from a Swedish MMA magazine: … Continue reading

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“Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” fight scenes

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Thursday, 29th January 2009 As an experienced stick fighter, boxer and expert in “baritsu”, Sherlock Holmes came close to E.W. Barton-Wright’s ideal of Bartitsu.  Here’s a selection of fight sequences from the classic … Continue reading

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