Category Archives: Humour

Suffrajitsu in “De Rare Jacob” (1910)

Posted on March 3, 2026 by BartitsuSociety

A satirical response to the suffrajitsu phenomenon in this cartoon from the Dutch journal De rare Jacob (1910). The caption translates as “The suffragettes haven’t been at all shy about using their feet for jiu-jitsu—rather like how the ‘weaker,’ more … Continue reading →

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“The Secret Martial Art of Charlie Chaplin’s Cane”

Posted on April 23, 2025 by BartitsuSociety

The AgelessExplorer YouTube channel offers an entertaining angle on cane-fighting and on Charlie Chaplin’s physical comedy genius in this mini-documentary.

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“The Police (of the Future)”, 1886

Posted on August 23, 2023 by BartitsuSociety

The letter to the editor of the Daily Chronicle that inspired this cartoon referred to the advantages of wicker-work shields (which actually were in use by some police departments during the late 1880s) and noted that the quarterstaff should be … Continue reading →

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Announcing The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume III

Posted on December 7, 2022 by BartitsuSociety

Published 120 years after the Bartitsu School of Arms in London closed its doors for the last time and marking the 20th anniversary of the modern Bartitsu revival movement, the Bartitsu Compendium, Volume III is now available from Amazon. Over … Continue reading →

Posted in Antagonistics, Baritsu, Bartitsu School of Arms, Biography, Boxing, Canonical Bartitsu, E. W. Barton-Wright, Editorial, Edwardiana, Fencing, Fiction, Hooliganism, Humour, In Memoriam, Instruction, Interviews, Jiujitsu, Mysteries, Physical Culture, Pop-culture, Reviews, Savate, Seminars, Sherlock Holmes, Sparring, Suffrajitsu, Vigny stick fighting, Wrestling | Comments Off on Announcing The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume III

“Speculations on the Slungshot”

Posted on August 31, 2022 by BartitsuSociety

A recent search through the archives revealed this long-forgotten, 2007-vintage article speculating on the martial use of the Monkey’s Fist or slungshot, a weapon associated with ruffians (especially sailors on shore-leave) rather than with ladies and gentlemen. The article was … Continue reading →

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“The League” Doffs its Bowler to Bartitsu

Posted on August 31, 2022 by BartitsuSociety

Back in 2015, the popular comedy series The League skewered/paid tribute to Bartitsu in its episode titled “Draft of Innocence”. Better seven years late than never, here are the two short Bartitsu scenes featured in the show. For context, the … Continue reading →

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“Charley Smiler Takes Up Ju-Jitsu” (1911): a Unique Filmic Glimpse Back Into British Jujitsu and Suffrajitsu History!

Posted on March 29, 2021 by BartitsuSociety

A number of short silent films featuring jujutsu were produced and/or screened in London during the very early 20th century. The intriguing list of titles includes: Unfortunately, aside from their titles and scattered items of production information, these films have … Continue reading →

Posted in Editorial, Edwardiana, Fiction, Humour, Jiujitsu, Suffrajitsu, Video | Comments Off on “Charley Smiler Takes Up Ju-Jitsu” (1911): a Unique Filmic Glimpse Back Into British Jujitsu and Suffrajitsu History!

“In the Ju Jitsu Hall” (1911)

Posted on March 24, 2021 by BartitsuSociety

These cartoons from the June 17, 1911 issue of the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News illustrate Japanese martial arts displays in the “Ju Jitsu Hall” of London’s Coronation Exhibition. The same venue had also hosted martial arts displays about a … Continue reading →

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The Umbrella: a Misunderstood Weapon

Posted on December 29, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Sunday, 17th May 2009 This humourous article, written and illustrated by J.F. Sullivan, originally appeared in “The Ludgate Monthly” of 1897,  just a few years before E.W. Barton-Wright introduced Bartitsu to London. No … Continue reading →

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The Mysteries of the Embok Kwai (1900-1902)

Posted on December 29, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Saturday, 4th March 2017 “… he was initiated into the Order of the Embok Kwai, the sole purpose of which is to teach, perpetuate and protect the secrets of jiu-jitsu.” – The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1st … Continue reading →

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