Author Archives: BartitsuSociety

Historical Pugilism

Posted on May 30, 2023 by BartitsuSociety

These bouts of light, technical pugilism sparring are also a good approximation of Bartitsu boxing as alluded to and partially described, but unfortunately never detailed, by E.W. Barton-Wright. Note especially the use of “chopper” (hammerfist) punches and destructive elbow guards. … Continue reading →

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“Mrs. Pankhurst’s Bodyguard: On the Trail of ‘Kitty’ Marshall and the Met Police ‘Cats'”

Posted on April 25, 2023 by BartitsuSociety

Self-defence historian Emelyne Godfrey’s long-awaited new book is now available from Barnes and Noble and other booksellers. Some of the most extraordinary narratives of the radical women’s suffrage movement are those of the Bodyguard – a secret society of martial … Continue reading →

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Antique English jujutsu gi discovered

Posted on March 21, 2023 by BartitsuSociety

Thanks to David Brough for passing along these images of an extremely rare antique English jujutsu gi, which was discovered inside a suitcase in an English antiques shop. The suitcase also contained a 4th-edition copy of the Text-Book of Ju-Jitsu, … Continue reading →

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Dr. Emelyne Godfrey Reviews The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume III

Posted on December 31, 2022 by BartitsuSociety

Boasting over 600 pages, the long-awaited third edition of the Bartitsu Compendium is a real treat, being an exploration of Bartitsu yesterday and today, ideal for both new students of martial arts as well as the general reader. This anthology … 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

Antagonistic Action in “Enola Holmes 2”

Posted on November 13, 2022 by BartitsuSociety

During the climactic scenes of Enola Holmes 2, Sherlock Holmes (Henry Cavill) and the Viscount Tewkesbury (Louis Partridge) exert their antagonistic prowess against a cadre of crooked coppers in a music hall, while the titular heroine (Millie Bobby Brown) does … Continue reading →

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The Bartitsu Compendium, Volume 3 Now at Proofing Stage

Posted on October 31, 2022 by BartitsuSociety

At well over 600 pages – approximately the size of Volumes 1 (2005) and 2 (2008) combined – the third volume of the Bartitsu Compendium is a hefty tome. One print copy now exists for proofing purposes; all being well, … Continue reading →

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The Oldest Gym in America?

Posted on October 17, 2022 by BartitsuSociety

This gymnasium was part of architect W.W. Boyington’s original design for the Hegeler Carus Mansion, which is located at 1307 7th St, La Salle, Illinois.  Spanning the basement and ground levels and dating to the year 1876, the unique design … Continue reading →

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“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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