Category Archives: Edwardiana

An Update on the Bartitsu Compendium, Volume III

Posted on September 17, 2021 by Bartitsu Society

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 →

Posted in Academia, Antagonistics, Biography, Canonical Bartitsu, E. W. Barton-Wright, Editorial, Edwardiana | Comments Off on An Update on the Bartitsu Compendium, Volume III

The Bartitsu and Suffrajitsu Stories as Rendered by Teenagers

Posted on July 12, 2021 by Bartitsu Society

It’s satisfying to see the torches of interest in Bartitsu and Suffrajitsu being taken up by (much) younger enthusiasts. Here are three recent video documents on aspects of Edwardian-era antagonistics, by researcher/presenters who had yet to be born when 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 Bartitsu Society

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: HE LEARNED JU-JITSU – SO DID THE MISSUS (1905) JIU JITSU DOWNS THE FOOTPADS, … 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!

Tomoenage at the Bath Club (1899)

Posted on February 17, 2021 by Bartitsu Society

E.W. Barton-Wright demonstrates the tomoenage (stomach throw) during one of his first major Bartitsu exhibitions, held at the famous Bath Club in London. This illustration has been adapted from the original, which appeared in the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News … Continue reading →

Posted in Canonical Bartitsu, E. W. Barton-Wright, Edwardiana, Exhibitions, Jiujitsu | Comments Off on Tomoenage at the Bath Club (1899)

Bartitsu Newspaper Archive

Posted on December 29, 2020 by Bartitsu Society

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Sunday, 4th October 2009 The new Bartitsu Newspaper Archive includes over two hundred pages from the Daily Mirror and Daily Express newspapers, mostly dating from the first years of the 20th century. Many of … Continue reading →

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The Mysteries of the Embok Kwai (1900-1902)

Posted on December 29, 2020 by Bartitsu Society

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 →

Posted in Edwardiana, Fiction, Humour, Jiujitsu, Mysteries | Comments Off on The Mysteries of the Embok Kwai (1900-1902)

The Eccentric Evolution of Boxing Armour

Posted on December 29, 2020 by Bartitsu Society

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Monday, 14th June 2010 The first patented suit of boxing armour was registered with the US Patent Office in 1895. Joseph Donovan’s invention offered protection to the most vulnerable parts of the boxer’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Boxing, Edwardiana | Comments Off on The Eccentric Evolution of Boxing Armour

“Baritzu” in Australia (1906)

Posted on December 28, 2020 by Bartitsu Society

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Saturday, 10th September 2011 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous rendering of Bartitsu as “baritsu” is now understood to have been due to a simple mistake. It’s most likely that Doyle, searching for an … Continue reading →

Posted in Antagonistics, Baritsu, Canonical Bartitsu, Edwardiana, Exhibitions | Comments Off on “Baritzu” in Australia (1906)

“A Fight in the Gymnasium”

Posted on December 28, 2020 by Bartitsu Society

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Thursday, 29th September 2011 A curious illustration of unknown provenance, presumably from a circa 1900 book or “Boy’s Own” magazine story. Either the fellow in the red shirt is far stronger than he … Continue reading →

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“I am a Woman, but no Weakling” – Judith Lee, Lady Detective

Posted on December 27, 2020 by Bartitsu Society

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Tuesday, 29th November 2011 He stopped – there was silence. The bell rang again. I was just about to suggest again that he should go and see who was at the outer door … Continue reading →

Posted in Edwardiana, Fiction, Jiujitsu | Comments Off on “I am a Woman, but no Weakling” – Judith Lee, Lady Detective