Category Archives: Hooliganism

Demolition Derby: A Short History of the Weaponised Bowler Hat

Posted on December 11, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Tuesday, 26th September 2017 Given that we have already outlined the histories of the weaponised umbrella and hat-pin and have tested the historicity and practicality of the razor-blade cap, it seems fitting to now consider the bowler hat-as-weapon … Continue reading →

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Keeping a Safe Distance in Victorian London

Posted on December 11, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

The mid-19th century moral panic over garroting gangs (urban street muggers) reached its absurdist conclusion in this Punch Magazine cartoon, suggesting the invention of a reinforced hoop skirt frame to keep garroters at a safe distance. Sadly, while scholars agree … Continue reading →

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The 1910 French Craze for “Secret Weapon” Walking Sticks

Posted on December 10, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Wednesday, 5th July 2017 By 1910, the mystique of the Parisian “apache” street gangsters had fully piqued the curiosity of the bourgeoisie via works of tabloid journalism and popular fiction. Middle- and upper-class … Continue reading →

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“The best self defence” (1910)

Posted on February 11, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Wednesday, 11th December 2013 From The Northern Star newspaper, 25 November, 1910: Although boxing is called “the noble art of self-defence,” there are forms of attack against which it would require the co-operation … Continue reading →

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Bartitsu Art

Posted on February 9, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Monday, 14th March 2011 Thanks to the talented German graphic artist Christoph Roos, who has created these dynamic renditions of a Bartitsu street fight, circa 1900:

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“Wrestling Wizard Of Iceland Defies All Highwaymen” (New York Tribune, April 4, 1920)

Posted on February 8, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Saturday, 6th November 2010 Johannes Josefsson, Who Fights With His Feet in Ringling’s Circus, Craves Meeting With Bandits A certain degree of timidity is excusable in almost any person, owing to the increase … Continue reading →

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“Masculinity, Crime and Self Defence in Victorian Literature”

Posted on February 8, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Tuesday, 26th October 2010 Masculinity, Crime and Self Defence in Victorian Literature is the title of Bartitsu Society associate Emelyne Godfrey’s new book, now available for pre-publication orders via the Macmillan website, Amazon and other … Continue reading →

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“Father Frank’s Trick”

Posted on February 8, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Sunday, 26th September 2010 Text from “The French Scotland Yard: About the Paris Detective and his Work” by Alder Anderson and H. de Noussanne; The London Magazine, Volume 9, 1903. Has the reader … Continue reading →

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Finger Weapons of the Parisian Apaches

Posted on February 8, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Wednesday, 7th July 2010 (From the June 1911 issue of “Popular Mechanics” magazine) All the weapons used by the Apaches in Paris are unique, but none are more ingenious than these curious rings and the … Continue reading →

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“Schools Where Men are Taught to Defend Themselves Against the Attacks of Street Rowdies” (New York Tribune, August 30, 1903)

Posted on February 8, 2020 by BartitsuSociety

Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Wednesday, 26th May 2010 ART OF STICK DEFENCE. A Ready Means of Warding Off Felonious Assaults. In the crowded city as well as at the lonely crossroads a man never knows when he … Continue reading →

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