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Category Archives: Humour
“The Police (of the Future)”, 1886
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
Posted in Antagonistics, Hooliganism, Humour
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“Speculations on the Slungshot”
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
Posted in Antagonistics, Boxing, Humour, Instruction
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“The League” Doffs its Bowler to Bartitsu
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!
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
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“In the Ju Jitsu Hall” (1911)
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
Posted in Exhibitions, Fencing, Humour, Jiujitsu
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The Umbrella: a Misunderstood Weapon
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
Posted in Antagonistics, Fiction, Humour
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The Mysteries of the Embok Kwai (1900-1902)
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
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Terence Hill Wields a Mean Cane
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Sunday, 13th May 2018 Readers of a certain vintage may fondly recall the Terence Hill/Bud Spencer buddy comedies of the 1970s, which were best known for their paper-thin plots and gleefully inventive fight … Continue reading
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A Happy Holiday Season
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Saturday, 24th December 2011 In the same spirit, we offer what is possibly the only historical example of Bartitsu poetry – from the Western Times newspaper, Thursday 22nd of August, 1901:
Posted in Editorial, Edwardiana, Humour
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