Extending Bartitsu
Honouring this approach, a part of the website is dedicated to the expansion of Bartitsu, whether that be exploring concepts from the core systems or embracing elements from other arts.
In our journey of expansion, we will aim not just to go through the technical concepts but also aim to create a link to the cannon of Bartitsu where possible.
It is largely agreed that Bartitsu can be broken down into two forms, classical Bartitsu, using the direct historical documents associated with it, and Neo-Bartitsu, which explores other elements, styles and concepts to expand the Bartitsu repetiteur.
Simple Throws – Ashi Harai – Ankle Throw
In this article we look at De Ashi Harai (also spelled De Ashi Barai), it is a classic foot-sweep technique in Japanese martial arts which relies entirely on timing and unbalancing your opponent rather than using raw physical strength1. The Relaxed Grip Establish a...
Cane Techniques: How to defeat a boxer
When E.W. Barton-Wright formulated Bartitsu at the turn of the 20th century, he faced a unique tactical problem: how does a lady or gentleman armed with a simple walking stick defend against a fast, aggressive pugilist who intends to close the distance and overwhelm...
An Actor’s Guide to Bartitsu
Introduction: The Victorian Street-Fighting Art Making a Comeback Bartitsu—the Victorian street-fighting art made famous by Sherlock Holmes—has enjoyed a steady resurgence in modern media, from the dapper agents of Kingsman to characters like JP in Street Fighter. We...
Hikiotoshi (Pulling Down Throw)
In this article we look at the Hikiotoshi, a drop down pulling throw, demonstrated by Emily Diana Watts who wrote The Fine Art of Jujitsu in 1906 and was a student of Sadakazu Uyenishi, one of the original instructors at the Bartitsu club. The pictures below have been...
An Interview with Duncan McNulty, Insight to one of the longest running Bartitsu Clubs
I have been keen and excited to do post this article for some time, Duncan, in my knowledge and opinion, runs the longest consecutive Bartitsu club to date, meeting on a regular weekly schedule. I’ve been keen to understand the success of his club, but also more about...
Modern Bartitsu: Scientific Street Fighting for Ladies and Gentlemen by Tommy Joe Moore
The name of "Bartitsu" may bring connotations of monochrome photos and walking sticks, but to those who peer down the rabbit hole a litter deeper, you will be suprised with the efforts to the resurgence of this fascinating and practical fighting system, which has...
A list of Bartitsu books for your library
Bartitsu is still a scarcely practised Martial Art since it's recent revival in the early 2000's. Learning more Bartitsu can be a difficult task though there is hope for those who do not have a local club near them. (You should visit our club register). We have...
How to Start a Bartitsu Club
In this article we are going to look at how to start a Bartitsu club, what a Bartitsu club is and getting started with your first session. It is important to begin with understanding the aim of why someone may want to learn Bartitsu. There are many different reasons,...
Safety First: What’s Bartitsu’s Priority?
It’s London, 1900. Midnight. You’re walking home from a post-theatre gin with your wife. A little merry but otherwise well. You’ve been unable to get a carriage home, so you take the short walk through the park to get home. It’s late, but a summer’s eve and warm...
Savate in Bartitsu – Kicks, Strikes and Distance
An introduction to the art of Savate La Boxe Francaise, commonly know as Savate is a French martial art which employs the use of boxing and kicking techniques. Historians can point to several points in time when Savate was formed, and like most things in history, it...