Bartitsu Mixed Martial Art
Out of the violent streets of Victorian London comes the art of gentleman’s self-defense, Bartitsu. Developed initially by Edward William Barton-Wright at his Bartitu club in 1898, this unique mixed martial art is a combination of Jujitsu with English scientific boxing and French Savate and Cane-Fighting. As the walking stick was a staple of fashion, it made sense to use that tool for gentlemen’s protection, and Bartitsu became famous for its unique cane-fighting style.
In 1899, Barton-Wright summarised the essential principles of Bartitsu as:
- To disturb the equilibrium of your assailant.
- To surprise him before he has time to regain his balance and use his strength.
- If necessary, to subject the joints of any parts of his body, whether neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, back, knee, ankle, etc. to strains that they are anatomically and mechanically unable to resist.
At Academie Duello we practice both what has come to be known as Canonical Bartitsu; which includes those techniques that were formally documented by Barton-Wright in his many articles, and Neo-Bartitsu; the art as it can be, calling on the broader techniques of its component disciplines while keeping to Bartitsu’s core principles.
Our practice of Bartitsu is an excellent form of physical fitness, discipline, and practical self-defence with an upright Victorian flare. Learn more in our Bartitsu Program and in our seasonal Umbrella Self-Defence Workshops.