By popular demand, here is a list of books on Bartitsu: The Bartitsu Compendium I & II edited by Tony Wolf Sherlock Holmes School of Self-Defence by Ivy Press Related Period Material: The Secrets of Jujitsu by Re-Nie Jiu Jitsu and Other Methods of Self Defense by Percy Longhurst Boxing by R.G. Allanson-Winn Scientific Boxing…
Category: Bartitsu
Are Teens Duelling?
I was conflicted about posting this video, so click the link below with the understanding that: I do not condone the behaviour of any person depicted or involved in the video I am posting this in order to discuss the historical precedent (below) and not for mere entertainment This video and portions reposted are already…
Showing Progress
This month, we are introducing levels within the Bartitsu program at Academie Duello, following the pattern of other programs in the school. In the sword programs, we have coloured cords inspired by heraldry. In the mounted combat program, we have different spurs. In the Bartitsu program, we are designating our levels by sashes, based on…
Violent Italian Sport
The Calcio Storico in Venice is purported to be the most violent sport still practiced today. In fact, it has remained unchanged in the last 600 years. The Inside Story: The main thing I noticed in watching these films is that although they count score as a team, they tend to compete as individuals. They…
March Beginner's Courses at Academie Duello
The month of March heralds the start of Spring and an extra hour of daylight! What better time to start learning a skill? Whether you're a practitioner looking to expand your horizons or completely new to WMA, start by checking out our various Beginner's Courses: Fight Like Sherlock Holmes Bartitsu is a complex martial art…
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De-Escalation Strategies
In many, if not most, scenarios in which violence may be an outcome, de-escalation of the encounter is the easiest and most effective way of eliminating the threat. Every situation is different, but there are many commonalities in what to look for, what to be ready for, and what to do. What to Look For…
Introductory Courses for the New Year at Academie Duello
With 2014 now upon us many people are looking at their New Year's resolutions. Almost every person I know has something on that list pertaining to trying something new as well as improving their health and fitness. One of the great things about Academie Duello is that with the new year brings a new set…
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5 Strategies of Bartitsu
If one approaches Bartitsu as a series of tricks or techniques, one merely has to choose the correct response for the situation. This begs the question: How does one correctly assess the situation? For effective self-defence, a person must not only repeat effective movement patterns, but use them when the time is right. Tactics and…
Modern Grappling for Self-Defense (Videos)
As Bartitsu is a martial art that aims to borrow from every effective method, especially with the goal of peacefully resolving a violent situation by disrupting an attacker's balance, grappling arts of every type are great to learn from. We will be exploring many of the moves from these videos in Bartitsu classes focused on…
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Is Bartitsu Practical?
In a preview of a course in Bartitsu taught at the Idler Academy in London, the Kensington & Chelsea Today newspaper summarized: ‘Bartitsu has been devised with a view to impart to peacefully disposed men the science of defending themselves against ruffians or bullies’. The language of the fighting style is enthralling and truly Victorian.…
The More You Holmes
For the Sherlock fans, I direct you to Bonzuko the webpage of fight director Jenn Zuko-Boughn. She has a regular feature called The More You Holmes, which is a reference to the 80's shooting-star factoid segments. Her explanations of obscure facts in the many Holmes TV series, films and stories are concise and always informative.…
Rank Exam Results, NerdFest, Archery, and Mounted Combat!
This past weekend members were inducted into new ranks in the Academie, we indulged in Nerdy goodness at Nerdfest at the Rickshaw Theatre, and whole crews of new people tried Archery and Mounted combat for the first time. Rank Exams Congratulations to Rick, Dieter, and Steve on completing their rank examination for the second rank…
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Start Something New this November
Autumn has descended on Vancouver, and whether you're looking for something to shake off the rainy doldrums or a different way to stay active indoors, look no father than Academie Duello. We now offer three unique Beginner's Courses, each an affordable $99 (+tax)! Fight Like Sherlock Holmes Bartitsu is a complex martial art with many…
Bartitsu Instructional Videos
Tony Wolf, author/editor of the Bartitsu Compendium I and II, has posted some Barititsu videos from Forteza Fitness in Chicago. Bartitsu Stick Sparring From the 2012 Bartitsu School of Arms. Read Tony’s blog post regarding the sparring format and the stick choice: Bartitsu.org Bartitsu stick sparringWatch this video on YouTube Milling the Fists Just in…
Is Open Hand Striking Better?
Bartitsu may be approached for historical authenticity, or as a practical method for self defense that happens to have interesting historical roots. Sometimes, the practical modern gentleman's defensive tactics are only different from the historical as a matter of preference, of efficiency, or focusing on different expectations. Here, we'll be talking about self-defense, not sport-fighting.…
Fight Like Sherlock Holmes
The next 4-hour workshop in the fundamentals of Victorian self-defence will be on 9 September. This will be our final Introduction to Bartitsu workshop. To better integrate students and improve the learning process, the introductory work will be spread over a month of Saturdays starting in October. Each week, two hours to Fight Like Sherlock…
Mind Your Manners, Ruffian
Is etiquette just silly pretension taken to an extreme in the Victorian era? Is there universal etiquette? What about the etiquette in a martial arts school? Where Are Your Manners? Etiquette is a manner of social interaction, that's why it's sometimes called "manners". Modes of address, gestures including eye contact, eating rituals and clothing (such…
Shin Kicking and Purring
Within Bartitsu, we emphasize low kicks for self-defense. The coup de pied bas is a shin kick that is very hard to guard, partly because it is difficult to see coming. Here's the kung-fu version of this kick, which is almost identical to our savate method: The low kick that has gained popularity in the…