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 Closely Related Victorian 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

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. […]

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 Milling the Fists Just in time for our Fight Like Sherlock Holmes […]

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. […]