DESCRIPTION:
This
class explores three essential combat principles of Bartitsu,
the
"gentlemanly art of self defence" founded by Edward William
Barton-Wright in 1898. Barton-Wright defined these
principles as:
(1) to disturb the equilibrium of your assailant; (2) to
surprise him
before he has time to regain his balance and use his
strength; (3) if
necessary to subject the joints of any part of his body ...
to strains
which they are anatomically and mechanically unable to
resist.
He also noted that:
"It is quite unnecessary to try and get your opponent in any
particular position, as the system embraces every possible
eventuality, and your defence and counter attack must be
entirely
based upon the tactics of your opponent."
Drawing from a selection of classical Bartitsu unarmed and
walking-stick fighting set-plays, we will take up the
challenge
implied by Barton-Wright's precepts of adaptability and
improvisation,
thereby continuing the "mixed martial arts" experiment that
he began
in late Victorian London.
Pre-requisites: this class is not suitable for beginners.
Intermediate
to advanced level martial arts training, preferably
including skill in
falling techniques, is required.
Equipment: a sturdy crook-handled walking stick or 36 inch
dowel with
any edges smoothed away; fencing mask or similar face/head
protection.
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