Description
Ahoy and good day, my fine distinguished guests, friends, and enemies!
The Vanguard Centre is proud to bring you another short course in niche Historical European Martial Arts, a splendid and genteel (if never gentle) investigation of the first mixed martial art for self defence: Bartitsu! This strange hybrid self-defence and exercise regime, cooked up in the 1890s by Victorian industrialist and fitness enthusiast Edward William Barton-Wright, is a fusion of British, continental, and Japanese fighting styles – originally designed to give the well-heeled middle classes of London some measure of protection and confidence amongst the dangers of urban crime.
In this short course, we will study some bare-knuckle and pugilism, French kick-boxing, the introduction of Jiu Jitsu and Judo to Europe, as well as armed arts from Swiss walking stick and cane fencing and traditional knife defence – all interpreted and adapted from historical sources and authentic writings and images of the period.
Basic equipment will be provided by the Vanguard Centre as part of the course, but suitable clothing and footwear must be brought by each participant.
The course will be suitable for people over the age of 16 years.
The course will cost ยฃ85 for 6 lessons over 6 weeks, with entrance available for purchase through our online shop.
The lessons are scheduled at 7.30pm on Tuesday nights, on the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th of April, and the 6th and 13th of May 2025.
