Category Archives: Humour
“Charley Smiler Takes Up Ju-Jitsu” (1911): a Unique Filmic Glimpse Back Into British Jujitsu and Suffrajitsu History!
A number of short silent films featuring jujutsu were produced and/or screened in London during the very early 20th century. The intriguing list of titles includes: HE LEARNED JU-JITSU – SO DID THE MISSUS (1905) JIU JITSU DOWNS THE FOOTPADS, … Continue reading
Posted in Editorial, Edwardiana, Fiction, Humour, Jiujitsu, Suffrajitsu, Video
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“In the Ju Jitsu Hall” (1911)
These cartoons from the June 17, 1911 issue of the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News illustrate Japanese martial arts displays in the “Ju Jitsu Hall” of London’s Coronation Exhibition. The same venue had also hosted martial arts displays about a … Continue reading
Posted in Exhibitions, Fencing, Humour, Jiujitsu
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The Umbrella: a Misunderstood Weapon
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Sunday, 17th May 2009 This humourous article, written and illustrated by J.F. Sullivan, originally appeared in “The Ludgate Monthly” of 1897, just a few years before E.W. Barton-Wright introduced Bartitsu to London. No … Continue reading
Posted in Antagonistics, Fiction, Humour
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The Mysteries of the Embok Kwai (1900-1902)
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Saturday, 4th March 2017 “… he was initiated into the Order of the Embok Kwai, the sole purpose of which is to teach, perpetuate and protect the secrets of jiu-jitsu.” – The Philadelphia Inquirer, 1st … Continue reading
Posted in Edwardiana, Fiction, Humour, Jiujitsu, Mysteries
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Terence Hill Wields a Mean Cane
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Sunday, 13th May 2018 Readers of a certain vintage may fondly recall the Terence Hill/Bud Spencer buddy comedies of the 1970s, which were best known for their paper-thin plots and gleefully inventive fight … Continue reading
Posted in Antagonistics, Fiction, Humour, Pop-culture, Video
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A Happy Holiday Season
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Saturday, 24th December 2011 In the same spirit, we offer what is possibly the only historical example of Bartitsu poetry – from the Western Times newspaper, Thursday 22nd of August, 1901:
Posted in Editorial, Edwardiana, Humour
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“Waylaid by a Ruffian!”
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Sunday, 19th August 2012 A cautionary tale of urban maleficence. Don’t let this happen to you! Ladies and gentlemen alike are invited to arm themselves against the tide of ruffianism by attending the … Continue reading
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… Scheiße …
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Tuesday, 4th September 2012 “Not the smartest technique, but the effect is clearly visible”. A funny moment from Bartitsu training at the Alte Kampfkunst school in Wuppertal, Germany.
Posted in Humour, Video, Vigny stick fighting
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A Gentlemanly Disagreement
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Saturday, 24th November 2012
“Entirely Due to Ignorance” (1905)
Originally published on the Bartitsu.org site on Sunday, 25th November 2012 Two skeptical view on the virtues of jiu-jitsu, courtesy of the Auckland Star. From 1 July, 1905: “Yes,” said little Perkins, I’ve learned jiu-jitsu.” “Have you now,” said an … Continue reading