5 Lessons From A Master Of Old School Eclectic

Around a hundred years ago an engineer by the name of EW Barton-Wright successfully combined Japanese jiu-jutsu, Swiss fencing, French savate and western boxing to create the devestating art of Bartitisu.  The art was so impressive and garnered such a following at the time that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle even referred to Sherlock Holmes as a practitioner.

Here are 5 important lessons we can learn from this leader in western eclectic martial arts.

1)  Be Open To New Information

At a time when the Imperial attitudes predominated, Barton-Wright not only accepted that other countries might have something to teach, he actively trained with established foreign masters including Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo.  With the founding of the Bartitsu Academy of Arms and Physical Culture, Barton-Wright continued to promote cross-fertilization of skills and ideas.  He brought together jiu-jutsuka and wrestlers, fencers and boxers to learn from each other.

2)  Be Comfortable In A Variety Of Situations

Like today's mixed martial artists, Barton-Wright encouraged practice in a variety of ranges and with a variety of systems.  While others would focus primarily on using the hands in boxing or grappling, Bartitsu practitioners were comfortable in close quarters, boxing and kicking ranges as well as at a distance using fencing skills with a common walking stick.

3)  Actively Pursue Physical Health

In addition to martial arts instruction, The Bartitsu Academy provided the latest in electro-magnetic health equipment.  While the machines Barton-Wright provided would these days probably be for sale on a late-night infomercial, all of the club members actively pursued the "physical culture" of the times including calisthenics, jump rope and working with Indian clubs.

4)  Make Use Of Everday Items

Gentlemen of the times were never without a walking stick and Bartitsu practitioners knew how to make it particularly useful in defense.  Barton-Wright invited Pierre Vigny, a Swiss master-at-arms to teach his innovative, single-stick fencing method adapted to a gentleman's cane to provide club-members with a simple, yet highly effective weapon.

5)  Focus On The Practical

The Bartitsu Club made its name on the need for defense against the rampant gang activity of the time.  Techniques were pared down to be practical and effective for a man in everyday clothes against a variety of attackers.

For more information about EW Barton-Wright and his continuing legacy of Bartitsu check out the Bartitsu website here.  Bartitsu