E.W. Barton-Wright and the Gentleman's Art of Self-Defence: The Walking-Stick and Umbrella as Weapons
In the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras, a gentleman's walking stick or umbrella in the streets of London was more than just a fashion accessory or a practical item; it could become a vital tool for self-preservation in a moment of crisis. At the heart of this practical application was Bartitsu, the eclectic martial art system founded by E.W. Barton-Wright, which incorporated stick fighting as a core component of its training.
Barton-Wright himself extensively detailed the unique methods of self-defence using a walking stick or umbrella in his seminal series of articles, "Self-defence with a Walking-stick: The Different Methods of Defending Oneself with a Walking-Stick or Umbrella when Attacked under Unequal Conditions (Part 1 and 2)." These articles, originally published in the prestigious Pearson's Magazine in 1901, offer invaluable insights into Bartitsu's approach to weaponized self-defence and historical martial arts.
A Unique Philosophy: Beyond Traditional Fencing
Barton-Wright immediately clarified that this new system of stick self-defence differed fundamentally from traditional swordsmanship or fencing. He emphasized that even a highly skilled fencer might not be able to effectively use a walking stick as a weapon. The simple reason: swords or foils typically use a hilt or guard to absorb impact during parries, whereas a walking stick has no such protection. If a stick were parried in the same manner, the attack could slide down the stick towards the hand, disarming the user or injuring their fingers.
Therefore, Barton-Wright devised a unique system designed to make attacks slide away from the hand, rather than towards it, thus mitigating the risk of finger injury. This system emphasized specific grips, body movement, and how to utilize the stick's characteristics for effective defence and counter-attack.
Grip and Application of the Stick
In Bartitsu's stick self-defence, the grip of the stick diverges from traditional fencing. Barton-Wright taught holding the stick with the thumb placed over the fingers, rather than along the blade as in fencing. This ensured that the stick was primarily controlled by the wrist, not just the fingers. Power for attacks was generated through the swing of the hips and body, rather than merely a flick of the elbow.
Tactics and Strategy: Enticement, Retreat, and Counter
The articles also highlighted the importance of tactics. Barton-Wright advised maintaining a fixed distance from the opponent, retreating backward (with the right foot forward) when the opponent advanced, and advancing forward (with the left foot forward) when the opponent retreated. This was a "waiting" tactic, designed to entice the opponent to attack the user's arm or head. When the opponent was drawn in by the seemingly exposed left arm and launched an attack, the user was to quickly withdraw the arm, swinging it upwards behind them. This upward swing automatically caused the left foot to take a large step behind the right, moving the lower body out of the opponent's range; simultaneously, it provided initial momentum for the right arm to deliver a swift and powerful downward blow with the stick.
Various striking methods were described, including sliding the hand to deliver powerful side blows, or using the lighter end of the stick for attacks. Barton-Wright also touched upon using sudden movements to unbalance the opponent, such as grabbing the opponent's elbow and quickly retreating before attacking with the stick.
The Umbrella's Application: An Unexpected Defensive Tool
Beyond the walking stick, Barton-Wright explored the potential of the umbrella as a self-defence tool. While an umbrella lacked the rigidity for heavy striking, it proved effective for thrusting, poking, and parrying. The articles noted that an umbrella's wire frame and flexible canopy, when held with two hands, could withstand heavy blows and even be used to ward off attacks from large dogs.
Conclusion: Revisiting Bartitsu's Practical Wisdom
Barton-Wright's two articles not only shed light on the practical application of stick fighting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but also showcase the practical wisdom inherent in Bartitsu as a composite self-defence system. In an era of less regulated street encounters, gentlemen learned to utilize everyday objects to protect themselves – a skill that was as much about survival as it was about martial prowess.
Should you be interested in these foundational texts, you can find relevant information at the following links:
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