Brilliant Matt.

Thankyou thankyou thankyou.

That was fantastic. I can't believe that this art was nearly lost.

And the mustaches were spectacular.

Wow very interesting!

I didn't even know this existed!

Timing.....my boyfriend was just telling me about this the other night.

Isn't it making an appearance in the new Sherlock Holmes film?

Yes it is. In fact modern people were only reminded of it because Conan Doyle mentions 'Baritsu' (Bartitsu spelled wrongly) in one of the Holmes books.
Some people may be surprised how much self defence was studied in the Victorian and Edrwardian periods - in addition to Bartitsu and Jujitsu there was also Savate (French), La Canne (French), walking stick and umbrella defence, English wrestling and boxing styles - boxing (puglism) in those days included low kicks, and had proper guard positions and blocks, unlike modern boxing which relies on wearing huge gloves.

I loved the picture of the lady at leisure stabbing someone in the throat with an umberella.

Remind me to have mine with me at all times

Umbrella's are great. Very underappreciated.
Check this one out LOL - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozeDlXeEH78

I want one!

Matt Easton wrote:
Umbrella's are great. Very underappreciated.
Check this one out LOL - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozeDlXeEH78

I'd have thought it would have been more effective an a stabbing motion myself

I think in most cases it absolutely would be, but I think this video is just to show how strong those brollies are, rather than how to use them in self defence.

Matt Easton wrote:
I think in most cases it absolutely would be, but I think this video is just to show how strong those brollies are, rather than how to use them in self defence.

Good point..... but do they keep you dry?