Bartitsu
The Lost and Found Scientific Self Defense of Sherlock Holmes OR Self-Defense for Victorian and Steampunk Gentlemen (and not-so-gentlemen)
Presented by Bartitsu Master Professor Mark P. Donnelly, this 90-minute workshop is designed to be an extensive introduction to this esoteric system of self-defense which incorporates: fisticuffs (in the scientific method); savate (use of low kicks in self-defense); grappling (judo/jujitsu); as well as the use of numerous commonplace Victorian accessories such as walking-stick, cane, umbrella, top hat, snuff box, opera cape, handkerchief, etc. all employed in an effort to maintain “preservation of person and property when beset upon by ne’er-do-wells of nefarious intent”.
Participants will not need to wear anything different or special in order to take part. If you have a walking stick or cane which you would like to use, you are encouraged to bring it, though equipment for about 50 will be provided by the instructor.
The women’s workshop is 60 minutes, this one is 90 minutes. Is there much difference between them in techniques? I don’t know whether to take the women’s class or take this one with my husband.
Miss Garvin,
With sincere apologies, I must confess to an error in the workshop description. I am aware that the schedule for the World’s Fair has as yet to be published, but once it is you will notice that both this workshop addressing the fundamental principles of Bartitsu and the workshop tailored specifically for ladies will indeed be 90 minutes in duration (and we will be hard pressed to limit them even to that). Furthermore there will be a third Bartitsu workshop on more advanced material which I will also be presenting at the World’s Fair that weekend, which has yet to be anounced or publicised for reasons which remain unclear. You are welcome to attend any of the three or, in fact, all of the workshops under my direction. (Not to mention the four additional lectures/presentations I will be giving over the course of the weekend). Thank you for your interest in these sessions. I look forward to meeting both you and your husband at the Fair. Until then, I remain your humble servant of history, and etc…
Sincerely,
Prof. M.P.Donnelly
Wonderful! I’m looking forward to learning how to vanquish my arch-enemies without breaking a sweat.