What is Bartitsu?

Bartitsu is a Victorian-era martial art created in England in 1898 by Edward Barton-Wright. It combined boxing, jiu-jitsu, savate, and cane fighting, making it one of the first hybrid martial arts.

It is famously mentioned in Sherlock Holmes stories, giving it a cultural cult status.

Why Train Bartitsu?

• Historical Hybrid – early MMA concept.

• Cultural Curiosity – Sherlock Holmes connection.

• Self-Defense Focus – urban Victorian setting.

• Unique Identity – unlike any modern system.

• Community & Research – practiced as revival art.

How Does Bartitsu Compare?

• Vs MMA – precursor to modern MMA.

• Vs Krav Maga – both urban self-defense, different eras.

• Vs Savate – shares roots in European striking.

Bartitsu in Europe

Revived in the late 20th century, practiced in small groups in the UK, France, and Germany.