Where did you get that hat?

[steel_bonnet]

So I've been pondering Bartitsu training again- mainly because the new Sherlock Holmes film will be out soon and I have been watching the old Jeremy Brett series. But how to run it as an effective programme?

Comments

[kynon]

Surely a deerstalker would be more Holmesian? :P

[the_hat]

[steel_bonnet]

He is, however, reffered to in the text as wearing a grey travelling cap with earflaps and a matching coat at one point- Brett wears this ensemble in any of their outdoor adventures in the series.

I have a rather splendid deerstalker but the Boater is more in the tradition of Barton-Wright.

[the_hat]

[the_hat]

[steel_bonnet]

I shall see what can be arranged...

[red_phil]

Keep me informed of any progress, this sounds interesting.

[steel_bonnet]

Shall do- currently planning my time for 2010 so shall see when, and if, this can fit in

[blackbishop]

There is a bloke here who runs a 'dojo' in West End. Black American, he dresses better than 99% of Australian men. He teaches a style of self defence, but he also runs ediquette classes, dressing, behaviour etc. Quite popular with gay men around town, because he's well dressed, fashionable, but so very male(manly without the thuggery element) and of course quite handy. I think with the last decade we've seen a resurgence of manliness(look at Chaps) in that old fashioned way, Plus all the old exercise techniques like boxing and indiean clubs and kettle bells and 'strong man' skills are making big come backs.

I believe a 'retro' movement like this could really kick off, especially with the Steam Punk movement which really captures that whole warrior/scholar vibe. Richard Burton was an amazing bloke, explorer, man's man and swordsman.

I really think a martial art that captures this vibe of Western Gentleman Warrior could be a great venture.
Good luck with it all.

[steel_bonnet]

Ineed- that has been a theme of some of the ideas about promotion as a genuine and valid contemporary martial art, rather than as a living history style curio, though, of course, they are not mutually exclusive as it can be both depending upon secific intent and circumstance.

For example the current plan is to do a season of simple demos/workshops as a curio to raise awareness and interest among that set and then use that as a feeder into a more serious study group for those are more intrigued.