The Odyssey of Yukio Tani [QUOTE]My personal experience of Bartitsu consisted in two encounters with one of the Japanese professors [either Tani or Uyenishi] while they were performing at the Tivoli, and although I cannot truthfully say that I look back at them with pure, unalloyed pleasure, for one of my arms has not yet regained its normal condition, and probably will not for many months to come, I cannot regret having gone through the experience. On the contrary, I shall always feel pleased that the opportunity was given me of taking part in these tests, but at the same time I shall forever congratulate myself that my acquaintance with the practical side of Bartitsu was made under such circumstances, and not through the medium of international conflict. I have a very fair knowledge of wrestling in the different styles practised in England, and flatter myself that I am able to hold my own with any amateur in London of my own weight in either the catch hold [freestyle], or North country [Cumberland and Westmorland backhold] styles. But I will freely admit that when it came to tackling the Japanese wrestler my knowledge was completely discounted by the methods of Bartitsu, and had the game been in earnest I should probably have become a candidate for the accident ward of the King's College Hospital.[/QUOTE]
Jiu Jitsu For Women (1905) [QUOTE]A little time ago, in America, a hostess created a sensation -- always a social triumph in the States -- by a surprise party. The guests, on arriving, were shown to dressing-rooms, where waiting-maids persuaded them to change their smart apparel for a curious loose costume, consisting of white linen knickerbockers and jackets, with loose white linen wrappings for their feet. Later they descended to a large hall, on which thick mats were laid --as if a soft mattress which had been spread all over the floor. First there was a demonstration of jiu-jitsu by two little Japanese ladies, and then there were lessons for everyone. The idea was accepted with delight, and soon the Japanese national game -- pronounced by them without sounding the final vowel -- became the fashionable exercise with smart women. [/QUOTE]
E.W. Barton Wright;
Self-defence with a Walking-stick: The Different Methods of Defending Oneself with a Walking-Stick or Umbrella when Attacked under Unequal Conditions;
(PartI)(Part II)Prof. M. Vigny (former instructor of Baritsu) [QUOTE]The Professor was busy giving instruction to his pupils, when four men, gentlemen in appearance, entered his school, and asked to be shown a display of the Professor's system. M. Vigny, with his usual politeness, complied with the request, and demonstrated four or five of the most effective tricks, with which the visitors expressed themselves pleased, with the exception of one of their number. This man stated his objection in a most insulting manner, doubly annoying to the Professor, seeing that his pupils were present. "Oh!" said he, "that is Japanese business, but it is all nonsense to think that it would be of any use against a determined opponent. I know nothing of such tricks, but no man has ever been able to stand before me." The Professor replied: "Yes, but perhaps, you will not be able to stand before me." The man said, "Ah! That is just what I wanted."
And, in spite of the efforts which his friends made to dissuade him, this man suddenly stripped off his coat and waistcoat, and rushed at the Professor, trying to take him by surprise, and sending a violent swing at his head. But the Professor's coolness and experience stood him in good stead, and ducking he threw his opponent heavily with a twist of the hips. The fellow jumped up quickly, and made another rush, but with the well-known "Fitzsimmon's shift," the Professor hooked his man on the jaw with his left, knocking him out of action with a broken jaw. The biter was bit, indeed, and was removed to the nearest hospital in a cab.
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[This message has been edited by JohnC (edited 02-10-2004).]
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