Umbrella Self-Defense Workshop Recap
We had a great turnout today for the Umbrella Self-Defense workshop.
16 people filled up the main half of Academie Duello today, which
seemed about right, especially when we started doing swinging strikes
of the umbrella toward and away from our partners. The workshop is a
combination of techniques from Italian Rapier, Bastoncello (Italian
Stick Fighting), and Bartitsu (Barton-Wright's system of cane
fighting, popularized by the Sherlock Holmes novels) all adapted to
suit Vancouver's best fashion accessory.
pointed nature of a standard full length umbrella to strike soft and
uncomfortable targets in their opponents. Working both on accuracy
and the ability to bring a threat to bear quickly, even when
approached from behind. Particular emphasis was brought to strongly
bracing the body and how to incorporate umbrella work and body motion
to best deal with onrushing assailants and even weapon wielders. The second part of the workshop focused on holding the umbrella in
both hands at either end (this grip with swords is called
half-swording). From this position the umbrella was used to block and
deflect knife attacks and engage in wrestles, close plays, and
disarms. The two-handed high ward from Bartitsu (the umbrella is held
over the head with a hand at each end, strongly presenting your right
or left side to the opponent) was employed to deliver strong two
handed blows with the umbrella and to then enter into a few signature
plays from the system. Following the two-hand grip, the reversed grip (where the crook of the
umbrella leads) was employed to conduct hooking techniques to the neck
and legs, and then as a baton to deflect attacks and facilitate
seizures with the offhand. The close wrestling plays here probably got
the biggest grimaces and then grins from the attendees as they
included scissor locks (a hold where the opponent can be choked out by
blocking the arteries on both sides of the neck) and knee breaks. All in all the workshop was a ton of fun both to teach and take (based
on student reports) and we're looking forward to offering it again in
the new year. Also keep posted for a January Bartitsu workshop, soon
to be announced, for those wishing to delve deeply into the cane
fighting arts of Victorian England.
