[Bartitsu Workshop with Mark Donnelly - November 17-18, 2012 in NYC]

Frequently Asked Questions


What is Bartitsu?
Bartitsu, the "gentlemanly art of self-defense," was the innovation of British engineer Edward Barton-Wright. He lived for three years in Japan, where he trained in the art of Ju Jutsu, which was to become one of the foundations of his unique martial art. In 1899 he opened the Bartitsu Academy of Arms and Physical Culture in London, attracting a clientele of middle- and upper-class men and women. Bartitsu had a brief but notable zenith, sparking an interest in self-defense, a revival of the "manly arts," the rise of militant suffragettes and Amazonian feminism, and the growth of physical culture in England. The Bartitsu Club closed its doors in 1902, and Bartitsu and its founder were all but forgotten for the better part of a century, save for a brief mis-spelled mention in the Sherlock Holmes story "The Empty House," but the influence of Ju Jutsu and of martial arts as a discipline and a way of life for Westerners would persist for decades. See the What is Bartitsu? page for more information.

Where will the seminars be held?
The seminars will be held in a beautiful light-filled studio at Cap21 Studios, 18 West 18th Street, Sixth Floor (Saturday) and Fifth Floor (Sunday), New York, NY 10011. Changing rooms and showers are available. Click for map and driving directions or directions by subway.

How much does the seminar cost?
Advance registration is $52.74* for the 4.5-hour workshop, payable online with a credit card no later than November 16. At-the-door registration is $60 per day, cash only. *Advance payment includes ticketing and credit card processor's fees. Click to register online.

May children participate?
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is no charge for the parent or guardian who is observing their child; parents or guardians who wish to participate must pay the regular registration fee. Regrettably we cannot allow children under the age of 13 to participate.

I am from out-of-town; where can I stay?
We have not made arrangements with local hotels, but there are many different options for accomodations for all budgets. The closest hotels to the training location are just steps away: Broadway Plaza Hotel (from $206 per night), Seton Hotel (from $109 per night), and Ace Hotel (from $209 per night). If you are travelling on a budget, options include the Chelsea Savoy (from $99 per night), Larchmont Hotel (from $109 per night), and the Jane Hotel (from $99 per night).

What should I wear or bring?
The short answer is anything you like. Period attire is entirely appropriate, including corsets, bustles, and long skirts. A walking stick, parasol, or stick umbrella is recommended. See the What to Wear and Bring page for full details.

Do I need to be a martial artist to participate?
No, Bartitsu is easy to learn and suitable for students with no previous martial arts experience.

How fit do I need to be to participate?
It is not necessary to be in peak physical condition. Much of this material was designed for gentlemen and ladies (i.e., not professional athletes or even martial artists) and as such should be manageable to anyone with even moderate physical ability. There will be seating if you get tired and need to rest.

I have additional questions
You may contact the event organizer Rachel Klingberg at bartitsu@nycsteampunk.com

[register]