"We both stumbled for a moment when we nearly fell off the edge of a cliff. But I had some experience with the Japanese martial art of Baritsu, which had saved me many times."
—Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventure of the Empty House

Baritsu, the legendary martial art showcased by Sherlock Holmes during his climactic confrontation with Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls, is unveiled in this captivating guide. Rooted in the historical self-defense system Bartitsu, created by Englishman Edward W. Barton-Wright, Baritsu blends Japanese jiu-jitsu with boxing, savate, and cane-wielding techniques. This book brings to life the original 1899–1900 publications through over 120 photographs and texts, faithfully reproduced as they first appeared.

Highly recommended by Sherlockian Kenji Otsuki!
"The Baritsu I've always dreamed of!! I was surprised to finally learn so much about the mysterious self-defense technique that saved Holmes!!"
—Kenji Otsuki, on The Great Solution of the Final Case

Contents

This comprehensive guide covers practical self-defense techniques tailored for various scenarios, including:

New Self-Defense Techniques

Neutralizing troublemakers in confined spaces

Defending against face-targeted attacks

Escaping sudden attacks from behind or when pinned down

Countering grabs to your belt, coat pocket, collar, or wrists

Escaping and countering when shaken by an opponent holding your coat

Defending against punches aimed at your face

Cane-Based Self-Defense

Maintaining distance to avoid attacks while keeping opponents in range

Evading an opponent’s cane while attacking

Defending with a light cane or umbrella against a sturdier weapon

Using a cane against a boxer or a kick specialist

Strategies for tall individuals facing shorter, skilled opponents

Defending against pointed or long sticks with a standard cane

Disabling an opponent attempting to neutralize your cane

Using a hooked cane to counter a straight cane

Wielding a cane effectively in crowded environments

Defending and countering when a cane is aimed at your head

Additional Resources

Appendix: How to project strength and confidence

Editor’s Preface and Afterword

Translator’s Afterword

Language: Japanese

Length: 192 pages

Publication date: 2024