In this episode I'm joined by Duncan McNulty, founder and provost of the Bartitsu and Antagonistics Forum (BAF) . We discuss how Bartitsu was founded by Barton Wright in the 19th century, how it is presented now within the BAF and other organisations. We consider how the 19th century is still relevant, within pursuits like Bartistu and within steampunk. We discuss the nostalgic element, and how English ideas of colonialism and importance is so ingrained in the English consciousness now. We also reminisce about Duncan's time-travelling wedding!

About my guest: Duncan currently runs the Bartitsu & Antagonsitics Forum as well as leading the instruction at the weekly classes. He has the title Provost to denote organisational responsibilities rather than qualifications, he has always claimed to be a first among equals rather than a traditional instructor. Coordinating the efforts of the scholars so that the study group as a whole can continue to learn and advance. Whilst Duncan trained in sports fencing and archery during childhood and through University, his unarmed martial studies began in 2001. Training in Lau Gar Kung Fu and Kick-boxing in Dundee before moving to Newcastle and switching to Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu and Qi Gong. Believing that Europe’s own martial history was being overlooked he decided to leave Eastern martial arts; turning instead to study Italian Rapier and English infantry sabre.
During a weekend symposium Duncan got his first taste of Bartitsu and became hooked. Reading all he could get his hands on and getting anyone to who was willing and able to teach him, he developed a solid grounding in the martial art. In 2012 he gathered a group of like minded individuals together to set up a Bartitsu study group and so the Bartitsu & Antagonistics Forum was born.

For more information on Duncan's work with the BAF, check out the links below:
About Bartitsu - https://bartitsu.wordpress.com/about-bartitsu/
About Angatonistics - https://bartitsu.wordpress.com/antagonistics/
About Duncan - https://bartitsu.wordpress.com/provost-duncan-mcnulty/
The Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BartitsuAntagonisticsForum

Check out Duncan's suggestions:

Robert Louis Stevenson - Curious Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Professor Yukio Tani - The Art of Ju-Jitsu
Alfred Hutton - The Sword and the Centuries or Old Sword Days and Old Sword Ways
Franz Anton Mesmer - The Discovery of Animal Magnetism

Episode Credits:

Episode Writer, Editor and Producer: Emma Catan
Music: Burning Steaks (by Stationary Sign) - obtained via EpidemicSound

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