Martial arts have been a part of human culture for thousands of years. They are a fascinating combination of physical prowess, mental discipline, and lethal combat techniques. Although the most renowned martial arts styles, such as karate, kung fu or wrestling, have originated from Asian countries, the British Isles also have a rich and diverse martial arts tradition. Even today, various indigenous British martial arts are still alive and thriving. These martial arts forms captivate with their unique fighting techniques, intricate movements, and historical depth. So, let’s explore which traditional British martial arts are still practiced today.
Purring or Shin-Kicking
A distinct combat form, purring, also known as shin-kicking, is one of the most traditional British martial arts. Recognised as a folk sport with a long history, its techniques might seem less refined compared to other martial arts styles, but this does not diminish its cultural significance.
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Purring involves two competitors who hold onto each other’s collar while attempting to land successful strikes to their opponent’s shins. As brutal as it may sound, it is a martial art that demands fortitude and tactical thinking. The aim is not just to withstand the pain, but also to outmanoeuvre your opponent to force them onto the ground. Despite the advent of more modern martial arts styles, purring is still practiced today, particularly at the annual Cotswold Olimpicks in England.
Cornish Wrestling
Cornish wrestling, known also as “wrasslin” in the Cornish language, is another traditional British martial art. This form has a rich history, with techniques that combine agility, strength and quick thinking. It’s an art form that is steeply embedded in the Cornish culture.
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The essence of Cornish wrestling lies in the jacket worn by the competitors. The objective is to throw your opponent onto the ground, using holds only above the waist. The throws are scored based on style, difficulty and the part of the wrestler’s back that hits the ground. Local championships are held regularly, showcasing that the art of Cornish wrestling is still much alive today.
Bartitsu
Bartitsu, a martial art system developed in England during the Victorian era, is not just traditional but also innovative. It was one of the first martial arts to incorporate a mix of techniques, becoming the precursor to today’s mixed martial arts (MMA).
This eclectic martial art combines elements from boxing, jujitsu, cane fighting, and savate, a French form of kickboxing. The aim of Bartitsu was to offer a comprehensive self-defence system that could be applied in real-life scenarios. Today, Bartitsu is still practiced and continues to inspire modern martial artists with its emphasis on practical, adaptable techniques.
Singlestick
Singlestick is a traditional British martial art that focuses on weapons training. The ‘single stick’ used in this combat style is a wooden rod, similar to a sword, which is used to deliver strikes while defending against the opponent’s attacks.
The objective in singlestick is to land a strike on your opponent’s head, while defensive techniques involve the use of the stick as well as strategic footwork. While singlestick has evolved over time, with the stick often replaced by a sword in modern practices, it remains a significant part of British martial arts heritage. It is still practiced today, particularly in historical fencing groups.
Backhold Wrestling
Backhold Wrestling is a traditional British wrestling style originating from Scotland and northern England. This martial art is deeply ingrained in the region’s culture, often showcased at local fairs and festivals.
In this form of wrestling, competitors grip each other around the waist with their chins resting on their opponent’s shoulder. The aim is to unbalance your opponent and make them touch the ground with any part of their body except their feet. Notable for its simplicity and directness, Backhold Wrestling remains a popular and practiced sport in its regions of origin today.
While the martial arts landscape is constantly evolving, these traditional British styles continue to hold their ground. Their unique techniques, rich histories and cultural significance ensure they remain an integral part of the UK’s martial arts scene.
Manx Boxing
Manx Boxing is a traditional martial art form from the Isle of Man, a British Island in the Irish Sea. This martial art form, unlike the typical boxing styles we see today, has a mix of unarmed combat techniques that bear a close resemblance to Brazilian jiu jitsu.
This fighting style involves a lot of joint locks and grappling moves, making it a physically demanding sport. However, the mental discipline required is equally important, emphasizing strategic thinking. The objective is to outmaneuver and disable your opponent, using a combination of punches, kicks, and locks.
While it is not as renowned as Japanese martial arts like judo or karate, Manx Boxing is an intrinsic part of the British martial arts tradition. Its focus on strength, agility, and quick thinking makes it a fascinating art form. Today, it is still practiced in the Isle of Man and in certain martial arts clubs across the UK.
Gouren
Originating in the Celtic regions of Britain, Gouren is a traditional British form of wrestling that is still practiced today. It is a full contact martial art form, blending elements of Korean martial and Chinese martial arts, with some unique aspects that distinguish it from other wrestling styles.
Gouren is characterized by its uniform, a jacket worn by competitors which is similar to the gi in jiu jitsu. The objective is to throw your opponent onto the ground, similar to the techniques in Cornish wrestling, but with an added twist; competitors can also use their legs to unbalance their adversaries.
While it might seem like a rough sport, Gouren also has its own set of strict rules and etiquette. This traditional martial art form not only demonstrates physical prowess but also upholds values of respect and sportsmanship. Today, Gouren is practiced in the Celtic regions and various martial arts academies across the UK.
Conclusion
While Japanese martial arts like karate, tai chi, wing chun, and Brazilian jiu are well known worldwide, British martial arts styles hold their own unique charm and historical significance. Styles like Purring or Shin-kicking, Cornish Wrestling, Bartitsu, Singlestick, Backhold Wrestling, Manx Boxing, and Gouren continue to thrive, showcasing a rich and diverse martial arts heritage in the UK.
These traditional martial arts forms are more than just fighting styles. They are a testament to the centuries-old traditions and cultures of the British Isles. They persist due to their adaptability, evolving with time while still retaining their core principles and techniques.
Practicing these martial arts is not just about learning self-defence or physical fitness. The health benefits are numerous, of course, but there’s also a deeper philosophical and cultural learning that comes from practicing these traditional forms. From the direct approach in Backhold Wrestling to the innovative mixed techniques of Bartitsu, developed by Barton Wright, each style offers a unique perspective, enriching the martial arts landscape.
The future of these traditional British martial arts seems bright. With the increasing popularity of mixed martial, arts like Bartitsu have already paved the way for incorporating multiple fighting techniques into a single discipline. The adaptability and versatility of these arts ensure they will continue to inspire and evolve, remaining a vital part of Britain’s cultural heritage and martial arts scenario.
