A Jiu Jitsu Suffragette

The School of Defence

Have you ever wanted to know how to use a medieval sword?

What moves have been banned from boxing?

Were there really Jiu Jitsu Suffragettes?
[Yes, there really were]

The School of Defence demonstrates historically researched fighting techniques that really bring the story to life.

Qualified Historical Martial Arts Instructors and experienced Living Historians combine to give displays that are both authentic and enthralling.

A bare knuckle boxer counter punches

Using information from historical fight manuals, we are able to reconstruct the techniques used to prevent medieval assassinations, win 18th century duels and fight off Victorian vagabonds.

And we can bring you the stories behind art; the story of the greatest boxer who ever lived, the only middleweight fighter to become Heavyweight Champion of the World; the origins of the martial art that saved Sherlock Holmes from certain death at the Reichenbach Falls; and tales of women who issued newspaper challenges to brawls in the street or the Elizabethan boatman who beat a sword-master using only his paddle.

From training soldiers to self-defence, the history of how to fight, with everything from daggers and poleaxes to umbrellas and bicycles, will all be revealed.