Crystal Clear, Sticks & Mud

It has come to my attention that my last couple of posts have caused some confusion. Wrong impressions were perceived and names were potentially sullied.
Seeing as I have spoken about being clear and precise previously, this post is honest and I will try to be as concise as possible about my thoughts.

"You can't Trust a Tony. Trust Me."
In case you hadn't noticed, or haven't met me in person, OR read the "fine print" at the bottom of this page, the first name I go by is Tony. I have often said this phrase in jest, even sometimes with a wink or telling grin. Many other Anthony's, Tony's, Antonio's and a Toni or two have chuckled and agreed wholeheartedly.

Tangent: Back when I was writing a paper on the history of stage combat/fight choreography I came across a book that hadn't been fully published yet called "A Terrific Combat" and was intrigued but couldn't pursue it further as I had a due date to contend with, so it was left to fall from my memory. I did remember the name as I attempted to find the same author in conjunction with other published works concerning stage combat.
Okay, back: This guy was Tony Wolf, what's he doing on the Bartitsu . . oooOOoooohhh . . . . Of course, Tony is among the leading modern revivalists and educators of Neo-Bartitsu and the editor of pretty much ALL of their literature AND a co-producer/co-director/co-dude-on-the-spot of their documentary. See, Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me.
When I came across the "Terrific Combat" text, authored by a well known Tony, I wished to pursue it and use it as a point of reference for a college level term paper. I saw it as a legitimate and reliable source. It was not quite easily available to me at the time, so I let it fall from my mind and thought nothing of it until I began to research Bartitsu. When I realized this same educator and professional was linked to two projects I had positive interest in, without my own previous investigation between the two, I was amused by serendipity. Hence, why I used my poor taste joke.

Tony Wolf
Now, I would like to publicly apologize to Mr. Wolf. First, for misspelling his name with an extra "e," Something I will remedy as I come across it. Secondly, For the proximity to my uncouth joke. I believe him to be a mature gentleman, with a sense of humor and hope with this clarification, it will be understood correctly. Thirdly . . . .
"Okay, back: This guy was Tony Wolf, what's he doing on the Bartitsu . . oooOOoooohhh . . . . Of course, Tony is among the leading modern revivalists and educators of Neo-Bartitsu and the editor of pretty much ALL of their literature AND a co-producer/co-director/co-dude-on-the-spot of their documentary. See, Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me.
-VIDEO-
I'll be honest (perhaps, due to a phenomena, or something I haven't quite explored or thought very deeply about, But something I WILL post about soon, I have the notes typed up) something still feels pedestrian or amateurish about the whole affair. Not that there is anything wrong with that, nor does it lessen how cool this is and how much respect I have for all involved for going out and doing it (something which I need to do more of). Perhaps it is because it is so new and those involved are focused on the core subject and let other things be addressed as they come, or because it is that obscure that there is no need for anything more elaborate as far as the website and the movies and the books. Look for my next post to explain the feeling I have (ooh boy, feelings, I know) about professionals in like areas of expertise as martial arts, fight re-enactors/stage combatants/even weapon specialists and their interactions..
-NEXT POST:The Professional's Dilemma"
Things get muddled here as to what the hell I am saying. I finish a thought with "trust me." and then show the video. The video is intended as a break in presentation and I am done talking about Mr. Wolf specifically.
The Video is to show the Bartitsu project, I then begin going into a conclusion with "I'll be honest . . ." and in the conclusion I allude to a concept or theory I have had for years. I can see how easy it would be for one to perceive the through line continues from my words of Tony Wolf into the last paragraph. This is not the case, just a terrible occurrence of proximity.
My post "The Professional's Dilemma" is intended to be a singular post of a personal belief/theory and not intended to point fingers at any one in particular.

I would also like to reiterate that as a totally volunteer project, run by hobbyists, that Bartitsu.org community is praise worthy and I have personally recommended the site to many friends and associates.

That feels Like I've covered the bases and clarified any points that some of the people who have read my posts had some issues with or misinterpreted. I promise the next few posts will be of a much lighter nature, hopefully this same day.

Have Walking Stick or Parasol, Will Defend Self

I've said it before and I will say it again here; Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me. But more on that in a moment.

Bartitsu/ Baritsu: I have mentioned this before. I discovered it two years ago while doing research on self defense schools and their mode and philosophies. I saw the word in conjunction with Judo/jiu-jitsu and was instantly intrigued as it smacked of Non-Asian in nature. To be honest it sounds exactly like it is, an un-clever yet straightforward name from its originator and the school it was born of.

Born in Victorian England it is a cross-training of Judo, boxing, Swiss grappling and french cane fighting. Roughly.
I wont mince words here. This is pretty sweet to me, yes, it has blatant steam punk overtones and I think that any martial art that allows me to use my cane, is "win" in my book.

Apparently, this martial art was so prevalent at the time that even many ladies of class learned it for self defense, and even more proactive pursuits. Yes, suffragettes were using their parasols and Bartitsu expertise to fight off angry mobs and even police.
Kind of bad ass, when I order a few of the books and manuals I might snag the one about Edith Garrud. Tink was definitely interested.

Now, as I went about my research (click link, click link, Google search, etc. . ) I noticed a familiar white haired figure on the Bartitsu site.

Tangent: Back when I was writing a paper on the history of stage combat/fight choreography I came across a book that hadn't been fully published yet called "A Terrific Combat" and was intrigued but couldn't pursue it further as I had a due date to contend with, so it was left to fall from my memory. I did remember the name as I attempted to find the same author in conjunction with other published works concerning stage combat.
Okay, back: This guy was Tony Wolf, what's he doing on the Bartitsu . . oooOOoooohhh . . . . Of course, Tony is among the leading modern revivalists and educators of Neo-Bartitsu and the editor of pretty much ALL of their literature AND a co-producer/co-director/co-dude-on-the-spot of their documentary.
See, Tonys are not to be trusted, trust me.

I'll be honest (perhaps, due to a phenomena, or something I haven't quite explored or thought very deeply about, But something I WILL post about soon, I have the notes typed up) something still feels pedestrian or amateurish about the whole affair. Not that there is anything wrong with that, nor does it lessen how cool this is and how much respect I have for all involved for going out and doing it (something which I need to do more of). Perhaps it is because it is so new and those involved are focused on the core subject and let other things be addressed as they come, or because it is that obscure that there is no need for anything more elaborate as far as the website and the movies and the books. Look for my next post to explain the feeling I have (ooh boy, feelings, I know) about professionals in like areas of expertise as martial arts, fight re-enactors/stage combatants/even weapon specialists and their interactions..

Damn it Feels Good to be a Geeksta

I have been stressing about what or when I was going to have time to blog about considering the several projects and responsibilities I have been involved with recently.

BUT! One sick call in later and some thoroughly nerdy internet activity my mood is improved.

I just downloaded MC Frontalot's newest album "Zero Day" and am bangin my neck to it as I type.

I have been researching all manner of creature and spells in the D&D 3.5 pdf's I have, thanks to reading and excellent Blog by a gent named Zak titled "D&D With Porn Stars." Don't worry, it is deliciously focused on the tabletop element and I have not yet heard a single mention of "The Book of Erotic" although heaven help Zakk should his players get the idea and he go along.

Also, I tried to act upon a long time wish to run a game or two in the Midkemia setting, hoping to find supplements and guides. Alas, there seems to be a deficit. Oh well! I can just bastardize the rules as I usually enjoy.

Finally, I have been doing some research into unique self defense techniques. I have been interested in this particular combat style for a few years now. Bartitsu, or sometimes called in conjunction with Sherlock Holmes, Baritsu. The English gentleman's mode of personal safety. It is mostly cross-training between Judo & Stick fighting but damned if I don't want to learn. Might just buy those books and start getting in shape.