This month, we are introducing levels within the Bartitsu program at Academie Duello, following the pattern of other programs in the school. In the sword programs, we have coloured cords inspired by heraldry. In the mounted combat program, we have different spurs.
In the Bartitsu program, we are designating our levels by sashes, based on the sash worn by traditional Savateurs and pugilists and the belts of jujitsu.
Our progression of colours follows that used by other programs at Duello:
- Green Sash: Awarded after completing the Fight Like Sherlock Holmes 8-hour introductory course
- Blue Sash: Earned after a minimum of 3 months at Green Sash level and a successful examination of core skills
- Red Sash: Earned after a minimum of 1 year at Blue Sash level and a successful examination of advanced skills
- White Sash: Earned after a minimum of 1 year at Red Sash level and a successful examination of master skills
- Gold Sash: Awarded as the lead instructor, with a minimum of 1 year at the White Sash level
Rejected Proposals
Oh how I was tempted to introduce a different scheme!
How would you have liked to have different ferrule or head for your walking stick? I don't know how I'd grade them, but we could have different animal carvings, or going from a wooden ball to a steel ball to a bronze ball to a crystal skull.
Or what about different headwear? Progressing from a cabbie's cap to a boater hat to a bowler to a top-hat... or perhaps we just use the coloured bands around the top-hat?
Get Yours!
If you have previously passed our Fight Like Sherlock Holmes course and you're continuing our training with us, stop by the front desk at Academie Duello to purchase your green sash for $7.50
The next examination to earn your Blue Sash will be July 27, 2014
If you haven't yet started with us, earn your green sash by joining our beginner's program on Mondays or Wednesdays 8-10pm or Saturdays 5-7pm. It's four weeks that covers everything the peacefully-inclined gentleman or lady needs for scientific self-defense.
Head of Stage Combat at Academie Duello and certified Instructor with Fight Directors Canada. Head of Bartitsu at Academie Duello, the longest continuously running Bartitsu program in the world. Read more from David McCormick.