A lady never starts a fight. But she will finish one.
In the early 1900s, Jiu-Jitsu mania swept England and America alike.
The Japanese wrestling technique was very popular with society ladies, as it was considered a sport which improved a lady's grace and was a practical method of self-defense.
Source: bartitsu.org
Yukio Tani, the great Japanese fighter, began to teach women the art.
Before long, wrestling mats were brought out at fashionable parties and during balls. Jiu-Jitsu masters were in high demand for both entertainment purposes and more practical lessons, with young girls squeezing in practice between etiquette and dance.
Source: photohistory-sussex.co.uk
Soon, illustrated books began to appear, giving middle and lower class women access to this defense technique.
Source: bartitsu.org
The appeal of Jiu-Jitsu was in the lack of muscle strength needed to down a larger opponent.
Even petite ladies could easily dispatch an unwanted advance with aplomb.
Source: bartitsu.org
