2009 October | Martial History Magazine

Robin Hood and Shaolin Gongfu

By Jason Couch ⋅ October 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

They just held a four day conference at the University of Rochester on Robin Hood, with this year’s theme being Robin Hood: Media Creature. Now if they’ll just hold a conference with the same theme for Shaolin gongfu. Earlier this year, there was another

Women’s Lightweight Boxing Champ Photo (1931)

By Jason Couch ⋅ October 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

Following a discussion in the comments last week about images of 1930s-40s female boxers, I came across this photo of a young lady giving a bag punching demo at May’s department store in 1931. Can’t find anything on the net about Billie Bachilis, but it looks like the sign labels her the “Women’s Lightweight Boxing [...]

Don’t Mess With This Guy

By Jason Couch ⋅ October 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

DO NOT mess with this guy: “Jitsu Kano” lived in Nanapepe Village on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. He was 23 years old during the 1930 census and possessed what may be the most bad-ass birth name in history.

Found an Anvil

By Jason Couch ⋅ October 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

Well, I found an anvil. My grandfather would be horrified at the price I paid–at 80 some years old, he thinks they should run about a half a dollar a pound. Problem is, new ones these days start at more like $5/pound and go up from there. Used ones can be even worse because they [...]

The Devil’s Handshake

By Jason Couch ⋅ October 2009 ⋅ 8 comments

The Devil’s Handshake is an apt name for this come-along for a number of reasons: it is painful to the victim, requires a betrayal of seemingly friendly intentions, and, like modern warfare, there may not be a clear exit strategy.

Anvil needed!

By Jason Couch ⋅ October 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

I need an anvil if anyone knows someone who knows someone who has one tucked away in a barn or shed somewhere that is not needed. Probably have to be in the MD, VA, PA, or DE area, as I’m in central MD. Willing to pay a reasonable asking price, but I’ll certainly accept a [...]

Come-Along Teaser 2

By Jason Couch ⋅ October 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

Changed the title on the upcoming post, although the content is still the same come-along. I’m much happier with this title, but you’ll have to wait a day or two to find out what it is.

MMA TCB

By Jason Couch ⋅ October 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

Two drunk young men, after fighting with others, attack two cross-dressing men. The cross dressers turn out to be MMAers on their way to a party and toss them a beatdown. It’s always the one you don’t see that gets ya. Follow this link for CCTV footage.