“Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor.”
Norman Mailer
We believe in the Gentle – Man, the man who is firstly male and possessing male energy, then layering it with the aspects of gentleness and ease. The Gentleman sits on the spectrum directly in the middle between the Metro-Sexual and the Alpha Male.
As history shows through the ages, the gentleman skill sets always included physical and/or martial prowess. Nowadays the likelihood of being involved in combat on a day to day basis (outside of the professional realms) is unlikely, but the ability to defend yourself, or those around you, gives you confidence, physical health and a martial skill, which may come in handy one day.
The Gentleman is the warrior-poet, the man that can use pen and sword with equal skill. He uses his wits and his physicality to be and become masculine. This is not just about ability to defend oneself but the ability to understand what it is to be male, indeed a Gentle-Male.
“Manliness consists not in bluff, bravado or loneliness. It consists in daring to do the right thing and facing consequences whether it is in matters social, political or other. It consists in deeds not words.”
Mahatma Gandhi
One of our favourite Martial Arts is Bartitsu. As James Marwood, Bartitsu Master, says, ‘This martial art is the precursor to Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do and one of the earliest modern mixed martial arts.’ Invented by a British Gentleman, Edgar Barton-Wright, Bartitsu found fame in the pages of Sherlock Holmes. It was invented for the mean streets of Victorian and Edwardian London but could fit into the streets of any modern day metropolis.
“The ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them”
Miyamoto Musashi
There are any number of Martial Arts that will suit your temperament, your abilities and your location. Try a few out and see what works. If Martial skills are not for you try a sport or physical activity that actually develops skills and discipline.
We learn martial arts as helping weakness. You never fight for people to get hurt. You’re always helping people.
Jackie Chan
A Gentleman’s Hint:
Find a sport/martial art/physical activity that you like and practice it at least once a week. Not only will it develop your masculinity but is good for your health as well.
