Bataireacht (Irish Stick Fighting)

The Bataireacht (Irish Stick Fighting) is Ireland’s traditional stick-fighting martial art. Dating back to 1100, it reached its peak in the first half of the 1800s and was practiced during fair days at events known as “faction fights.” This discipline combines the use of the shillelagh (a walking stick) with grappling and striking techniques. There are countless references to this activity in Irish folk music and traditional stories too (such as in the famous song Rocky Road to Dublin).

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Ph credits: blackbeltmag.com