Follow along as a duel for your pride unfolds before you...

Learn about unarmed combatives below:

In the Eighteenth Century, boxing and other unarmed combative methods became immensely popular in England.  “The Prize-Ring served its turn.  For nearly a hundred years—that is, roughly, from 1740 to 1840—it was a genuine expression of English life.”  (Lynch xxxi) 

“Let me conclude with a general Call to the true British Spirit, which, like purest Gold, ha no Allay. How readily would I encourage it, through the most threatening Dangers, or feverest of Pains, or Pledge of Life itself! Let us imitate the glorious Example we enjoy, in the saving Offspring of our King, and blessed Guardian of our Country. Him let us follow with our keen Swords, and warm glowing Hearts, in Defense of our just Cause, and Preservation of Britain's Honour.”  (Godfrey’s Treatise)

What began as a way to settle disputes for the lower classes spread to a form of entertainment and training that the entire nation supported and practiced.  Boxing, or more accurately called pugilism during this time, was a violent and cruel sport.  Men would face off, and fight one another using a variety of rough methods.  For example, in a typical match,  “If the chance presented itself, one fighter might catch hold of his opponent and toss him to the ground or floor, then fall upon him if he failing instantly to roll away.  It was considered manly and proper to kick a man when he was down—the work “purring” was employed to describe this activity—and eye-gouging was common practice with the fighters and hugely enjoyed by the spectators.  The use of fists was relatively incidental.”  (Fleischer 6)

It was because of notable boxers such as James Figg, John Broughton, John Jackson, and Daniel Mendoza that boxing found such a growing popularity in eighteenth century England. 

James Figg was the first champion of England, and his reign ran from 1719-1730.  He was also a notable fencer and cudgeller.  He had two schools that he operated, Figg’s School of Arms where the nobility attended, and his Amphitheatre that was visited by people of all classes.  At both places, a man could learn a variety of Manly defenses. 

John Broughton was the champion of England from 1738 to 1750.  He has been named, “The Father of the English School of Pugilism.”  “It was his skill and intelligence that gave form to the sport and fixed its direction.  Broughton was an advocate of fair play.”  (Fleischer 8) 

Broughton taught other men specifically how to box.  He discovered the use of mufflers, or padded gloves, for boxers to use during practices and sparring matches.  The mufflers helped black eyes, broken jaws, and bloody noses.  (Fleischer)  It wasn’t until the 1900’s that all boxers were required to wear gloves in matches.  Broughtons most notable achievement was the publication of his rules for boxing, which helped to create boxing as a science, and not as a rough and wild sport.  These rules made the fights more fair and safer. 

John Jackson was not a boxer for very long.  He was champion of England for only one year, in 1795.  He was, however, a favorite boxer, both with the aristocrats and the more humble.  (Wignall 63).  He made a name for himself in teaching others how to box.  “His rooms in Bond Street were for years the resort of the élite of the fashionable world.  It was no uncommon thing to see gathered there men who had distinguished themselves in Parliament, at the Bar, and in the Field, while it is recorded that noblemen and gentlemen of the highest ran, looked upon it as an honor to don the gloves with Jackson.” (Wignall 64)