Fighting
Julian Cashwan Pratt: “We fought security until the cops showed up”
Hard Feelings — The lead singer of Show Me the Body joins Rob Kazandjian’s column on fatherhood and masculinity to talk about mentors, scrapping Zionists at shows, and finally making his father proud.
Written by: Robert Kazandjian
The London sword fighters reviving medieval combat
Schola Gladitoria — Studying ancient textbooks and techniques, the historical European martial arts community duel with centuries old systems of engagement. Mads Jensen swings a blade in an Ealing church to find out more.
Written by: Mads Jensen
A portrait of the UK’s oldest boxing club
Learning the Ropes — A new documentary by Ryan Pickard chronicles the hard-edged history of Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green, while asking poignant questions about the present and future of the sport in the UK.
Written by: Sydney Lobe
In a razed Damascus refugee camp, one martial arts club holds its stance
Yarmouk Fight Club — Once the home of 200,000 Palestinians, the Yarmouk Camp was a bustling community and sanctuary, until Assad’s forces launched a deadly siege in 2013. As a small handful of returnees attempt to rebuild from the rubble, a Muay Thai gym is providing space for catharsis.
Written by: Jake Pace Lawrie
Slap fighting is having a moment. But is it safe?
BritSlap — The booming underground sport sees two competitors take turns striking each other without defending themselves. Critics warn of concussion and long term brain damage, but its devotees see it as a release. George Nash reports from a Liverpool meet, which includes the first ever female fight.
Written by: George Nash
