Quote:
Originally Posted by tekande
Hello. 
What kind of martial art would suit a very flamboyant man from the Victorian era? He is always a gentleman, has a rather carefree attitude towards life, is very concerned with his looks and is always dressing nice no matter the situation (mostly because he doesn’t have anything else).
He has traveled all over the planet, and has picked up a lot of “strange” ideas from some of his favorite countries. At some point he found a lover in either China or Japan who taught him a martial art style, but he left said lover after few years, so he is far from an expert.
The question is, what kind of martial art would suit a character like that? At first I though about aikido because it would fit him perfectly, but then I found out that it was invented long after the Victorian era, so that wouldn’t do.
So basically I’m looking for something that was around doing the Victorian era, is of some use even if you’re not an expert, and would fit a character like this.
Thanks in advance. |
Though I believe he was a bit later, and apart from the Oriental lover thing, your man sounds like Frank Harris ("My Life and Loves"). I'd say Savate - at that time, France and things French were the rage - which would add to his allure, yet give him an art he could use, last minute, in the abscence of a foil. Also,
on the surface, though devastating in the right hands (and feet), Savate
appears slightly feminine - that quality has always appealed to the type of high society females
a Frank Harris, Casanova type pursued back then. It would also have given "such a rake" the same kind of "soft" cover before other men the fabled Zorro hid his own identity behind, throwing them off. It's flashy footwork and stylishness would appeal to the guy himself...