The Story of Baritsu


KS: Halloa! This is a little ficlet based on a spelling error of A.C.D.'s, done in a fairly Granada series sort of spirit. Normally I do everything in a canon-spirit, but as Jeremy darling did such a great job as Holmes, it's okay every now and then to do something in a vein of that sort. :D I think you'll see what I mean as you read.

This is short, not overly interesting, etc...but it's just a oneshot sort of thing. I've noticed how many people wonder about baritsu, so I decided to write it. I was uncertain whether to post it or not, since it's so little, but here it is. XD

Of course, I did this because 'baritsu' doesn't exist, etc. I don't think anyone will ever know why A.C.D. spelled it that way...xD


"My good Doctor," Holmes said as he read a letter over breakfast. My mind knew that I was in for a chastisement by the tone of his voice, but for exactly what I wasn't certain. It was, probably, for the newest of my writings on his cases. I braced myself for the worst.

"You have, again, erred. In the account which you have titled 'The Empty House,'—which, I must say, was rather on the emotional side—you misspelled a word."

"Is that all, Holmes?" I asked. It seemed like a trifle to me.

"That isn't all. You have a penchant for making little errors, but this one really has caused me some little trouble. You misspelled 'Bartitsu' as 'baritsu'. Not only has the Bartitsu training centre sent me several letters of disapproval of the fact, but I have also received numerous letters from ambitious little boys wanting to find a training centre for this 'baritsu' that I supposedly practice, so that they may learn it." said my friend, pointing to a messy stack of letters upon the table.

I nearly laughed at the thought of all the young, bright-eyed London boys wanting to be more like the 'Great Detective,' wanting to learn any martial art he knew. I was, however, just a little too indignant over his remark.

"I didn't misspell it, Holmes. I thought…Well, I thought it was 'baritsu.' I have a small knowledge of Japan and know that 'Bartitsu' can't be pronounced—"

"—In the Japanese language. Yes, I know that. It's not really a Japanese martial art at all, and I suppose I wasn't being precise enough when I described it as such. It is a mix between several Japanese systems of fighting, along fencing, boxing, and things of that nature. It was really invented by an Englishman—the 'bart' being part of his name, with the 'itsu' to make it sound like a fighting art."

"Ah…I see. Well, Holmes, I apologise. I suppose I shall have to write in and correct my mistake?"

Holmes opened his mouth to speak but paused, a smirk coming to his face quickly. He looked over at me, his eyes shining mischievously.

"No, don't. Perhaps…perhaps many years from now, people will be pondering over the mystery of this 'hidden art' of 'baritsu'."

I sighed at my friend's sometimes impish nature and turned back to my breakfast.

But…it was nice of him to think that my humble writings will be known years from now.


KS: Short and simple. xD If you want to, try looking up "Bartitsu" on Wiki—it's kind of interesting!

Review, please!