As we all know, quite a few of the people who were involved in the development of Bartitsu and similar methods 'tested' their stuff on the streets, or had experience of combat outside of the training hall.
Those that didn't, generally took part in full contact sporting contests and challenge matches.
Clearly, whatever the cultural, scholarly or aesthetic interests people have in Bartitsu and related methods, these were designed for (and shaped through) FIGHTING.
The danger is that- as with martial arts in general- people now are content to 'go through the motions', and are left (happily or otherwise) with a shell of the original fighting/ self defence system, that wouldn't hold up against a real, committed criminal assault.
Obviously, if people make that choice consciously and honestly, no-one can have any problem with that- but the fact remains that if GENUINE self defence (against a brutal and terrifying attack) is what is needed and sought, it is imperative that we recreate, as closely as is safely possible, the horrible circumstances of a real FIGHT.
This doesn't need to be done every training session (unless you happen to be a lunatic that likes that sort of thing!), but MUST be experienced at least occasionally, so that we know that our skills and, even more importantly, our MINDS can hold up to the harsh, unforgiving reality.
I'm aware that my words will be disturbing, uncomfortable or distasteful to some people; and that itself will be indicative:
self defence IS 'disturbing, uncomfortable and distasteful'-
and mentally avoiding that fact won't help you if you ever get attacked.
Bartitsu is formed of boxing, jujitsu and stick fighting, alongside other influences.
Whatever else you do, just ONCE IN A WHILE, have a real GO AT IT!
Get the gloves on, or get on the mat, or put on minimal armour and take the cane you'd use for everyday use, and HAVE A FIGHT!
Do this with people you trust, with supervision and the correct equipment, and only once you've built up a physical and mental base through progressive drills and sparring, but even if it's only for a few minutes (most real attacks/fights won't even last that long), JUST REALLY TRY TO BEAT OR GRAPPLE EACH OTHER, UNTIL ONE OF YOU IS KNOCKED DOWN, GIVES UP, TAPS OUT, OR IS SAVED BY THE INSTRUCTOR.
You'll then get some idea of what you will come up against- and what is needed- if (God forbid) a criminal ever targets you.
Anything else is just playing and fantasy (which has its place, but let's never call that SELF DEFENCE).