8 thoughts on “May Whitley, Old School Ju-Jitsu (1933)”
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Some Chicago Boyz know each other from student days at the University of Chicago. Others are Chicago boys in spirit. The blog name is also intended as a good-humored gesture of admiration for distinguished Chicago School economists and fellow travelers.
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I’d pay a week’s salary to see May vs obnoxious drunk at the Pub….
Dang they could have at least used a mat for the demo.
Reminds me, charmingly, of how my dear Dad taught us all how to break a grip on the wrist.
Lever against the thumb.
And then there was the vintage self-defense manual, with all the neat tricks they taught Commandos in WWII. My brother and I used to used to practice them against each other.
Yep, some of them really do work. I caught my brother a time or two, with some of the ‘knee-to-the-crotch’ moves, and even pulling my punches … ummm, they were effective. I don’t know if the fact that my brother has never fathered children (that we know of) had anything at all to do with this youthful amusement. It may just be an amusing coincidence.
Sgt – let’s go with “amusing coincidence” ;-)
And thanks to the internet – my having sent this link to a UK ex patriot Internet friend in Spain – we learn where this is –
When I sent this link he replied…
Well that brings back memories. The Trocodero restaurant. The most fantastic restaurant I ever recall visiting. Apparently owned by J. Lyons (major Tea importer & catering company—–even own the Dorchester Hotel). but sadly they disappeared & so did the restaurant. My dad was well known at “The Troc” & we quite often went there when he felt we had an occasion to celebrate.
If only we could go back in time for a visit.
David
…when I asked him how he knew….
“The notice at the start specifically says “Trocadero Restaurant” London & I recall there being a stage curtain so presumably any acts they put on, came from behind the curtain as they might in a regular theatre. You can read about the place (sadly closed in 1965) here:- http://www.kzwp.com/lyons/troc.htm
They had two bands—-one dressed in white & the other in black dinner suites & one of there little “things” was that the two bands would change over during a number. If you weren’t watching at the time, you’d be forgiven thinking that your memory may have been affected by the wine because you’d possibly swear that they were wearing different clothes when you last looked in their direction!
The food was superb & “nothing” was impossible. Special deserts could be ordered such as spun toffee & any other sort of special creation. Of course it wasn’t cheap. It was the sort of place you’d turn up at in your Rolls & the car would be taken away & lost for you until it would mysteriously re-appear when you were leaving (OK, OK I know that’s a popular thing at may American restaurants today but I’m talking many years ago when it wasn’t the norm in London at least.
I’m no longer as familiar with the J.Lyons story as I was (probably on the page mentioned above) but it was sad to see them close up. Not just the Troc, but also the many other places they had in London & the hundreds of so called “Lyons Corner Houses” they had in just about every town & city throughout the UK.
David
The internet is amazing isn’t it?
Speaking of the amazing internet, I found a link that dates the film at 1933.
Setbit, good job. Corrected. Thanks.
May Whitley can ju-jitsu me anytime.
He was an accomplished gymnast. Watch his falls. He always lands his body on his hands or feet first. No mats required.