Making Westcountry Martial Arts more accessible
Since 2003, we have been gathering an archive of information – from local archives and museums, newspapers, books and even local knowledge from genealogists and councils.
We’re putting together a series of material, intended to make this sport more accessible. So far we’ve published the practical textbook ‘Westcountry Wrestling: A Comprehensive Guide’, as well as a compendium edition of Sir Thomas Parkyns’ ‘Cornish Wrestling: The Old-style In-play Wrestler’.
But this is just the beginning.
We’re working on an expanded selection of material for our mission – to help anyone, anywhere, train in Westcountry Martial Arts with anyone else.
The current backlog:
- Westcountry Cudgelling: Single-stick, Long staff and Two-hand sword. Following closely the format used by Westcountry Wrestling, this work is intended as a practical guide to the weapons systems practiced in the DWS. We’re currently partially through the illustration phase of the project, with the draft of content complete. Target ETA: Summer 2026.
- Devon Wrestling: Archives of a combat sport (1600-1950). This book will capture the full range of our archives to date. We have amassed a collection of hundreds of newspaper articles, posters, books, commentary and other reports across the span of 350 years. This is the first time this level of detailed study has been made available, and represents a research project that began in 2003. All content is complete. We are seeking permissions from copyright holders which will determine how much of the archive we may publish. Target ETA: Early to mid 2026.
We have a long term view on providing resources, and therefore this backlog is not exhaustive. We will add and edit to the list where needed.
We also accept requests, so if there’s something you’d like to know more about, then please drop us an email. It might just end up on our backlog.