Bataireacht - Irish Martial Arts

Bataireacht is a traditional Irish martial art that involves fighting with walking sticks, or shillelaghs, for self-defense and community protection. It originated in the 16th century and was a key part of Ireland's resistance to colonization. 

Bataireacht is a combination of boxing, fencing, and grappling, where fighters use their sticks to punch, strike, and jostle. It was developed as a way to settle disputes and for self-defense in a rural and often lawless Ireland. The practice was almost lost due to the Famine and colonial efforts to eradicate it. 

The Doyle family developed a unique two-handed style of bataireacht known as Rince An Bata Uisce Bheatha and was the first publicly taught in Canada