Clubs, Wands and Gladiators: Historical Physical Culture with Ben Miller

For transcriptions and more detailed shownotes, please go to: https://swordschool.shop/blogs/podcast/episode-191-clubs-wands-and-gladiators-historical-physical-culture-with-ben-miller 

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Ben Miller is the man behind Physical Culture Historians, preserving and reviving historical exercise methods for mind, body and spirit using wands, Indian Clubs, calisthenics, and more. He has a successful and fascinating YouTube channel, and has produced several modern editions of 18th and 19th century fencing and self defence sources, as well as being the author of The Gladiatory Art: The Lives, Writings, & Techniques of the Eighteenth Century Stage Gladiators.

In our conversation we talk about how Ben got interested in the physical culture of the 19th century, and how his experience doing historical fencing made him realise that the people who designed exercises and physical training in the past had some insights that we are lacking in modern sports culture. Modern fitness is too specialised, whereas in the 19th century there was a much greater focus on holistic health, which would be beneficial to us today.

Ben talks about his favourite piece of equipment, the Indian club, and the difference between historical Indian clubs and the modern varieties; they are designed with different ways of swinging in mind. He also explains the origins of the push up, and how you should do the original Swedish version.

Another of Ben’s research interests is Colonel Monstery, and this is a link to the book Ben wrote to verify Monstery’s wild claims about how many duels he won and the combats he fought:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Self-Defense-Gentlemen-Ladies-Nineteenth-Century-Quarterstaff/dp/1583948686

https://www.amazon.com/Self-Defense-Gentlemen-Ladies-Nineteenth-Century-Quarterstaff/dp/1583948686

We go on to discuss the largely forgotten stage gladiators of the 18th century, who were men and women who fought with sharp swords (amongst other weapons) on stage, for real. Often resulting in hideous injuries, disembowelling, and even death.

More links:

• One of Ben’s mentors is Harry Allick, and here you can see his YouTube videos of club swinging: https://www.youtube.com/@lakelandviewer
• See Ben’s fascinating videos on his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@PhysicalCultureHistorians
• Early in the interview we mention the Jared Kirby episode. Here’s the link: https://swordschool.shop/blogs/podcast/episode-165-sword-geekery-and-stunts-with-jared-kirby
• Ben mentions an essay by a Turner who is ranting against the trend toward specialization and production of champions in fitness and sport. We can’t find the essay, but we have included a link to the following video Ben did, in which he shows and reads from the article extensively (begins around time code 7:47): https://youtu.be/oK__aaBLM78?si=0Q7kWhmXEvISTnS9

And finally! Ben’s book on Babe Ruth was just released and here are the links to it on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999056794/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0999056794/