Modern practice of
Bataireacht has arisen among some practitioners from a desire to maintain or
reinstate Irish family traditions, while for others a combination of
historical and cultural interest has lead to their interest in
bataireacht.Practitioners exist in Ireland, the United States and Canada, in
movements started somewhat independently of each other. Bataireacht is also
gaining popularity among the non-Irish, especially in the United States, as
a form of self defense, since a cane or walking stick can be carried easily
in modern society. As is the case with most martial arts, multiple versions
exist.
A few forms of bataireacht survive to this day - some being traditional
styles specific to the family which carried them through the years, like the
"Rince an Bhata Uisce Bheatha" (whiskey stick dance) of the Irish
Newfoundlanders Doyle family. Others styles survive in the techniques used
in the sport of hurling and of course in military sabre fencing which
continues to have a great following in Ireland. |