Edith Garrud was a pioneering British martial artist and suffragette who used her expertise in jujutsu to empower women during the early 20th century. Born Edith Margaret Williams in 1872 in Bath, England, she married William Garrud, a physical culture instructor, in 1893. The couple’s interest in martial arts led them to train under renowned jujutsu master Sadakazu Uyenishi, and by 1908, they had established their own dojo, with Edith becoming one of the first female martial arts instructors in the Western world.
Garrud’s involvement with the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) marked a significant intersection of martial arts and women’s rights activism. Recognizing the need for self-defense amidst increasing police aggression, she taught jujutsu to suffragettes, enabling them to protect themselves during protests and meetings. She also trained a select group known as the “Bodyguard,” tasked with safeguarding prominent suffragette leaders from arrest and harm.
Standing at just 4 feet 11 inches, Garrud defied societal expectations, demonstrating that physical stature was no barrier to self-defense. Her teachings provided practical protection and symbolized the broader struggle for women’s empowerment and autonomy. Through her efforts, she played a crucial role in challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for women’s rights.
Edith Garrud retired from public life in 1925 at the age of 53 but lived to see significant milestones in women’s rights, passing away in 1971 at the age of 99. Her legacy is commemorated with a plaque in Islington, London, honoring her contributions to both martial arts and the suffragette movement.
Today, Edith Garrud’s story continues to inspire, serving as a testament to the power of combining physical skill with social activism to effect meaningful change.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edith_Garrud
https://www.badassoftheweek.com/edith-garrud
https://theleagueofextraordinaryladies.com/2015/03/edith-margaret-garrud-the-fighting-suffragette/
