Martina Bergman-Osterberg came to London from Sweden versed in the theory and practice of Swedish gymnastics as taught by Per Henrik Ling (1776-1881), and introduced his system into British schools, first while working for the London School Board and subsequently by establishing the Dartford College of Physical Training. This paper examines the nature of her thinking, through specific reference to her own manuscripts and publications. It also places her within a wider historical context, thereby highlighting the sources of her ideas. Importantly, it focuses on the series of strategies that she employed, demonstrating how an outsider, by uniting different knowledge forms within physical training, was successful in laying the foundation of the principles of pedagogical practice in schools. (Contains 83 footnotes.)