Savate

Savate – French Martial Arts Style

Savate (or French Kickboxing) is a French martial arts style focused on boxing and kicking. Unlike Muay Thai, knee strikes are not allowed in the tournaments of this martial arts style.

According to the United States Savate Federation, “Savate, translated the old shoe or boot, traces its origins as far back as the 17th century to the streets and seaports of France. As a form of exercise, French sailors practiced stretch-kicks during their long ocean voyages. These kicks were later incorporated into a form of foot fighting called “chausson,” which was used by Napoleons army as a form of punishment to miscreants. Then in the 1800’s, a gentleman named Michel Casseux cultivated Savate into an effective form of self-defense that included such techniques as open hand palm strikes, wrestling, and toe and heel kicks to vital striking areas of the body (i.e.- eyes, throat, groin etc.)”.

Demonstration of Savate Techniques

References Sources

  1. United States Savate Federation, History, http://www.ussavate.org/SocialSite/history, Added – 11/14/2015