When we think of kickboxing, our minds often drift to the brutal effectiveness of Muay Thai or the dynamic power of Dutch Kickboxing.
However, there’s another kickboxing style that deserves recognition for its unique approach and rich history: Savate, the French art of kickboxing.
Let’s explore the evolution of this elegant yet formidable martial art.
The Origins of Savate
Savate, pronounced “sa-vat,” has its roots in the streets of France in the early 19th century. The word “savate” itself comes from an old French word meaning “old shoe” or “boot,” which hints at the art’s distinctive use of foot strikes.
Unlike many Asian martial arts that developed from military or monastic traditions, Savate emerged from a blend of street fighting techniques and sailors’ combat methods. It was primarily practiced by the working class in Paris and port cities, where it gained a reputation as a practical and effective form of self-defense.
From Street Fighting to Refined Art
In the 1820s, a man named Michel Casseux opened the first official Savate club in Paris. He began to codify the techniques and introduce a more systematic approach to training. This marked the beginning of Savate’s transformation from a street fighting method to a refined martial art.
Charles Lecour, one of Casseux’s students, played a crucial role in this evolution. After witnessing English boxing, Lecour decided to incorporate its hand techniques into Savate. This fusion of French kicking techniques with English boxing created what we now know as modern Savate or French boxing.
The Golden Age and Decline
Savate experienced a golden age in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It became popular among the French upper classes and was even included as a demonstration sport in the 1924 Paris Olympics. However, the two World Wars had a devastating impact on Savate. Many practitioners lost their lives in the conflicts, and the art nearly disappeared.
Revival and Modern Practice
After World War II, a dedicated group of practitioners worked tirelessly to revive Savate. Their efforts paid off, and by the 1970s, Savate had regained much of its former popularity in France. Today, it’s practiced worldwide and is recognized as an official sport by the International Olympic Committee, although it’s not yet an Olympic event.
Distinctive Techniques of Savate
What sets Savate apart from other kickboxing styles? Let’s look at some of its unique characteristics:
- Footwear: Unlike most martial arts, Savate is traditionally practiced wearing shoes. This allows for distinctive kicking techniques that utilize the toe, heel, and sole of the shoe.
- Kicks: Savate is known for its wide array of kicks, including the iconic fouetté (a round kick), chassé (a piston-action kick), and revers (a hook kick performed with the sole of the shoe).
- Punches: While kicks are prominent, Savate also incorporates a full range of boxing punches, making it a well-rounded striking art.
- Footwork: Savate places a strong emphasis on fluid, graceful footwork. Practitioners are taught to move with elegance and efficiency, often likened to a form of combat ballet.
- Open-Handed Techniques: In addition to closed-fist punches, Savate includes open-handed strikes for self-defense situations.
Savate vs. Other Kickboxing Styles
As we explored in our previous post on “Muay Thai vs. Dutch Kickboxing”, each kickboxing style has its unique flavor. Savate differs from Muay Thai and Dutch Kickboxing in several ways:
- Savate doesn’t use elbow or knee strikes, which are staples in Muay Thai.
- The kicking techniques in Savate are more varied and often more acrobatic than those in Dutch Kickboxing.
- Savate’s footwork is generally more mobile and fluid compared to the more planted stance often seen in Muay Thai.
Training in Savate Today
While not as widespread as some other martial arts, Savate is gaining popularity worldwide. Training typically involves:
- Footwork drills to develop agility and balance
- Technical practice of kicks and punches
- Padwork to improve power and accuracy
- Sparring (known as “assault” in Savate) to apply techniques in a dynamic setting
- Fitness training to build the stamina needed for high-energy bouts
Conclusion
Savate’s journey from the streets of Paris to a globally recognized martial art is a testament to its effectiveness and appeal. Its unique blend of graceful movement and powerful strikes offers practitioners a distinctive approach to kickboxing.
Whether you’re a martial arts enthusiast looking to expand your skillset or someone intrigued by the idea of “combat ballet,” Savate offers a fascinating world to explore. While it may not be as readily available as some other styles, the growing interest in this French art means that more and more schools are opening up worldwide, including here in Austin.
By understanding the evolution and unique aspects of styles like Savate, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of martial arts. Each style, with its own history and techniques, contributes to the ever-evolving world of combat sports and self-defense.
