Savate

Unleash Your Fitness and Finesse in French Kickboxing

Welcome to the official website for the United States Savate Federation.

Founded in 1994, USSF is the the official governing body for Savate in the U.S.A. and official US representative to the International Savate Federation (F.I.S.). We are a non-profit, educational organization.

What is Savate?

Continuous Learning

Boxe Française or french-kickboxing is a sport, which utilizes footwork, balance, and accuracy in unison with punches and kicks to make and effective form of self-defense and cardiovascular exercise. Whether you are looking to get in shape or have the desire to compete, its training curriculum and levels of competition make the sport both challenging and rewarding.

Community

Joining a membership at USSavate.org offers myriad benefits for those interested in Boxe Française, also known as French kickboxing. This dynamic sport combines the elegance of footwork, balance, and precision with powerful punches and kicks, creating an effective form of self-defense and a heart-pumping cardiovascular workout. In addition, as a member of USSavate.org, you will gain access to a comprehensive training curriculum tailored to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Results

Savate or French boxing is a combat sport that uses foot-fist percussion. Kicks are delivered with all parts of Savate's shoe that cover the foot and punches with the front of the glove and is internationally regulated. Savate is a combat sport born in France that was regulated in the 19th century. Its regulations at the international level have been established and are modified or completed by the FISAV Steering Committee. 

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JoAnn Wabisca

President US Savate Federation

JoAnn Wabisca became one of the first women in the United States to receive the coveted rank of “Silver Glove” (Black Belt Equivalent) in Boxe Francaise Savate in the late 90's. Shortly afterward she was voted the first president of the American Federation of Boxe Francaise Savate, a post that she now carries again, 15 years later!

JoAnn is the head coach of the 2023 U.S. Savate Youth Team who will be competing in the summer of 2023 in Podcetrtek, Slovania.

JoAnn earned instructor’s certification in Muay Thai under Kru Surapuk Jamjuntr and Kru Saekson Janjira and in Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee’s direct student Sifu Jerry Poteet and his wife Sifu Fran Joseph. Even after suffering a debilitating knee injury which led to a complete ACL replacement, in 2003 she won the US Championship in Boxe Francaise Savate, which later led to competition in the World Cup of Boxe Francaise Savate in Plovdiv, Bulgaria where she claimed a world title after fighting 5 times in less than 24 hours.

JoAnn is committed to the growth of Savate in the U.S.A. She believes Savate is a sophisticated form of kickboxing that can be integrated into the curriculum of all martial arts schools.  Due to the intelligently designed rank and teaching curriculum the sport can be practiced without injuries and potential liability and makes training accessible for all age groups and temperaments.