history
Savate is a unique and sophisticated martial art that combines both kicking and boxing techniques. Originating in France, Savate is known for its agility, fluidity, and effective combination of punches, kicks, and dynamic footwork.
ORIGINS
Savate, a French word that translates as the “old shoe” or “boot”, traces its origins as a sport 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.
Chausson (Foot Fighting)
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.).
Paris Street-fighting
Soon, Michel Casseux's knowledge in this unique form of street fighting sparked the interest and popularity among many wealthy noblemen like the Duke of Orleans, heir to the French Throne. However, along with his notoriety there also came skepticism. Casseux found himself testing his skills regularly with street fighters, in Paris, France.
Incorporating English Boxing
In addition to the strikes developed by Michael Casseux, Savate later incorporated punching techniques from English boxing. After losing a bout to an English boxer named Owen Swift, Charles Lecour, one of Casseuxs top students in Savate, traveled to London to study English Boxing. Upon studying English boxing, Lecour returned to Paris and opened his own salle or school teaching a unique self-defense system that blended the punching combinations of English boxing with the kicking strikes of Savate.
Boxe Française
This fusion of boxing and Savate was to be known as La Boxe Fraçaise (French kick boxing). Centuries later, Boxe Française Savate has evolved into an exciting ring sport and is widely practiced throughout the world.
