What is savate? The Elegant Art of French Kickboxing
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In the bustling streets of 19th-century Paris, amidst the clatter of carriages and the hum of the city’s nightlife, arose an art of combat that combined elegance with ferocity – Savate. Often dubbed “French kickboxing,” Savate is a fascinating blend of finesse and force, melding English boxing’s punchy vigor with the graceful and precise kicking techniques that are its hallmark.
Origins and Evolution
The journey of Savate traces back to the vibrant ports and streets of France. The very name ‘Savate’ is a nod to the footwear of its practitioners, reminiscent of “old shoes” or “boots” (Britannica, 2022). But how did this martial art evolve into the refined combat sport we recognize today?
Historically, the roots of Savate meander back to the 17th century, where sailors in Marseille, a bustling port city, found themselves mastering a unique style of combat. Dancing and swaying on the decks of ships, these sailors adopted high kicks and open-handed slaps as their preferred method of self-defense, ensuring balance while avoiding the legal ramifications of using deadly closed-fist punches (USSavate).
As the 19th century rolled in, this primitive form of combat underwent significant refinement. Michel Casseux emerged as a key figure, transforming Savate from a raw street-fighting technique into a structured system encompassing open-hand palm strikes, wrestling, and strategically aimed kicks targeting vital areas like the eyes, throat, and groin (USSavate).
However, the real fusion of Savate with formalized boxing techniques occurred with Charles Lecour. After a bout loss to an English boxer named Owen Swift, Lecour ventured to London to master the pugilistic arts. On his return to Paris, he ingeniously amalgamated the punching prowess of English boxing with the artful kicks of Savate, birthing “La Boxe Franรงaise” or French kickboxing (bartitsu.club).
The Art and its Prowess
One cannot speak of Savate without delving into its techniques. Unlike some martial arts that incorporate various parts of the body for striking, Savate shines in its emphasis on footwork. Practitioners, known as “tireurs” for men and “tireuses” for women, harness the power of their feet, delivering blows with precision and grace. Classic maneuvers include the back heel aimed at the stomach and the impressive double mule kick, executed even from a handstand position (Britannica, 2022).
This elegant combat style soon caught the attention of the French elite, including the Duke of Orleans, who became ardent supporters. However, with popularity came challenges. Lecour, like his mentor Casseux, frequently found himself pitted against skeptics and street fighters, further solidifying the legitimacy and prowess of Savate (USSavate).
Competitions and Levels
As with many martial arts, Savate evolved into a structured sport, boasting various levels of competition.
- Assaut: A showcase of skill over force, where participants are evaluated based on technique, tactics, and the number of successful touches (USSavate).
- Pre-combat: Drawing parallels to amateur boxing, fighters wear protective headgear while aiming for a victory either by knockout or judges’ decision.
- Combat: The pinnacle of Savate competition, where fighters eschew headgear and engage in full combat, with matches typically spanning three to five rounds of intense action (USSavate).
A Global Presence
Savate’s influence transcended borders, capturing imaginations far beyond the cobblestone streets of Paris. While it shares parallels with other combat sports like Muay Thai from Thailand and Khmer kickboxing from neighboring Cambodia, Savate’s distinct flair sets it apart (bartitsu.club). This global allure was further cemented when it was showcased as a demonstration sport in the 1924 Olympics held in Paris.
In the grand tapestry of martial arts, Savate stands as a testament to France’s rich cultural and historical landscape. From its humble origins among sailors to its evolution into a globally recognized combat sport, Savate encapsulates the elegance of footwork and the raw power of strategic strikes. As practitioners continue to hone their skills and enthusiasts globally celebrate its artistry, Savate’s legacy remains as vibrant and impactful as ever.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does the term “Savate” mean? | The term “Savate” is reminiscent of “old shoes” or “boots,” alluding to the footwear traditionally worn by its practitioners. It is a French martial art that combines characteristic finesse with powerful kicking techniques. |
| How did Savate evolve into the sport we know today? | Savate’s journey began with sailors in Marseille adopting high kicks and open-handed slaps for self-defense, evolving over time with the significant influence of key figures like Michel Casseux and Charles Lecour, resulting in the fusion of techniques from English boxing. |
| What distinguishes Savate from other combat sports? | Savate stands out with its emphasis on footwork and precise kicking techniques, setting it apart from other combat sports. Its core techniques include footwork-based strikes such as the back heel aimed at the stomach and the double mule kick. |
| Are there different levels of competition in Savate? | Yes, Savate features various levels of competition, including “Assaut,” focused on skill and technique, “Pre-combat,” akin to amateur boxing, and “Combat,” which represents the highest level of intense full-contact matches. |
| Has Savate achieved recognition on a global scale? | Savate has indeed transcended borders, capturing attention globally. It shares similarities with other combat sports while maintaining its distinct flair, and was even showcased as a demonstration sport in the 1924 Olympics held in Paris. |
References:
- Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “savate”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Feb. 2022.
- USSavate
- bartitsu.club
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