Savate: French Foot Fighting

Savate is a European equivalent of the Oriental style of weaponless fighting. Like the Oriental unarmed fighting skills, it has sport and street defense applications. Savate derived from a style of kicking technique used by French street fighters at the end of the 19th century.

Another form of Savate was developed for sport use when English-style boxing blows were added to the French-style kicking techniques. As a sport, Savate had a distinguished history and and was practiced by the aristocracy and by individuals in high society. Since the First World War, the practice of Savate as a sport has been limited to a few enthusiasts who maintain exclusive clubs in France. As self-defense, a rough form of Savate is still popular throughout Europe.