Savate —
art of French boxing
Elegance. Precision. Power. A martial art where feet are the main weapon, and every blow is a work of art.
Learn more ↓What is Savate?
A unique martial art combining elegant footwork with classical boxing
Savate (Savate) is a French martial art officially named “French Boxing Savate” (Boxe Française Savate). It is the only combat sport in the world where kicks are allowed to be delivered exclusively with the foot — not with the shin or knee, as in kickboxing or Muay Thai.
Many believe Savate is European kickboxing. This is a profound mistake. Kickboxing is only a few decades old, while the history of Savate spans over 250 years. The fundamental difference between Savate and other martial arts is the exclusive use of the foot for kicking, making the technique extremely precise and elegant.
Savate is a true art where power is combined with intelligence, and speed with precision.
Controlled contact. Only technique, precision, and speed of strikes are evaluated. Hard blows and knockouts are strictly prohibited.
Full contact. Powerful strikes are allowed, the fight is conducted to victory by points or knockout. The highest level of mastery.
Traditional French cane fencing. Develops amazing coordination, reaction speed, and sense of distance.
History of Savate
The art of defense: from French gentlemen and Parisian streets to Ukrainian recognition
Boxe Française
History of Savate. Art of Defense
How French gentlemen transformed a simple street fight into a refined sport.
An exciting journey from the dangerous alleys of 19th-century Paris to the first professional gyms of Odesa.
The only martial art where shoes are a weapon!
A unique style was born as a harmonious combination of two opposites:
Slippery cobblestones and heavy, rough boots. Kicks are primarily with shoes — low, hard, and highly traumatic, designed for real self-defense on the street.
Soft shoes. Sailors kicked high and dynamically, leaning with one or both hands on the deck or ship ropes for stability during rocking.
Cane fighting replaced the usual swords for nobles, as the latter were banned. This shaped the technique of gentlemanly combat.
First Systematization
Michel Casseux was the first to unite and systematize scattered street techniques.
He opened the first official hall in Paris, where he began teaching self-defense to aristocrats. Thus, the first methodical basis of French boxing was born.
English “Upgrade”
A remarkable merger of two great European boxing schools.
After a series of sparring sessions with English masters, Charles Lecour (a talented student of Michel Casseux) clearly understood: French hand technique was significantly inferior to powerful British boxing. He decided to integrate English boxing into Savate.
Thanks to this synthesis, Savate turned from a simple means of self-defense into a perfect and refined sports discipline.
Obtaining Official Status
Implementation of Savate in the state education system and the army of France.
Instructors of the legendary Joinville military school adapted the Savate technique, turning it into a mandatory military standard for hundreds of thousands of soldiers.
The outstanding master Joseph Charlemont systematized Savate and presented it in textbooks. He published the famous “Treatise”, where he described combat as an exact science based on biomechanics and the geometry of strikes.
Savate vs English Boxing
An historical fight between two leading schools of martial arts.
The son of the prominent Joseph Charlemont, Charles Charlemont, entered the ring against the formidable English boxing champion Jerry Driscoll. Charlemont brilliantly kept his opponent at a distance thanks to long kicks and in the 8th round ended the fight with a decisive, precise kick of his shoe toe into the body — the famous fouetté-piqué.
The English side loudly claimed a foul, but the referee panel officially recognized a clean and undisputed victory for the French fighter.
Olympic Recognition and Saving Heritage
Savate at the Olympics in Paris and recovery after world wars.
In 1924, at the Olympic Games in Paris, Savate gained world recognition, being presented as a demonstration sport. An active participant in those landmark events was the legendary Count Pierre Baruzy — an outstanding 11-time champion of France.
It was Count Baruzzy, along with dedicated enthusiasts, who saved Savate after the devastating world wars of the 20th century. He preserved priceless archives and restored the Federation’s work when only a few active halls remained in all of Paris.
Arrival of Savate in Ukraine
The development of this unique martial art in independent Ukraine began in Odesa, where Savate arrived in the late 80s – early 90s.
First major success: That same year, students of the Odesa club Vitaliy Timofeev and Igor Syrota become silver medalists (vice-champions) of the European Championship.
Odesa Performs at the Gala Tournament in France
An historical match meeting of Ukrainians against the founders of the sport.
Prestigious Gala Tournament in Lorraine (Ligue de Lorraine). Odesa club “Savate” enters the ring against a team assembled from the best fighters of 5 leading clubs in the North of France. Ukrainian athletes won an impressive victory with a score of 3:2 in our favor! The decisive argument of the Odesans was 3 brilliant knockouts.
Foundation and Modern Heritage
During the years of independence, Ukrainian Savate has won over 300 gold, silver, and bronze medals in the most prestigious international arenas.
This outstanding result is a solid and reliable foundation laid by pioneers in Odesa in the glorious 90s, thanks to which Ukraine is now among the world elite of French boxing.
Technique of Savate
Kicks are delivered exclusively with the foot — this is the uniqueness of Savate
Fouetté
Circular kick with the foot. The most common kick in Savate — performed in a circular motion to the head, torso, or leg of the opponent.
Chassé
Direct thrust kick with the foot. Powerful and long-range — ideal for stopping an advancing opponent.
Revers
Reverse circular kick. Performed with the outer part of the foot in a reverse motion — unexpected and technically complex.
Coupé
Kick from top to bottom with the edge of the foot. Usually directed at the shin or thigh — effective at close range.
Savate in 2026
From 19th-century Parisian streets to world recognition
International Recognition
Savate is recognized by GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations). The International Savate Federation (FISav) unites more than 60 countries across all continents. Savate has been submitted for inclusion in the Olympic Games program.
World Combat Games
Savate is an official discipline of the World Combat Games, held under the auspices of SportAccord. This confirms the status of Savate as an elite martial art.
Ukraine on the World Stage
Ukrainian athletes continue to win medals at European and World Championships. Despite the challenges of the war, the federation operates, new clubs are opening, and young talents are reaching the international level.
Сават для кожного
The versatility of Savate allows practicing it at any age. The Assaut discipline (light contact) is suitable for children from 6 years old, women, and everyone who appreciates the beauty of movement without the risk of injury.
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