savate

Savate (pronounced Savat) also known as Boxe Française (French Boxing) is a French combat sport and self-defense style which uses a combination of boxing techniques and kicking striking.

Strikes in Savate are delivered with closed fists, protected by gloves without laces, and foot kicks using reinforced shoes. The entire body, with the exception of the groin, throat, neck, spine, knees, and chest for women can be used as a target. In its competitive form, unlike in similar combat sports like Muay Thai and Kickboxing, Savate doesn’t allow shin kicks, knees, and elbow strikes; however, these techniques are widely used in its self-defense style.

There are two different ways to compete in Savate: Assaut and Combat. The first one is a light contact style where strikes are delivered with control and KOs are prohibited. Bouts are determined by the number of touches landed and a fighter’s overall techniques. The second form, Combat, allows full execution of all legal techniques with the intent of knocking out an adversary.