savate
Savate is a striking art originating in France. It is commonly described as French boxing, and its training centers on the coordinated use of hand techniques and kicking with shod feet. The kicking element is notably precise in its targeting, and practitioners work to integrate punches and foot strikes into fluid combinations. As a striking discipline, it is practiced both as a competitive sport and as a general method of stand-up unarmed training.
Training in a striking art of this kind typically emphasizes stand-up technique, timing, and the development of coordination between upper and lower body attacks. Practitioners generally drill combinations, footwork, and defensive movement, as these are the foundational elements of striking-based disciplines. Conditioning is also a common component, as the physical demands of delivering and absorbing strikes require a reasonable level of fitness and body control.
Anyone considering savate is encouraged to visit local schools, observe a class in session, and speak with instructors and current students before making a decision. This allows a realistic picture of the training environment and teaching approach. Related striking arts are linked below for those who wish to compare styles within the same broad category.
Gear to expect. Striking training typically calls for gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, and a mouthguard — your school will tell you exactly what, and when. New students rarely need to buy anything for a trial class.
Find your martial art →Related striking styles
Classification and facts from our open-data taxonomy (Wikidata CC0 base + our editorial classification). Where a fact (like origin) isn't recorded, we leave it out rather than guess. Methodology.