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With the
development of Savate Defense, we return to
the source and even origin of Savate (Boxe
Francaise). Contrary to the sport of Savate
BF where the strikes are codified within a
set of rules, original savate did not
encompass any limitations on techniques. In
order to survive a physical confrontation,
efficiency and total brutality was the goal
in order to incapacitate the aggressor and
survive relatively intact. Projections,
sweeps, eye gouging, groin strikes, and low
line kicks were the essence of this reality
based fighting system.
It is
difficult to retrace the exact origins of
savate and one cannot say with absolute
conviction if it is a result of a mix of
styles between Lutte Parisienne and Chausson
Marseillais. We know that these styles were
used and were written about in documents
that proclaim its efficiency in a street
fight, particularly the ones in the second
half of the 18th century that relate to the
exploits of a street fighter turned
policeman, the legendary Fran‡ois Vidocq
(1775-1857).
Many
master savatiers taught the art of savate to
people who are now historical figures. A
great writer in French literature such as
Th‚ophile Gautier was the student of Louis
Leboucher. Alexandre Dumas practiced with
Master Charles Lecour. Leboucher and Lecour
stayed very close to the origin in their
teaching methods of savate defense
integrating lethal strikes, projections and
grappling holds. The era of Charlemont was
to begin; he codified, popularized and
pioneered savate boxe francaise so that it
became a sport fighting system that
incorporated only strikes and sweeps.
In 1994
Jean Houèl, president of F.F.B.F.S.D.A.,
and of the Comit‚ Directeur Fédéral,
decided in the official creation of Savate-Défense.
A discipline that was non sportive and
reflected its true origins. The ingredients
necessary were researched, studied, analyzed
and tested in order to develop this modern
method that was really from us, so that we
can learn to defend ourselves.' ¯ Masters
like Pierre Chagne, last surviving
specialist of Lutte Parisienne, and Lucien
Batigne were contributors to this modern
development. Specialists like Eric
Qu‚quet, Patrick Appino, Jean-Michel
Raymond, Éric Tiersonnier, Brice Vercelot,
Christian Pieyre and Ren‚ Pala all helped
in the rebirth of Savate-Défense. Special
merit to Éric Quéquet who did a majority
of research within this domain, Quéquet
further developed and incorporated the
psychological component which happens when
aggression and stress are factored in a
reality based situation. He puts it all into
practice and incorporates this in his:
Acad‚mie des Arts de Combat (ADAC) |
