Boxe Franaise Savate

Students Manual

Club website www.savate.dsl.pipex.com

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La Boxe Franaise Savate

Introduction
This manual has been collated to give the Boxe Franaise Savate Student a central
reference source with which to build their knowledge and understanding of this truly
fascinating fighting art.

History of Savate
The origins of Savate can be traced back to the end of the 18th century.
It is thought that by the 1800s La Savate was being used as a simple street fighting
art that utilised open hand strikes and kicks.
There are many articles which trace the origins of Savate, but most seem to agree that
the art developed in the tough streets of Marseilles.
It is not known what exact influences moulded the style but it is speculated that sailors
returning from the orient and the influence of Basque fighting due to the population of
Basques in southern France, are the principle shapers.
The first detailed study of these fighting styles that were emerging in Marseilles was
made by Michel Cassuex in about 1820. He noted that some of the kicks used, had a very
definite and precise mechanism and were not simply the result of throwing a leg out.
Cassuex introduced Savate Marseilles, as it was then known, to Paris. He opened up a
Salle or practice gym in Courtille, which attracted some interest from the fashionable
elements of society that existed at that time, for example, the Duke of Orleans is
thought to have trained in the art.
It was one of Cassuexs pupils, Charles Lecour, who is accredited with introducing the
English style of closed fist punches, after he himself was beaten in a match by the
English boxer, Owen Swift. It is said that Charles went to England to study Boxe
Anglais and later returned to Paris. Bruce Tegner accredits Hubert Lecour (Charles
Lecours brother) with this in his book entitled Savate: French Foot and Fist Fighting.
But we will go with the majority view and assume Charles introduced the closed fist
punch. Thus La Boxe Franaise was born.

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La Boxe Franaise incorporated English boxing rules within its mandate, where these
applied to punches and the legacy of these rules is found today.
A number of exponents of Savate came onto the scene at this time, such as Hubert
Lecour and Louis Vigneron. But it was Joseph Charlemont who was to have a lasting
influence on the sport.
Charlemont taught Boxe Franaise alongside La Canne in Paris, but he had to flee into
exile following the defeat of the republicans (whom he backed) at the hands of the
monarchists. He settled in Belgium and opened boxing schools there which became highly
successful, and he published his first book on French Boxing methods.
Following the establishment of the Third Republic, Charlemont received an amnesty and
returned to Paris and went about setting up further schools until French Boxing reached
the height of its popularity just before the outbreak of the First World War.
By this time his son Charles Charlemont, had gained notoriety within the sport along with
other notables such as Victor Castres and Georges Carpentier.
By the end of the 19th Century it was estimated that there was more than 100,000
practitioners of La Boxe Franaise. Sadly the two intervening Great wars nearly wiped
out the sport and it is thanks to one man, La Comte Pierre Baruzy, whose enthusiasm and
commitment, that kept the sport going.
Today there are over 40,000 practitioners around the world and the sport is once again,
gaining popularity, especially across Europe.
The word Savate literally means the slang for Old Shoe. Today, in recognition that
Savate developed from a self defence system, the self defence aspect of the art is
referred to as Savate Defence, whereas the ring sport is known as La Boxe Franaise in
order to avoid confusion. Collectively, the title Boxe Franaise Savate is used
Organisation of Savate
Today Savate is an internationally practiced combat sport. The principal governing body
is Fdration Internationale de Savate (F.I.S). This international organisation was
formally constituted on the 23rd March 1985.
Each country has its own Federation which is affiliated to the F.I.S.
In Great Britain, this is the Great Britain Savate Federation (GBSF). In France it is the
Fdration Franaise de Savate, Boxe Franaise et D.A (FFSbf & DA). The initials DA
stand for Disciplines Assimiles or Associated Disciplines. Within the French Federation
resides the martial art element of Savate, which is represented by Savate Defence,
Grand Baton, La Canne, and Savate Forme. Similar arrangements exist within other
national federations.

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Savate in Great Britain

Today, Savate in Great Britain is managed under the careful guidance of the Great
Britain Savate Federation (GBSF) which is a fully affiliated Federation to the F.I.S.
The GBSF is able to sanction its own leagues, such as the Assaut league, which is
currently held over three events each year. It is also able to grade its members and
train instructors.
The GBSF provides a focus for the promotion of Savate in this country. It is through
the GBSF that instructors gain certification and insurance in order to enable them to
open clubs and promote the sport regionally.
Students are required to join the GBSF before they can grade. Such membership
carries with it member to member insurance and in addition each instructor is required
to have professional indemnity insurance. Through such controls the integrity and
standards of excellence are maintained which compare favourably to other martial
arts/sports associations.

Equipment
The uniform of a Savateur typically reflects a flamboyant French style.
Savateurs wear an all in one polyester intergrale garment that is extremely
comfortable to train and fight in.

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Another unique piece of equipment used by the Savateur is the boot or

Chaussure worn on the feet. Unlike English boxing boots, they have a thicker
sole and edge to them. These boots serve a dual purpose. Firstly to protect the
feet so kicks can be delivered with force without fear of injury and secondly, to
provide a penetrating tip, slashing edge or stamping heel to focus the power and
precision of the kick itself.

Other items of equipment are similar to those found in English boxing. Standard
boxing gloves may be used (regulated by weight class in competitions) or a unique
French Boxing glove may be used which have extra protection around the cuff to
mitigate the effects of blocking kicks delivered with the French boxing boot

Shin pads, groin and bust guards and gum shield are the same as used in other
fighting sports

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Boxe Franaise Techniques

General kicking
"THE CHASSE"

Chasse kicks are straight line kicks that travel with a piston like action,
pushing out from you to hit a target then returning to a flexed position along
the same line or trajectory. There are two forms of Chasse kick, Frontal and
Lateral
Chasse Lateral. Lift the knee of the kicking foot towards its opposite
shoulder, (left knee to right shoulder or vice versa) this motion will cause you to
pivot on the supporting leg. Turn the outside edge of the striking leg towards
ceiling, calf pressed against thigh. Thekicking foot should now be pushed out
towards its intended target. After hitting target pull leg back to flex before
either kicking again or placing the foot down.
It is possible to jump, skip or spin into a Chasse Lateral.
When using the left leg to kick with, use a strong left arm guard or vice versa
using right leg.
Target areas for Chasse kicks.
Bas: Front face of legs. (Above the knee but below groin.)
Median: Front of body. (Stomach, solar plexus and sternum.)
Figure: Front of head / face.

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This illustration shows a fighter delivering a Chasse Lateral to mid section and
head. In all of these illustrations the left arm should be slightly more bent at
the elbow to create better protection for the head

This illustration shows a fighter delivering a Chasse Lateral Bas, in the first
picture his left knee is raised towards the right shoulder, which causes the
fighter to pivot upon his supporting leg. He then pushes the sole /heel of the
striking leg straight at the target area, if kick is aimed at low line target (as in
this illustration) the supporting leg is bent to increase reach and lower centre of
gravity.

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This illustration shows a chasse marche croise moving to adjust distance

between kicker and opponent. Note the right leg crosses behind the kicking leg
before being raised to its opposite shoulder, in this illustration the kick is aimed
at mid section

Chasse Frontal: When delivering this kick, remain square on to opponent. Raise
kicking legs knee towards its same shoulder, (left knee to left shoulder or vice
versa) push the heel or sole of the striking foot towards proposed target. After
hitting target pull leg back to flex before either kicking again or placing the
foot down. The kicker should keep both arms flexed in front of them, elbows
touching each other to protect against possible incoming attacks

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This illustration shows the kicker chambering the knee before delivering a
Chasse Frontal to mid section. To increase the efficiency of this kick the
kickers hips and shoulders should be in line with each other. In order to gain
distance, a skip or forward jump can be added from the chambered position, as
the supporting foot should touches the ground the fully extended kicking leg
hits its target.

In this illustration the kicker has jump / skipped into a chasse lateral to the
head, the fully extended kicking leg should contact with the target at the same
time as the supporting leg touches the floor. The skipping / jumping motion
makes this saute kick a very powerful technique, if aimed at the mid section it
can create a lot of room between fighters, by pushing one fighter clear across
the ring.

Sweep kicking "THE COUP DE PIED BAS"

This kick has two purposes that are different depending upon whether you use
the front or rear leg to perform the kick. In both cases the kicking leg pivots

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from the hip and remains fully extended, the foot acting like a match striking
across the floor, lifting from the floor at the last possible moment and striking
just above the opponents ankle.

Front leg coup pied bas: This kick is used to sweep opponents feet away from
beneath them. It travels in a circular motion and the inside, front third of the
foot is used to make contact. It must strike below the knee but to be effective
the lower the better.
Rear leg coup pied bas: This kick is used to attack the shin/ankle area of an
opponent. The foot is dragged across the floor then flicked up off the
ground at the last moment in a straight line towards the target. The inside,
front third of the foot is used to make contact; this is a very effective self
defence kick and is the only kick effective at very close range.

In this illustration the kicker starts from a stance position, delivers a Coup de
pied bas using his rear leg, and then returns to stance. Note the chin is tucked
in as kicker strikes; this kick is a close range kick so care must be taken to
ensure the chin is not exposed to attack.

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In this illustration the kicker is trying to unbalance his opponent with a coup de
pied bas kick using the front leg. Note the pendulum motion, as the foot sweeps,
the head and shoulders pull back out of punching range.
Reverse kicking "THE REVERS"
There are two types of revers kick these are frontal and lateral - both are
circular motion kicks but use different parts of the foot to strike the desired
target. To increase power to both revers kicks it is simple and effective to
either add a spinning movement before the kick or to utilise the spinning motion
of a missed fouette kick!
Revers frontal: Standing square - on to the opponent swing the fully
extended kicking leg across your other leg in a circular, crescent motion from
the hip. When the desired height is reached pull the leg sideways striking the
target with the outside edge of the foot (gain extra reach by pointing the toes
towards the target) Complete the full circle and place the foot back on the
ground, maintain a square - on stance at all times during the kick.

Target areas for all Revers kicks:

Bas: Interior or exterior of the legs. (Above knee level but below hip/ groin)
Median: Sides of the body, prime target is lower or floating rib. If a sidestep

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or decalage movement is employed just before kicking it is possible to hit the

centre/ front of an opponent.
Figure: Sides of head. If a sidestep or decalage movement is employed just
before kicking it is possible to hit an opponent full in the face!

Here the kicker performs a revers to the head of an opponent using his front
leg; the opponent has blocked the kick using his left glove to protect against the
kick. The kicker in the illustration is not well organised in his defence, the arms
ought to be flexed and in front of his body

This next illustration shows a revers frontal kick to the head using the rear leg.
Revers lateral: Standing square - on to the opponent swing the fully
extended kicking leg across your other leg in a circular motion from the hip.
When the desired height is reached pivot on the supporting leg so the toes of
this foot point away from the opponent and turn the outside edge of the kicking

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leg towards the ceiling. At this point you will be side-on to your opponent now
pull the kicking leg back to the closed position slapping the target with the sole
of the foot.
The finish position of a revers lateral is the start position for a fouette kick
so the two kicks can easily be put together to form a two kick combination.

Here the kicker is completing a Revers Lateral bas, the sole of the foot
slapping the inner thigh of his opponent.

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Here the kicker is completing a Revers Lateral to the mid section, the sole of
the foot slapping the side / floating rib of his opponent. Notice the full
extension of the kicking leg; this keeps the kickers head out of punch range and
therefore safe.

A Revers Lateral to the head, the sole of the foot slapping the side his
opponents glove, the fully extended kicking leg keeps the kickers head out of
punching range

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In this illustration the kicker has spun into a revers frontal to mid section, the
spinning motion is the same for all spin kicks. The kicker could have aimed at
any height target.
Circular Motion Kick "THE FOUETTE"
The Fouette kick is a circular motion kick that travels in a horizontal arc. To
perform the kick you raise the striking leg with knee bent. As you do this pivot
on your supporting leg and point the knee of striking leg, outside edge
uppermost, at proposed target. Your calf muscle should at this point be touching
your thigh; this position is known as chambered in English or arme in French.
Finally whip open the striking leg to fully extended hitting your target.
A. The upper toe area of your boot for training or assaut.
B. The tip or point of the boot for self - defence or full contact competitions.
It is important to pull the leg back immediately after hitting the target and
either kick again or place it back on the floor in the position required. Do not
just let the leg drop after hitting target, as this will leave you open to be
swept using Coup de Pied Bas.

Target areas for the fouette kick:

Bas: Interior or exterior of the legs. (Above knee level but below hip/ groin)
Median: Sides of the body, prime target is lower or floating rib. If a sidestep
or decalage movement is employed just before kicking it is possible to hit the
centre/ front of an opponent.
Figure: Sides of head. If a sidestep or decalage movement is employed just
before kicking it is possible to hit an opponent full in the face!

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1. This illustration shows a kicker in the chambered or arme position, he

is giving no indication as to where the kick will land. Inexperienced
fighters will look at where they want to kick, an experienced fighter will
read this information and move to the best position to counter against
the attack

2. This illustration shows a fouette bas using the front (left) leg. Note the
kickers slightly flexed supporting leg, which lowers his centre of balance
and gives him extra reach. His arms are flexed to guard against a
possible counter attack

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3. Here left the kicker is delivering a fouette median using his front or left
leg. Note position of right or supporting legs foot. It is important that
this foot points away from your opponent.

4. Here right the kicker is delivering a fouette figure / head using his front
or left leg. Note position of right or supporting legs foot. It is
important that this foot points away from your opponent. When kicking to
body or head the supporting leg should not be bent at the knee.

The Savate Punches

Jab & Cross "DIRECT"

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Jab. (Direct Bras Avant)

A straight punch given with the lead arm. When delivering the punch, the pelvis
and shoulders are utilized by the action of pivoting on the ball of the front foot.
This gives added range and power.
Cross. (Direct Bras Arriere)
Another straight punch but this time given with the rear arm. Once again, when
punching the pelvis and shoulders are utilised by the action of pivoting on the
ball of the rear foot.
With both punches, the chin is tucked against the collar bone with sight fixed
along the striking arm. The glove of the other arm is held in protection to guard
the jaw line. Once the target is struck, the striking arm is retracted quickly to
reform ones guard.
These two long-range punches are the most commonly used hand techniques in
nearly all fighting arts. The Jab is an excellent opening punch when putting
together any punch combination; it is often thrown as a dummy or feint to draw
an opponents attention.

This illustration shows a Jab and a Cross to the head; note the positioning of the
feet.

Competitions in Savate
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In Savate there are three levels of competition/sparring

Assaut or light contact for Red Glove and above (Normally 3x1.30mins).
In an assaut competition there are three judges that award points for not only, hits to
target areas but also variety, style and control of techniques, fighters must wear
protection in the form of groin protection and mouth guard, but shin pads and head
guards are optional. The use of uncontrolled power will result in disqualification.
Combat or full contact for Silver Glove student, European and World Championships.

(5x2mins). At this level most fights end with a clear winner but the points system is still
used to decide in uncertain bouts. Fighters use full power blows and are not allowed any
protection to the head or legs. Gum shields and groin protectors are obligatory. Shin
pads and a head guard are forbidden

Pre-Combat or full contact, but with the requirement to wear Shin-pads and a head
guard

At present, in Great Britain, sparring, club and inter-club competitions are in Assaut
only. Although Red Glove is required to enter Assaut competitions in Europe, this is not
yet a requirement in Great Britain. Sparring within the club is based upon the Assaut
regime and is open to all glove grades at the discretion of the Club Coach

Rank Structure in Savate

Grades are represented by a patch worn on the Integrale or training
clothes of the Savateur.
Technical ranks: blue, green, red, white, yellow, Technical Silver 1,2,3 (extremely rarely
awarded). (A purple glove is sometime awarded to individuals less than sixteen years of
age. Those individual have to retake an exam once they reach the age of 18 years of age
in order to be awarded the silver glove.
Competition ranks: Bronze and Competition Silver (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Competition rank are
awarded based on the number of wins/ losses
Honorific Ranks:
Honorific ranks have nothing to do with technical or competitive abilities. Eligibility is
based on exceptional services rendered for the name of Savate. Only 2 honorific rank
can be awarded, they are the "vermilion glove and the golden glove"
Aside from this ranking there is no other kind of glove ranking.
A wrist band and or a chest badge can be worn to designate the corresponding rank of
an individual. However, in competition or seminar, the badge must be worn on the left
side of the Savateurs' chest.

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Savate Ranks in Context

Ranks in Savate do not have any formal equivalence to Grades awarded in Martial Arts,
i.e. Blue Glove (Gant Bleu) is not equivalent to White Belt. Glove ranking in Savate is an
indication of the Savateurs technical knowledge and ability. In other words it is an
indication of how good the Savateur is. However, it is widely regarded that the Rank of
Yellow Glove (Gant Jaune) is broadly equivalent to the black belt (1st Dan) of other
fighting arts. In this context, Silver Glove (Gant DArgent) 3 would represent a
Masters Black Belt Grade in other fighting arts and the Silver Glove (Gant DArgent) 1
and 2 would represent the intermediate black belts grades up to the level of Master.

Technical Ranks Structure

Awarding of Technical Ranks:
Technical ranks are awarded by a panel of instructors at GBSF sanctioned grading
events. Savateurs can start to compete in Assault competitions once they have reached
the red glove level and for Combat competitions yellow glove is the GBSF recommended
minimum grade

Gant Bleu (Blue Glove) Beginners Grade 1

To be able to touch an opponent.

Gant Vert (Green Glove) Beginners Grade 2

To be able to touch an opponent after blocking an attack.
To recognise an attack, to be able to defend and counter it.

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Gant Rouge (Red Glove) Intermediate Grade 1

(Eligible to Enter Assaut Competitions)

To be able to touch an open target whilst being attacked.

To be able to anticipate the attack and choose the most appropriate defence (block,
parry, side-step etc.) in order to reach an unprotected open target
This glove is an important milestone allows students to commence Instructor Training,
including the Judging and Refereeing course.

Gant Blanc (White Glove) Intermediate Grade 2

To be able to touch an open target before being touched.

To be able to anticipate an attack and counter before opponent has completed his / her
attacking technique.
Pre-requisite for this grade is completion of the Judging and Refereeing Course

Gant Jaune (Yellow Glove) Senior Grade

(Eligible to Enter Pre-Combat Competitions)

To be able to create an open target and touch it before being touched.

To be able to create an unprotected target by using a feint or 'dummy' and then to
touch that target, with an appropriate technique, without being countered.
Considered to be Savates equivalent of a Black Belt

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Gant DArgent (Silver Glove) Expert Grade

To be able to create open targets on an opponent and to touch those unprotected
targets using advanced techniques, before being touched or countered.
To be able to 'flow' with a partner in sparring (assaut).

There are 3 degrees of Silver Glove

Gant DArgent - 1 Technical

Gant DArgent - 2 Technical

Gant DArgent - 3 Technical

Competition Rank Structure

Competition rank can only be achieved by competing in Combat (full contact) and PreCombat competitions.
You may only compete in Combat if you have a competition rank of Bronze Glove (Gant
DBronze) or higher.

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We do not presently have a competition rank structure in Great Britain although

members of the Great Britain Savate Federation have fought in France and hold
competition ranks
Competition ranks are delivered by the regional, Federal, or international commission
according to the following criteria:
Just participating in an official competition allows the fighter to earn 1 Point (except
if the fighter has been disqualified)
Each victory allows the fighter to earn an additional 2 points toward his competition
rank.
Victory by "forfeit" (i.e.: in case opponent doesn't show up for the fight) allow the
fighter to only earn an additional point (i.e.: 2 points).

The Bronze Glove: This is the first competition rank. To achieve the rank of Bronze
Glove the fighter must compete in Pre-Combat competitions. Successfully achieving
Bronze Glove allows the fighter to access combat competition. The fighter must have at
least a yellow glove and be registered by the professeur or the moniteur of his/her club.
If those criteria are completed then the fighter needs only to cumulate a total of 10
competition points with at least a minimum of one victory in order to earn the bronze
glove. The official delegate will have to complete page 11 of the passport at each of the
fights.
Competition Silver Gloves (1-5) are delivered at the end of each competition season by
a federal commission. To obtain Competition Silver Glove 1 the Savateur needs to
achieve a minimum of 10 points, using the same points system described above. A
minimum of 2 victories are required in this points tally. For each additional degree, the
fighter needs to gain 10 additional points with at least 2 victories each time.
Following the acquisition of the 3 Silver Glove the competitor can enter the national
series.

Gant Bronze Competition

(Pre-Combat)

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Gant DArgent - 1 - Competition

(Combat)

Gant DArgent - 2 - Competition

(Combat)

Gant DArgent - 3 - Competition

(Combat)

Gant DArgent - 4 - Competition

(Combat)

Gant DArgent - 5 - Competition

(Combat)

Instructor Rank Structure

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Shown below are the Instructor rank patches for the Initiateur and Moniteur levels of
instructor

In Savate there are four ranks of Instructor, although the grade Arbitre is for Judges
and Referees. Shown below are the French Federation rank patches for Arbitre and
Professeur. Traditionally, the Initiateur rank is an Assistant Instructor or Provisional
Instructor ranking and Moniteur is a club instructor. Instructor ranking is only achieved
after having completed an instructor training programme comprising 8 compulsory and 2
optional units. The rank of Red Glove is a mandatory requirement for starting instructor
training

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THE GRADING PROCESS

It is to the students advantage to pick a partner of similar size and to practice with
this partner regularly before taking a grade.
All gradings are carried out before a panel of three examiners and involve:
Set Moves Attack & Defend procedures.
Themed Assaut Light contact sparring under a set theme.
Free Assaut - Light contact sparring.
SET MOVES.
For this section the pair of students are given roughly 30 seconds to demonstrate a set
move from the syllabus sheets. Both students must show the roles of attacker and
defender
THEMED ASSAUT
Once again both students are required to demonstrate the roles of attacker and
defender.

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Grading Requirements

Blue Glove testing requirements

Execution of the fundamental blows in a situation with a partner in
motion and in a limited area.
Section A SET MOVES
Person A
Person B
1)
front leg

Move to correct distance and deliver Chasse Frontal bas using

Avoid by moving leg inwards (left over right)

2) Move to the correct distance and deliver Fouette median using
front leg

Block by dropping elbow and covering with fore-arm

3) Sidestep (decalage) and deliver Fouette median using front leg.

Block using forearms and reply with Chasse Lateral bas

4) Sidestep (Decalage) and deliver Fouette median using rear leg

Block or avoid being hit by moving and reply using same technique.
5) Move to correct distance and Jab to the face

Block or parry and reply using same technique.

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6) Move to the correct distance and deliver right cross to the head

Avoid being touched by moving the body only (slip) and reply using the
same technique
7) Move to the correct distance and deliver Chasse Lateral or
Frontal bas using the rear leg.

Avoid being touched by moving to side (Decalage) and reply with Fouette
median (either leg)
8) Move to the correct distance and deliver Revers Median (frontal
or lateral) using front leg.
Block and reply with fouette bas using rear leg

9) Move to the correct distance and deliver coup de pied bas using
rear leg

Avoid being touched by lifting leg and reply with any one of the following
techniques: Fouette median, Chasse bas or right cross to the head
10) Move to correct distance and deliver Chasse Lateral median
Parry and reply using Fouette bas using either leg

Section B - THEMED ASSAUT (2 x 1 minute rounds)

A.
B.

Simple attacks to leg or body targets only

Avoid, block or parry
Instructors to determine which two single techniques can be used from
this list: Jab, cross, fouette, chasse, revers or coup de pied bas
Section C - FREE ASSAUT (2 x 1 minute rounds)

A.
B.

Attack and defend under assaut conditions

Attack and defend under assaut conditions

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Section D COMBINATIONS
1.
Chasse Lateral bas + Fouette median (Same leg)
2.
Fouette median rear leg + sidestep Fouette median front leg
3.
Right cross to the head + left jab to the head + Fouette
median using front leg
4.
Revers Lateral median front leg + left jab and right cross to
the head
5.
Coup de pied bas + sidestep Chasse bas with other leg.

Green Glove testing requirements

Acquisition of a correct coordination in the simple combination (in a
situation with a partner in a limited area) and mastering a static balance.
Section A SET MOVES
Person A
Person B
1) Move to the correct distance and deliver Chasse median (Lateral
or Frontal) using rear leg
Parry or block + reply with any singular technique ( Punch or Kick)
2) Move to correct distance and deliver Revers Lateral median using
rear leg
Parry or block + reply with any singular technique (Punch or Kick)
3) Move to correct distance and deliver Fouette bas using rear leg
Avoid being touched and reply with same technique
4) Move to correct distance and deliver right hook to head
Avoid being touched using bob and weave + reply either left hook or
right uppercut to the body

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5) Move to correct distance and deliver Revers Lateral bas with

front leg
Avoid being touched by lifting leg + reply with right cross
6) Move to correct distance and deliver left jab to the body
Parry using right forearm + reply left jab to the head
7) Move to correct distance and deliver right cross to body
Parry using left forearm + reply right hook to head
8) Move to correct distance and deliver Coup de pied bas (sweep
front leg)
Avoid by lifting leg + reply Fouette median using rear leg
9) Move to correct distance and deliver Revers Tournant Lateral
median or figure
Parry in opposition then reply with hook using other arm
10) Move to correct distance and deliver Chasse Tournant Lateral
bas or median
Parry in opposition and reply with rear hand swing
Section B - THEME ASSAUT (2 x 1 Minute rounds)
Round 1
A = Attack using any kick technique
B = Parry or avoid then reply with any technique
Round 2
A = Attack using any punch technique
B = Parry or avoid then reply with any technique

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Section C - FREE ASSAUT (2 x 1 Minute rounds)

A . Attack and defend under assaut conditions
B. Attack and defend under assaut conditions
Section D COMBINATIONS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Coup de pied bas + double Fouette median using same leg

Right cross to the head + Chasse Frontal median front leg
Revers median rear leg, land forward (right stance) + left jab to head
Fouette bas + Chasse median (same leg)
Left jab + Left hook to head + right hook to head
Revers Lateral bas front leg, sidestep + Chasse median other leg
Double jab to head + right cross to body
Jab to head + right hook to head + jab to body
Jab to head + Coup de pied bas (sweep front leg)
Revers Lateral bas + Fouette median (same leg)

Red Glove testing requirements

Demonstrate mastery of dynamic balance in a situation with a partner in
motion and in a limited area
Person A
Person B
Section A SET MOVES
1.

Move to correct distance and deliver right hook to head

Block using front arm and reply with same technique

2.

Move to correct distance and deliver left hook to head

Avoid being touched by moving body only and reply left jab to head

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3.

Skip into Chasse median

Avoid being touched by moving inside and reply with Chasse bas using
front leg

4.

Skip into Fouette to head using front leg

Block and at same time deliver Chasse Lateral bas using front leg

5.
leg

Move to correct distance and deliver Revers Frontal using rear

Avoid being touched by moving body only and reply with Fouette using
front leg
6.

Move to correct distance and deliver right hook to body

Block using front forearm, then decalage and deliver right cross to head

7.

Move to correct distance and deliver left hook to body

Block using rear arm then decalage and deliver left and right hooks to
head

8.

Deliver jumping Fouette median using front leg

Block with rear arm and reply Coup de pied bas (sweep) using rear leg

9.

Skip into Chasse bas using front leg

Avoid being touched by moving to the outside and then reply with jab and
cross to head

10.

Move to correct distance and deliver Revers Tournant bas

Avoid being touched by moving backwards then reply with skip Chasse
Section B - THEME ASSAUT (2 x 1.30 Minute rounds)
A = Attack using any two move combination attack (must be K+K,
K+P, P+K or P+P)
B = Parry or avoid then reply with any one move counter attack

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Section C - FREE ASSAUT (3 x 1.30 Minute rounds)

A . Attack and defend under assaut conditions
B. Attack and defend under assaut conditions
Section D COMBINATIONS
1.
Right hook + left hook
2.
Skip Chasse median front leg + Fouette rear leg
3.
Skip Fouette Median, place foot down + Chasse tournant median
4.
Revers Frontal front leg + jab/cross + Coup de pied bas
5.
Coup de pied bas (attack) + jumping Fouette to head with other leg
6.
Left hook to head + right uppercut to body + left jab to head
7.
Fouette using front leg + right cross, alter distance + left hook hook
to head
8.
Fouette bas using rear leg + jumping Fouette median using front leg
9.
Jumping Chasse bas using front leg + jab/cross to body
10.
Revers tournant bas, place foot to side + Fouette median with other
leg + right cross to head.

White Glove Testing Requirements

Section A SET MOVES
Mastery of distance in all combinations (in a situation with a partner, in
motion and in a limited area)
Person A
Person B
1. Jumping Chasse bas using front leg + Revers Frontal figure using
rear leg + jab/cross
Block or avoid kicks then reply with uppercut using rear arm + any other
single technique

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2. Right cross to head + left jab to head + Revers Frontal tournant

using rear leg + Coup de pied bas.
Avoid being touched by moving backwards, reply with jumping Chasse bas
using rear leg + any punch technique
3. Not specified
4. Deliver jumping Revers Lateral to head using front leg + Chasse
median using rear leg
Avoid the Revers, parry the Chasse and then reply with Revers Lateral
tournant bas
5. Deliver a Chasse Lateral tournant bas + Fouette median with
other leg + double right cross + jab to head
Escape from the Chasse, block the Fouette and punches then reply with
jab to head + Chasse Frontal bas using front leg
6. Deliver a jumping Fouette bas using front leg + sidestep + right
hook + jab to head
Avoid Fouette and block all punches then reply with hook to head using
right hand + Revers figure using front leg
7. Skip into Coup de pied bas + deliver jumping Fouette median using
other leg + Chasse Lateral bas with same leg
Avoid by jumping backwards and changing stance then reply with junping
Fouette to any target using front leg.
8. Deliver a Chasse Frontal median using rear leg + jumping Fouette
using front leg
Avoid being touched without moving feet then reply with jab to body
with left hand
9. Deliver a jab/cross to head, Fouette bas using front leg the
Fouette to head with other leg
Block the punches then avoid being touched by the kicks, then reply with
Chasse Lateral to body using front leg + spinning Revers Lateral to head
with other leg.

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10.Deliver jab to body + Fouette bas using front leg

Parry the punch using forearm, avoid the kick by lifting your leg out of
the way then deliver Fouette to body using front leg + cross/jab + Chasse
Lateral to body using rear leg.
Section B - THEME ASSAUT (2 x 2 Minute rounds change role after 1
min)
Round 1
A = Attack using any two punch combination
B = Parry or avoid then reply with any two techniques
Round 2
A = Attack using any two kick combination
B = Avoid being touched and then reply with any two techniques

Section C - FREE ASSAUT (3 x 2 Minute rounds)

A . Attack and defend under assaut conditions
B. Attack and defend under assaut conditions

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Yellow Glove testing requirements

The ability to control the body to execute all the blows in combination (in
a situation with 2 people in the ring).
Section A SET MOVES
Person A
Person B
1. Jump into Chasse Lateral bas using rear leg + spinning Chasse
median using other leg.
Block and counter with spinning Revers to head using rear leg
2. Jumping Fouette bas using rear leg + Fouette figure same leg,
place foot forward then deliver right uppercut to body + left hook to
head
Avoid Kicks, block punch, bob and weave to avoid hook and counter with
right hand uppercut to body + right hook to head
3. Jumping Revers Lateral to head using rear leg + jumping Chasse
median using same leg + right cross to head.
Avoid kicks, slip the right cross and counter with left hook + right hand
uppercut to body.
4. Chasse Frontal to head using front leg + jumping Chasse median
using other leg.
Parry the Chasse and counter with Chasse Lateral bas using left leg and
right hook to head
5. Left jab to face, right cross to body + Chasse Frontal to head
using left leg
Avoid being touched by the kicks and counter with any technique

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6. Jumping Revers Lateral to head using left leg + left jab to head +
right cross to body + sidestep and deliver Fouette median (or figure)
with rear leg
Avoid first kick + block, parry or avoid the punches + parry kick in
opposition and counter with Chasse Frontal median (or figure) using rear
leg
7. Jumping, spinning Revers Lateral to body + double Fouette median
using other leg.
Block and parry then counter with spinning Chasse median
8. Jab to head, Chasse Frontal bas using rear leg, sidestep then
deliver Chasse Lateral to body with front leg, without putting the
foot down use Revers Lateral to remove opponents guard, deliver
right cross to head
Section B - THEME ASSAUT (2 x 1.30 Minute rounds )
Parry or avoid being touched then reply
Round 1
A = Attack using any two kick combination
B = Parry or avoid then reply with any two punch combination
Round 2
A = Attack using any two punch combination
B = Parry or avoid being touched and then reply with any two kick
combination
Section C - FREE ASSAUT (4 x 1.30 Minute rounds)
A . Attack and defend under assaut conditions
B. Attack and defend under assaut conditions

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Terminology
ALLEZ! - Begin!
ARBITRE - Referee
ARME - Ready position before a kick
ARRIERE - Rear, Behind, Backward motion
ASSAUT - Light contact contest emphasizing technical skill
AUTORISE - Allowed, authorised
BAS - Low (level)
BALANCE - Leg swing
BLOQUEE - Block
BOXE - Boxing
BRAS - Arm
CASQUE - Head guard
CHASSE - Driving or forcing away
CHASSE LATERAL - Side kick - using the heel of the shoe
to 'smash'
CHASSE D'ARRET - A stopping kick to the body
CHAUSSURE - Footwear
COIN - Corner
COMBAT - Full-power contest
COMPTE - Count
COQUILLE - Box (Protector)
CORPS - Body
COUP - Blow
COUP DE PIED - Kick
COUP DE PIED BAS - Low kick - using the inside arch of the
shoe to 'cut' or sweep
COUP DE POING - Punch
CROCHET Bras Avant - Hook (punch) with the front hand
Bras Arriere - Hook (punch) with the rear hand
CROISE - Crossed
DEPLACEMENT - Distancing movement or motion - also
DECALAGE
DIRECT Bras Avant - Lead hand Straight punch (Jab) - also
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DU GAUCHE
DIRECT Bras Arriere - Rear hand Straight punch (Cross) also DU DROIT
DROIT - Right
ENCEINTE - Ring
ENCHAINEMENT - Sequence of blows, combination
ESQUIVE - Avoiding technique, such as 'slipping' or 'bob &
weave'
FIGURE - Face
FLANC - Side
FOUETTE - Whip - using the toe of the shoe to 'stab' when
kicking
FRAPPE - Strike
FRONTAL - Front, or to the front
GANT - Glove, or with colour to indicate grade (as shown
below)
Bleu = blue; Vert = green; Rouge = red; Blanc = white; Jaune =
yellow
GARDE - Guard position
GAUCHE - Left
GROUPE - Chambering the leg (ready position) before a kick
HANCHE - Hip
HAUT, EN HAUT - High (level)
HORS COMBAT - Knockout (KO), or unable to continue
INTEGRALE - One-piece suit
INTERDIT - Forbidden
INTERIEURE - Inside
JAMBE - Leg
JAMBE TENDUE - Straight or outstretched leg
JAMBIERE - Shin pad
LATERAL - Sideways
MARCHE-CROISE - Cross-step (in front of, or behind, the
lead leg)
MEDIAN - Middle (level)
NON COMBAT - No decision - where both fighters are
disqualified, or the match is abandoned due to spectator
behaviour for example
PARADE - Blocking technique
PESEE - Weighing
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PIED - Foot
POING - Fist
PRE-COMBAT - Middle category contest with full contact &
full protection
PROTEGE-DENTS - Mouth guard, gum shield
REGLEMENTS - Rules, regulations
RECONTRE - Match
REMISE - Counter with the same technique
REPRISE - a Round - usually one, one and a half, or two
minutes
REVERS FRONTAL - Outside crescent kick, cutting with the
outside edge of the shoe - keeping the kicking leg straight
throughout
REVERS LATERAL - Turning (spinning) kick, with a straight
leg throughout
REVERS Jambe Tendue - Reverse whip kick, slapping with
the sole of the shoe
RIPOSTE - Counter (immediate)
SAUT - Jump
SOIGNEUR - Second, ring attendant
SWING Bras Avant - A front-hand thumb down long-arm
curving punch
Bras Arriere - The same punch delivered with the rear hand
TENDUE - Straight
TENUE - Costume
TIREUR, TIREUSE (f) - Boxer
TOURNANT - Turning

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Contacts
Great Britain Savate Federation (GBSF)
PO Box 29
Cambridge
CB1 3HF
Email: [email protected]
Martin Ross GBSF National Director of Technique and Development
[email protected]
Ollie Batts GBSF President
[email protected]
Federation Internationale de Savate
www.fisavate.com
French Federation
www.ffsavate.com

Acknowledgements
My thanks to Martin Ross for allowing me to use material from his website
www.savate-uk.com
My thanks to Ollie Batts for allowing me to use material from his website also
www.savate.net
My thanks to Dr Julie Gabriel for proof reading and advice

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