Savate’s origins can be first traced to the early 1700′s from merchant sailing ships returning to France with the trades of silks and teas of south Asia . Sailors blended East Asian kicking arts with the emphasis of English boxing and classic fencing. The early stages of Savate were called “CHAUSSON” ( Deer skin slippers ) worn by sailors for nonskid purpose on the slippery decks. Once sailors docked on water front cobble stone ports and changed into their formal dress shoes, “SAVATE” (sweep / shoe) became the new version of Chausson. The stiff European leather hard sole shoe became an effective tool in the hostile streets of France. Father, Joseph Charlemont (1877), and son, Charles Charlemont (1900), documented and formalized Savate techniques into a martial art form. The father and son duet popularized Savate greatly through the years of this process.
Its ability and evolution design in street terrain with walls, curbs and alley ways proved to be an effective defense in hostile and unsafe areas of turn of the century Europe. Savate incorporated weapons of the time which included “LA CANNE” (Walking Cane) which was a popular attire for gentleman of the early 1900′s and “LA BATON” (Staff) found in the southern France regions. In 1899 Charles Charlemont’s famous bout against English Boxer, Jerry Driscoll from England ended with a victory by Charlemont kicking the abdominal region of Jerry Driscoll who could not continue the bout. In the 1920′s Savate was greatly recognized and part of the World Olympic Games which came to an end with the arrival of World War 2. Its mass destruction destroyed most of France and its Savate practitioners with it. In the 1960′s Bruce Lee, the Dragon himself, incorporated Savate kicking into his own martial art form, Jeet Kune Do. Bruce Lee found Savate kicking more diverse and powerful which suited his preference and movements much more than other forms, which can be seen today through his notes, photos and movies. There are few Savate practitioners and teachers that exists today that preserves this rare and effective martial art form.
