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London Savate   

News (updated 25/05/2009)

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Learn French Boxing in London

Boxe-Française Savate is a unique style of kickboxing from 19th Century France. It can be described as fencing with the feet and puts an emphasis on technical ability. Savate is a ring-fighting art and a modern competitive sport that develops dexterity, flexibility and control.

If you want to learn to kickbox, improve your self control, fitness and self confidence, then come and train with us at the London Savate club. 

Our training venue is in Waterloo, Central London, within easy reach of train, tube and bus transport links. We hold regular classes and also offer competitive preparation for fighters looking to take their training further.

See Savate in action in these great video clips

London Savate Latest
19 July 2009 - next League event to be held in Cambridge ... 24 May 2009 - the second League event of the year was held in Farncombe .... . More

What is Savate?

Savate (pronounced Sa-vat) dates from the early 1800s and is a mixture of French kicking and English boxing, making it a rare European martial art.

The features of Savate are its accuracy and elegance in comparison to other kicking arts. We train with style in mind, winning the fight with an understanding of angles, timing and psychology rather than sheer force alone.

Savate was formalised in 1830 when a French fighter was, reportedly, beaten by an English boxer and resolved to merge the best of each style, culminating in the art of Boxe-Francaise. The art was nearly extinguished by the French military casualties of the two World Wars, but today enjoys a resurgence with a worldwide following.

Will it hurt?

No. All our lessons are controlled contact. In 'Assaut' Savate the strikes require the successful fighter to win through inventive techniques, not by brute force alone. 

The student of a controlled contact art is likely to avoid being set back by injuries and will therefore be able to enjoy improving his or her physique rather than damaging it.

Do I need to be fit?

Not to start with, but we will get you fitter, and our classes are designed for all levels. We are happy to welcome you whatever your shape, size and level of experience. Men and women are equally encouraged to train. Savate provides a good workout, benefiting:

  • cardio-vascular fitness

  • flexibility and suppleness

  • balance, co-ordination and core strength

Regular sparring lends a noticeable edge to fitness and teaches self-confidence, physical awareness and, for many, is the most enjoyable and uplifting part of training. 

How do I start?

By taking a five-class trial, which you can buy online or at a class. Our training takes place in Waterloo on Thursday evenings from 7:35pm at Soho Gym, Brad Street SE1.

Get training!


James


James Southwood
London Savate Instructor
European Vice-Champion and World Bronze medallist in Savate Assaut, 75-80kg

 

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Part of the Great Britain Savate Federation

 


"In French Boxing, a tireur in action is the image of Man in the fullness of his physical and intellectual abilities."

Count Pierre de BARUZY