Equipment

Savate requires very little equipment for casual training. Normal gym attire and trainers are sufficient for the beginner. We have compiled a checklist of things you do need when planning to come to any of our classes.

Please bring:

• Trainers - Savate is a shoe-fighting art and indoor-use trainers are necessary. Any clean, soft shoes can be used, squash shoes are ideal.
• Clothing - anything you feel comfortable exercising in. T-shirt and tracksuit/shorts are fine.
• Boxing gloves - if you own a pair. We have club gloves that you can borrow when you start. 
• Water bottle - whilst the technical nature of Savate means it can be taken at any pace, you may find it exhausting when you begin. It is sensible to have a bottle of water with you to ensure proper hydration.
• A friend - optional. This can help your confidence and learning together can be good fun. You'll soon meet new training partners at the club.

At formal or competitive events, Savate has something of a reputation for its choice of costume. The standard clothing worn by Savateurs is an Integral, which is an all-in-one stretchy lycra suit, resembling a full unitard, which offers complete freedom of movement and a clean line, but not, alas, much modesty for its wearer.

The kicks are effected by a boot, which becomes the fighter's primary weapon. Specialised Savate boots are designed to support the ankle and offer a rigid protection for the foot. Savate gloves are essentially standard boxing gloves, although some will come with padded palms. Protection must include a mouth guard and groin guards for male fighters. Other protection, such a shin guards, groin guards for women, head guards or chest protectors is optional.

"The credit of French Boxing is that it requires a long training period which raises the overall level of strength, helps develop a taste for effort and risk, and teaches how to cope. Little by little one learns how to transform natural violence into disciplined strength and discovers exercise through the use of natural weapons where invention prevails over sheer strength, where one can improvise a strategy of moves, feints or strikes. One learns self-control, loyalty and brotherhood."

Bernard PLAISAIT