Below is a list of the legal Savate strikes and a brief description of their form. This is not an official list, nor is it intended a rule book - rather, it is here to help you understand what is taught in a Savate class.

These techniques are combined and extended in ways far too numerous to list here. A rewarding part of training is to discover these combinations - and for that you will need to come to the classroom.

General

En Guarde
The fighting posture. The left foot (in the conventional stance) is slightly to the front. Weight is distributed more or less evenly between left and right, on the balls of the feet. Forearms protect the body and the hands protect the head. The neck is tilted down slightly to protect the chin.

Legal targets
The legal targets in Savate are both sides of the leg, all of the torso and head. The neck and groin areas are prohibited. Punches can only be delivered to the front of body or head. Kicks can be delivered to the back also.

In Assaut Savate (which we practice in London), all strikes must be delivered 'with the exclusion of force'. Successful kicks to leg (bas) targets are rewarded with one point, those to body (median) with two points and those to the head (haut) with four. All punches score one point (maximum two for a successful combination). In Combat Savate, the strikes are used instead to attempt to knock-out an opponent.

Kicks
All kicks must hit with the boot (no knees or shins).

Fouette (whip kick)
A fast roundhouse kick that uses the toe of the boot, with the leg at full extension. The whipping action comes from moving the lower limb separately from the thigh. This kick can be delivered high, middle or low (haut, median, bas).

Chasse Frontal (front push kick)
A kick that moves the sole or heel of the shoe straight forwards, in a pushing - rather than a whipping - action. The knee must be raised and the kick performed at extension. This kick can be delivered high, middle or low (haut, median, bas).

Chasse Lateral (side push kick)
A push kick that hits with the sole or heel, with the leg at full extension with the hips rotated sideways. This kick can be delivered high, middle or low (haut, median, bas).

Revers Frontal (crescent kick)
A high kick that uses the outside blade of the foot to strike the guard or side of the head or torso. The leg extends fully to the far side of the opponent and, with hips facing forwards, is swung back to its original position. NB The inverse of this kick (hitting with the inside edge of the shoe) is illegal in Savate.

Revers Lateral (hook kick)
A strike that uses the sole of the shoe in a slapping action. It is the reverse of the fouette (see above). Starting with a straight leg, the lower limb retracts to the chamber position, hitting the target with the boot as it goes. This kick can be delivered high, middle or low (haut, median, bas).

Coup de Pied Bas (sweep)
Using the inside edge of the boot, the foot slides along the floor, to hit the lower shin or the foot of the opponent. The aim can either be to strike or to take away the opponent's balance.

Punches

All punches must hit with the front portion of the glove (no elbows allowed).

Direct Avant (jab)
A direct punch using the front hand (usually the left). The jab can be executed in many ways, either using arm mechanics alone, or turning the hips into the punch as well, with elbows tucked in and shoulder pressed to chin. Targets are the front of the head and body.

Direct Arriere (cross)
A direct punch using the rear hand (usually the right). The Cross should utilise a turn of the hips and is generally a heavier punch than the jab. Targets are the front of the head and body.

Croche (hook)
The hook is a bent arm punch to the side of head or body, using a turn of the hips to swing towards the target.

Uppercut
An uppercut strikes to the body or underside of the chin, with a bent arm held close to the striker's body.