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What is french savate boxing?

Topic: SportsPublished May 29, 2012

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The major martial art of the French is the French boxing. It is also referred to as Savate, French Kickboxing, boxe française and French French Foot-fighting. In French Savate, the participants are only allowed to use foot kicks. The French match combines features from western boxing with the use of hands and feet as weapons for the kicking techniques. In French, the word “savate” is a synonym for “shoe,” meaning that French boxing is the only kickboxing style that allows the use of shoes during fighting. Meanwhile, in technical terms, the male savate practitioners are called savateur while the females are the savate use. The name French savate was coined for the game from the French word that means “old boot” because the players used to wear heavy boots to the match. The beginning of modern French boxing dated back to the 19th century in Paris and northern part of France where some techniques of French street fighting were common. On the other hand, the sailors from Southern France established the style of fighting that involves open-handed slaps and high kicks. Since they usually practice on a rocking ship, the kicks were supposedly done in order to give the kicker the chance to use his free hand to balance properly on the deck of the ship.On land, the sailors were using kicks and slap in order to prevent them from being penalized for the use of closed fist. This style of fighting was referred to as Chausson. Types of Kicks and Punches Used During French Boxing In competitive boxe française (French boxing) matches, the following are the four kinds of kicks and punches allowed: The Kicks 1. Chassé: A piston-action kick that can be given from the front or side (low, medium or high)rn2. Fouetté: This literarily means “whip.” It is a roundhouse kick that makes contact through the instep (it could be low, medium or high).rn3. Coup de pied bas: this literarily means “low kick.”The kick involves a sweep or front hit on the shin which makes contact with the shoe’s inner edge. This kick is usually given with a typical backwards lean (only available as a low kick).rn4. Revers: These are a hooking or reverse kicks given by making contact with the shoe’s sole (it could be low, medium or high). The Punchesrn1. Direct brass arrière – cross, rear handrn2. Direct bras avant – jab, lead handrn3. Uppercut – any of the hands rn4. Crochet – hook and bent arm During the 1924 Olympic Games held in Paris, French Savate combat de boxe (boxing) was included as part of the demonstration sports. Presently, the sport is practiced all over the world by amateurs. Meanwhile, there are three levels involved in modern French boxing matches; these are combat, pre-combat and assault.

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About the Author

Josephine Martin is the author of the article on boxe live (boxing live) and boxing streaming. Her field of interest is sports and recreation. For more information visit : http://www.boxestreaming.com/

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