The Great Britain Savate
Federation is the Governing Body for Savate and associated arts
in this country. It is affiliated to the Fédération
Internationale de Savate, based in Paris. The GBSF promotes communication
and co-operation between GB Savate clubs, and provides instructor
training, as well as opportunities for interclub, national and
international competition.
Savate, the sport
Savate (pronounced sa-vat) is fundamentally a fighting
sport that combines effective hand strikes and dynamic kicks.
It was a demonstration sport in the Paris Olympic Games in 1924.
Classes vary from club to club, but all concentrate on kicking
and punching skills, mobility and defence. Our clubs and instructors
are will welcome you whether you are a complete beginner, you
train for fun and fitness, or you are a committed competitor.
You can build up your fitness and progress at your own pace.
Canne de Combat (French
cane)
Canne de Combat (or La Canne) is a traditional French stick fighting
art consisting of striking techniques, blocks, feints and combinations.
It is a long range, graceful art, involving stylish striking
and athletic movement. In all free play (sparring) and in competition,
padded clothing, gloves and headguards are worn.
Savate Defence
Savate did not begin as a sport, but as a form of self-defence.
In addition to kicks and punches, training in savate defence
includes knee, shin and elbow strikes, locks, sweeps, throws
and takedowns. It is a reality-based fighting system.
Savate Discussion Forum
If you have any questions about
savate or clubs in Great Britain, please visit our forum.
Events and Reports
On this site, you will find information on Open training, Squad
training, Advanced level training, Gradings, Seminars and competitions.
Click Future Events to find out the
details of the next event. Links to reports and pictures of interclub
assaut competitions, and GBSF teams competing in European and
World Assault Championships are shown on the Reports
page. A variety of news, information and reports, such as AGM,
seminars and Instructor training is available on our News
and Information page.
Clubs and Training
If you would like to locate a club in this country, visit the
GBSF clubs and Contacts page.
We also have a page of International
Savate Links, which includes a link to the International
Federation. Guides to Terminology
and to Grades & syllabus
are available. We are also developing a Training
Tips section.
Training to be a Savate or Canne de Combat Instructor
Information on GBSF Instructor training and pictures from previous
training events are available on the Instructor
Training page.
