savate
1
9.6
A French fighting style using both punches and kicks
- noun
- /səˈvɑt/
:
savate
- The instructor demonstrated a series of savate kicks to enhance our boxing techniques.
Examples
-
She trained for months to master the techniques of savate and improve her combat skills.
-
The French, in turn, developed one of the most extensive programs, based primarily on jujutsu EN12 along with their own homegrown savate.
Blog text (9) -
On the ground, he tries a savate kick.
Fiction book (1994) -
Many athletes are drawn to savate for its unique combination of boxing and kicking moves.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Savate comes from a French word meaning 'old shoe' because the early fighters often kicked in their boots on the streets; so savate is a French fighting style where the feet (and shoes) are as important as the hands, which helps explain its strong kicks and footwork.