Savate - The Thinking Person's Kickboxing

When we think of ring combat sports Boxing, Mauy Thai and Mix Martial Arts generally come to mind, however there is another ring art that has, for the past 170 years, had a major influence in Europe - this art is called Savate.  An evolutionary  product of Western thought the development of Savate can be traced back to the second half of the 18 century.  During the 1830s Savate would undergo changes that would come to have a major bearing on its primary skills sets and training outcomes.  Influenced by the aristocrats thirst for anything new along with Savate practitioners cross training in English boxing, Parisian wrestling and cane fighting these changes resulted in the arts emphasis shifting from one of the street combat to sport.

Today the sport component of Savate is practised as a French kick boxing method with the emphasis being placed on constant movement, clean kicking techniques and amateur boxing principles.

The pace of Savate competition is fast, constant and tactically challenging, sometimes referred to as "the thinking person's kickboxing" its rhythm can best be described as a continuous connected sequence of movements based on timing, distance and opportunity. 

Savate training provided at the Police-Citizens Youth Club focuses on learning the correct skills sets along with exercising against heavy bags, focus mitts and Thai pads.  Savate promotes cardio vascular fitness, stress release, reflexes and enjoyment.  When working with a partner it is mandatory to control all techniques, this promotes technical skills over bashing.  If your interest is in keeping fit or enter in competition then Savate has something to offer everyone. 

Craig Gemeiner is the current Savate Coach at the PCYC, he is a silver glove (the highest technical level in Savate) and has been training in the system since 1985.  In 2005 Craig won the Asian Pacific Savate Championships in the 65-70 kg division and in 2008 captained the first Australian team to compete at the world Savate Championships in Paris. 

Savate is ideal for men, women and also teenagers 15 years and above. 

Equipment - You need to bring boxing gloves and sports shoes.  The coach will provide boxing gloves for the first few lessons only. 

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