Savate is one of the best known European martial arts. It was developed from kicking techniques used at the end of the nineteenth century by French street fighters, combined with English and Thai boxing, with elements of Basque foot fighting. From these various forms, a sport evolved: "savate" or "la boxe francaise." Savate was the rage in France before World War I. From then to the present, a small number of enthusiasts practice save in exclusive clubs in Pairs. Today there is a revival of interest in this uniquely European martial art.
