Old Savate footage

[DdlR]

It's a holdover from classical savate, done to counter-balance the thrust or snap of the kicking leg. A lot of savate movement theory borrowed from classical fencing, which similarly employed a counter-thrust with the free hand and arm when thrusting on the lunge.

[Rubberduck]

Or some theories say its related to ballet. It´s not used anymore, except maybe in Australia, Bridgeman´s group. Of course there might be more die hard traditionalists, but I prefer protecting my head.