Savate

**3moose1** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 1:46pm

So basically everyone in mma has to have a striking component, and a ground component, which makes sense.

But, i was thinking (after watching some fights from the first couple of UFCs)

at the end of the first ones, it was savate vs b.j.j (basically)

So why don't we see more savate/bjj fighters?

I mean, does anyone have any insight on this?

**Goju - Joe** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 2:00pm

I went to one Savate Thai cross class recently - STX.

So with my vast knowledge here's my take.

Savate kicks are great for self defense as you're wearing shoes. In US MMA shoes aren't allowed therefore you loose some of the unique features of savate kicking stragies

Although it was pretty "Kick ass"

**Monkey Punch** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 2:49pm

Originally Posted by Goju - Joe

I went to one Savate Thai cross class recently - STX.

So with my vast knowledge here's my take.

Savate kicks are great for self defense as you're wearing shoes. In US MMA shoes aren't allowed therefore you loose some of the unique features of savate kicking stragies

Although it was pretty "Kick ass"

What the hell is this? How dare you have a balanced and seemingly unbiased opinion of a martial art? And one that is seemingly based on actual experience with that art.

What the hell is wrong with you? Don't you know that there are only two possible opinions of a MA? They are:

1. You must firmly believe that the martial art is totally awesome, unquestionably, and its founders and followers are golden gods walking among us mere mortals, or

2. You must assert that the martial art in question is completely useless. Furthermore, it is contributing to the down fall of society and its practitioners are child molesters and communists. And they suck cock.

**hoodedmonk** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 3:04pm

Zoo zitsoo! (that was for omega) I think mma striking has more to do with techniques than style. (hook, cross, round kick, ect.) unless of course you're Cung Le.

**Monkey Punch** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 3:13pm

Originally Posted by hoodedmonk

Zoo zitsoo! (that was for omega) I think mma striking has more to do with techniques than style. (hook, cross, round kick, ect.) unless of course you're Cung Le.

Funny, I thought Cung Li is a great example of how techniques mean more than style, with his diverse background and all.

Oh wait, that was sarcasm.:ohyea7qh:

**Sakamonster** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 3:14pm

I can't really think of any Savate schools around here, so possibly it's not popular because it is not taught widely.

Actually, I might be mixing up the cause and effects here.

**Goju - Joe** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 3:15pm

Originally Posted by Sakamonster

I can't really think of any Savate schools around here, so possibly it's not popular because it is not taught widely.

Actually, I might be mixing up the cause and effects here.

Kombat arts has savate

**ChickenBeakFist** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 3:18pm

Goju nailed it.

The only thing that separates Savate from other sport-oriented kickboxing styles is the focus on kicking with shoes. The punching techniques are no different from Muay Thai or Boxing. If you take away the shoes you take away the techniques that make Savate unique (fouette, coup pied bas, etc) check out this quick montage of Savate techniques. Note the "shoeness" of the techniques.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le8AOxtskp8

Take away the shoes and you kinda have what looks like really good TKD. I suppose it could work in MMA. But since the training isn't geared toward it (shoes, no clinching) I don't see it taking off anytime soon.

**Lu Tze** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 4:06pm

Originally Posted by 3moose1

So basically everyone in mma has to have a striking component, and a ground component, which makes sense.

Yes I see. A striking component so you can throw a quick, ineffective one two at the wrestler as he shoots in, and a ground component so you can try to recover guard after that same wrestler clinches you up and throws you on your head...

**3moose1** · Posted On: 4/04/2008 9:28pm

lol

well, i mean, yeah, i know savateurs wear shoes, but a kick to the face still hurts, even if your not wearing shoes...i think those kicks would still be as "kicky" without them...maybe not as effective, but still, those kicks come out of no where...

It just struck me as odd, because everyone started nutriding BJJ after the first few UFCs, but no one nut-rode savate, and a savateur made it to the finals...

I'm not saying its the end all be all of striking, and that you won't have to cross train...

I don't know, i'd like to see how a savateur fared in the cage...