Savate vs. Muay Thai: Pros and Cons

**Emevas** · Posted On: 1/14/2004 4:12pm

Much like my other thread, I'm wondering about the differences of the two arts in terms of training methods, conditioning, focus, and application in MMA/K-1 circuts. MT has had a very strong showing, whereas Savate does not seem to be present. What is the reason for this? Could Savate (if modified) be able to have a strong presence in MMA?

Post your thoughts.

**MuayThaiBri67** · Posted On: 1/14/2004 5:49pm

hahahahahahaha oh come on you should already know the answer to that. Muay Thai all the way. The French have no spine. Look at WW 1 & 2. Hell, look at how they act now.

**The Wastrel** · Posted On: 1/14/2004 6:10pm

Aren't a lot of K1 fighters French?

**Shuma-Gorath** · Posted On: 1/14/2004 7:43pm

From what I've seen of Savate, it looks very much like French TKD. Until I see more material, it's pretty much a forgone conclusion.

**MuayThaiBri67** · Posted On: 1/14/2004 8:10pm

Wastrel said, - Aren't a lot of K1 fighters French?

And look at how K1 has degraded to nothing more than a entertainment sideshow like pro wrestling.

**Ippatsu182** · Posted On: 1/14/2004 8:31pm

Is there a savate school in your area? I'd say if you're interested in Savate, why don't you check it out? Although I prefer muay Thai to savate, I'm sure there are some good savate schools out there. Also, you should watch the very first UFC, where a savate guy makes it to the final with Royce Gracie. Of course you know who wins, but the savate guy did pretty well.

**Emevas** · Posted On: 1/14/2004 8:38pm

There isn't a savate school in my area (to my knowledge at least), and I'm attempting to join a MT school. I created this topic purely out of interest and in the hopes of creating a decent conversation/debate ^_^

**Deadpan Scientist** · Posted On: 1/14/2004 9:14pm

A lot of savate kicks were designed with footwear (namely boots) in mind.

**kod** · Posted On: 1/14/2004 10:19pm

Muay Thai = created by guys who wrap their hands with broken glass and kick trees for fun
Savate = created by cheese-eating surrender monkeys

**deus ex machina** · Posted On: 1/15/2004 12:08pm

Whereas Muay Thai has a very straight forward mentality, savate relies more on deceptive footwork and feinting. I've seen both used well. If you combine the power generation of Muay Thai with the footwork and strategy of savate, you'd have a very nice combination.