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FRENCH SOJOURN
Colin Pestell 2002
Modified version published - Blitz Vol.16 No.10 2002
With the growth of international interest in European combat disciplines, the last decade has seen the French looking to preserve and further develop some of the traditional skills of its native art - Savate. Today, Savate is classified as a national sport under the authority of the 'Federation Francaise Savate de Boxe Francaise' (FFSBF), the 'Ministry of Youth and Sport' and with access to 'INSEP', the equivalent to the 'Australian Institute of Sport'. This level of support offers athletes a huge advantage over those who train as time permits. Unfortunately, this emphasis on sport has lost France many of its combat methodologies associated with Savate. For France the interest is now on sourcing the classical hand to hand and weaponry combat training systems that have relevance today.
Following a successful visit to Australia, the FFSBF extended an invitation to a delegation of Australia's leading Savate instructors to visit Paris. The French were seeking ideas for future directions and were impressed with the repository of historical information and the holistic syllabus developed by 'Bridgeman Savate'. This is not the first time the French have sought assistance from Australia. In 1984 Terence Bridgeman was asked by the President of the 'Federation International de Boxe Francaise Savate' for assistance in preparing the 'Savate Code' for promotions into the USA.
The elite Australian four-man delegation included Terence Bridgeman, Colin Pestell, Nigel Bridgeman and Roland Armarego. Michel Leroux 'FFSBF National Technical Manager' and Gilles Le Duigou 'FFSBF International Relations' organised the logistics and itinerary of the delegation visit. James Blanchard, 'Special Attaché for Sport' from the Australian Embassy assisted with activities and introductions. The arranged schedule ensured that the delegation attended the whole spectrum of Savate related disciplines in and around Paris. With such generous access and exposure, the Australians' were able to gain a valuable overview of Savate, as it exists in France today. For simplification the French method can be broken down into four specialty areas.
SAVATE KICKBOXING - This is serious full contact amateur kickboxing and there are many excellent venues coaching this sport. A good example was at INSEP, the French Institute of Sport where ex-champion and coach Richard Sylla develops his elite team. The facilities are a kickboxers dream. Every resource is available to them as an elite athlete; dietitians, physiotherapists, sport scientists, education, equipment and the most elite coaches. Their training salle is divided into two sections, the boxing rings and the bag-training floor. They have three full and two half size raised boxing rings. The bag section comprises of a large collection of various size boxing bags and some specific designed equipment. These are all mounted on a ceiling rail guide so the bags can be railed off to the side to clear the floor area. There are also separate Weight and Physiotherapy rooms.
The amateur athletes have a two to five year contact allowing them to study, live on site and train full time. They are required to compete in regular local, national and international competitions. Generally their training day would start with an early run and on return a work out of specialty exercises and bag work. This is followed by breakfast, rest and free time. Training resumes late afternoon with concentration on sparring, equipment work outs and personal coaching improvements. Needless to say their skills are at a professional level. Should they win a European or World championship they can acquire monetary returns from sponsorships and high profile endorsements.
SAVATE SPORT - This is an intrinsic form of Savate. It concentrates on education, fitness, fun and the sport. It has attracted a large following of male and female amateur athletes. As with Savate Kickboxing, practitioners wear boxing gloves and soft boots. When practiced at sporting level it is assessed on valid touches to moderate impact. It is rapidly growing in popularity, with competitions at local and international levels. Recent World Championships attracted competitors from 26 countries.
The French, with their organisation, infrastructure and training systems are setting the standard for Olympic level full contact kickboxing and Savate Sport.
SAVATE DEFENCE - as the name implies this is not a sport but a method of self-defence. A number clubs were visited, including those designed specifically for women's defence and those catering for the general public. At this level strategies and techniques focussed on applications suitable for defence in street situations.
A special invitation was extended to the delegation to visit RAID, an elite Police Anti-Terrorist unit operating out of a semi-secret training Chateau outside Paris. The delegates gave an impromptu demonstration that was followed by the RAID instructors giving a display of the various unarmed combat techniques with several weapons. It was a privileged experience with the French Police instructors displaying a world class level of skill.
WEAPONRY - A number of different clubs, organisations and individuals gave an insight into the traditional and sport applications of the Truncheon, Canne (Walking stick), Baton (Walking staff) and Loungue Baton (Light weight size Quarterstaff).
Demonstrations and training were held with the 'Comite National de Canne de Combat et Baton', whose focus is on a safe artistic sport. Competitors wear a padded jacket, trousers, mask and gloves. They engage in deceptive gymnastic and dance like manoeuvres. Hits are assessed on their delivery over a valid trajectory. There was also an interesting private collection of 19th century antique French/Basque fighting cannes. They comprised of those of basic design, through to sword cannes. The Makila, the Basque peasant canne could be argued as the best utility/fighting canne in Europe.
In Europe there is a following of the Iberian stick fighting methods; these are based on folk fighting from different regions throughout Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands. The methods are more combat orientated rather than practiced as an artistic sport.
The 'Bridgeman Savate' syllabus that has its emphasis on personal combat appears to be a blend of Iberian/Gaul methods. Its origins are from Southern France and as such are classified as Mediterranean, but with a touch of Australian ingenuity. Colin Pestell and Nigel Bridgeman provided several highly dynamic demonstrations. Nigel exposed many infield defence deficiencies with the Parisian single and double canne methods through impromptu competitions. They received many inquiries from the French exponents of where instruction could be received.
The Australians were shown fantastic hospitality with the French welcoming them at each club. There was a free exchange of information and ideas, with many people amazed that the Australians had such highly developed skills and in-depth knowledge of Savates classical history and content. The delegates found that the holistic, multi faceted approach of 'Bridgeman Savate' gave them the tools to adapt into every class they participated.
The delegation received a special and very rare invitation to the home of Roger Lafond, Frances oldest Savate master. Roger, commenced training at the age of 7 years and still practices daily. He is a third generation family practitioner whose links date back to Savate masters in the mid 1800's. Also present was his good friend, instructor and oldest student, Theo Denin, an ex champion who began training with Roger 43 years ago!
The delegation was exposed to a wealth of history and techniques that are unknown to most young practitioners in France. Roger and Theo demonstrated and described their boxing, paume (palm) and kicking techniques. Refreshingly, their weaponry was more combat orientated than those of the CNCCB. Both men congratulated the 30 years of Savate application and development in Australia. This can be regarded as a great acknowledgment of the progress of Savate under the Bridgeman method. To students of Savate history, such an opportunity was amazing with Roger and is home literally a living museum. Both gentlemen clearly showed that for the older martial artist there is still life after retirement.
The delegation obtained a clear understanding of where Savate and its related disciplines are heading in France and the world. This broad exposure also helped reinforce the fact that Savateurs in Australia have a syllabus that is valued for its historical content and present day applications. The 'Bridgeman Savate Association' has now established itself as an exclusive and elite group in this specialised multi faceted field.
Recommended viewing
DEADLY ARTS - SAVATE 2003 by Jossette D Normandeau
HUMAN WEAPON - SAVATE 2007 by Jason Chambers and Bill Duff
