Bridgeman Savate - Personalities

Count Pierre Baruzy (1897-1994) was a descendant of one of the 12 families who founded Venice in 697. He commenced La Boxe Francaise Savate under Charles Charlemont in 1910 and became one of the most enthusiastic and productive savateurs of the 20-century. An exceptional gentleman who was successful in sport and industry.

During World War 1 he was wounded on three separate occasions with the last being so severe that he had to undergo some nine months rehabilitation. After the war, he spent some four years in America furthering his education and on his return to Paris in 1922 he recommenced BFSavate under Charles Charlemont. Between 1922-1935 he won 11 championships and held three titles in three weight divisions simultaneously.

In 1924 BF Savate was included as a demonstration sport in the Paris Olympics. This was the first time that a Kickboxing sport was held in the modern Olympics. Pierre won two divisional championships.

During World War 2 while working with the "Resistance" he assisted in smuggling 11 downed airmen through occupied France to the allies. He remembered his activities as "dangerous but thrilling". He was awarded the "Medal of Freedom" from General D. Eisenhower in 1945 and another from President R Reagan in 1984. He was the only Frenchman to receive two such awards.

After the war, it was found that many prominent instructors had died or been killed, while others had simply lost interest. Baruzy re-established BF Savate with a small group that gradually increased over the years. In 1958 Lucien Alliot and Gaston Prevot produced a manual "La Boxe Francaise" with Pierre's assistance.

It was Pierre's enthusiasm and perseverance that the "Federation Francaise de Boxe Francaise Savate et Disciplines Assimilies" was founded in 1975 with ministerial support. He was honoured as President/Founder. In 1985 he was made Honorary President of the "Federation International de Boxe Francaise Savate" that was created for the international promotion and control of the sport.

His involvement with the BF Savate has covered some 80 years and he considered that "The disciplines offer an excellent method of physical education and an efficient method of combat..... It helps one to be in control of their physical and intellectual self...Become more self confident so they may fulfil their roll in society and be better prepared to face the challengers of life".

One of his favourite entertaining feats was to be able to kick a glass of wine held by an assistant without spilling its contents. A feat that requires a fine sense of distance, balance and muscular control.