Savate is a French style of kickboxing which makes extensive use of hands and feet. It is pronounced as (sa-vat), which means an old shoe. In olden days of Paris, the combatants kicked one another with their shoes on. Hence, this fight became associated with street fighting. The techniques involve a lot punches, hand and leg movements, involving kicks and other feet movements. It was originally used for street fighting safety, but later was also adopted by the military unarmed combat and now is an international sport played world wide. Savate has developed a multi-discipline approach to personal combat. Feet play a major role in this art as it involves a lot of hitting and grappling.

This French style of boxing was assimilated by Charles Lecour in 1832. He was a son of a French baker. The 18th century also witnessed social and economic changes as a result of industrial development. The growth of Boxing from the mid 18 century along with Wrestling and Street kicking was a direct result of this social and economic growth. The French revolution marked the beginning of the street kicking style as well. The French navy developed Chausson (pronounced Shoh-sohn) as a gymnastic game of fencing with the feet. Chausson means slipper and referred to the sailor's espadrilles. It became a local street game about Marseille, Aubagne and Toulon.

In Paris the same streetkicing was known as La Savate (pronounced Savaht). This technique in Paris was used in the poorer quarters and the underworld. Eugene Francois Vidocq, the chief of the "Surete Nationale" employed ex convicts to use this method of fighting and obtain information against criminals.

The 18th century, along with industrialization also witnessed modernization of the young minds or the young aristocrats. The youngsters, often dressed in formal clothes enjoyed going to pubs and other musical events. These places were common for disagreements, which was then tackled by street kicking. This form of art was considered to be more dignified, compared to wrestling, while dealing with muggers and troublemakers.

Michel Cassaux, commonly known as Michel Pissaux, who was born in Belleville district of Paris, systemized the street kicking methods and named it the 'Art of Savate'. He taught this art to many personalities. His outstanding student however was Charles Lecour, who was a competitive athlete and an expert at the Canne and Grand Baton. In 1838 he combined English boxing with French street kicking and is acknowledged for founding 'La Boxe Francaise'.

Many other great personalities contributed to the growth of this art and the improvised the techniques and methods. Today Savate is an international kickboxing sport and a traditional self-defense art. From mayhem to artistic efficiency this unique, ancient yet modern system is the expression of the 21-century.