"Savate," a French word for “old shoe,” is also a type of French foot fighting that was common on the streets of France about 200 years ago, when thugs delivered devastating kicks at each other with their shoes. The first official savate school was opened in France in 1825. Today, you can study savate’s kicks at schools around the world. These kicks include the fouette, chasse bas, revers and coup de pied bas.
Fouette
The French word “fouette” refers to a whipping motion. The fouette is similar to the roundhouse kick used in other martial arts. Tae kwon do teaches students to kick with the instep or ball of the foot when performing the roundhouse. Savate practitioners, however, kick with the toe of the shoe. When delivering a fouette, you can directly strike targets like the liver or kidneys. To execute this kick, stand in a fighting stance with one leg behind the other. Turn your hips as you raise your back knee and point it at your target. Keep your leg approximately parallel to the floor. Whip the toe of your shoe at your target and quickly recoil it.
Chasse Bas
The chasse bas is an effective savate kick you can use when your opponent is moving toward you. Chasse bas translates to “hunt low” in English. To execute this technique, lift your right knee straight up in front of you. Point your toes to the right at about a 45-degree angle. Use your hip and your knee to propel the bottom of your foot at your target. Your opponent’s knee is a prime target for this kick. You can break an attacker’s knee and prevent him from taking another step toward you.
Revers
The revers is a fast savate kick delivered in a hooking motion. “Revers” refers to the fact that this kick is performed opposite of most kicks. An opponent might not see this kick coming until it is too late. To perform this technique, turn the side of your body toward your opponent. Raise the knee that is closest to him and point it in the same direction your body is facing. Quickly extend your leg and hook the sole of your foot across the side of his face. Perform this kick with more power by spinning as you deliver it.
Coup de Pied Bas
The coup de pied bas, which means “low kick,” is a sweeping kick that is meant to take your opponent to the ground. To execute this technique, step toward your opponent and kick his shin as if you are trying to sweep it out from underneath him. Kick with the inner edge of your shoe. If you have the opportunity, you can also hit an opponent’s Achilles tendon with this kick. Kicking an opponent on the Achilles tendon should cause him to fall backward.
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