Federation Internationale de Savate is the world governing body for the sport of Savate. The organization is dedicated to the promotion of the sport of savate and canne de combat. It currently has 63 member countries.[2] The organization holds biannual World and Continental championships, while their member countries hold national competitions.[3]
History
During the 1880s and 1890s Joseph Charlemont and Lois Albert synthesized the various savate methods and moves and created the "academic style" of the sports, but were opposed to adjusting it to fit the modern demands of the sport. By 1944 there were two separate views of the sport of savate: the white collar practitioners who were in favor of full contact ring fighting, and the academically oriented practitioners who opposed this.
In 1965 the "Comité National de Boxe Française" was founded. The two philosophies competed for control of the organization. In 1973 CNBF became the "Fédération Nationale de Boxe Française" under the control of the academic camp. Their opponents founded a new organization, the "Fédération Nationale de Savate-Boxe-Française". In 1976 the French government gave the official teaching rights to the academic camp.[4]
In March 1985 the two camps came together to found the "Fédération Internationale de Boxe Française Savate", which was renamed to Fédération Internationale de Savate in October 1999.[5]
Structure
All 63 member countries affiliated with Federation Internationale de Savate hold voting power in the General Assembly, which is held every two years. An extraordinary meeting of the general assembly may be called by the board of directors or it may be requested by 3/4 of the member countries.
At the meeting of the General Assembly management reports are presented, and discussion is held concerning the financial and legal situation of the organization. The General Assembly is the body that votes the president into power and which chooses its board of directors.
The organization itself if administered by the board of directors, who are a president, one or two vice-presidents, a Secretary General, a Treasurer, and a number of other persons who make up 20 members of the board of directors.[6]
Rules and techniques
In savate only strikes with the fists and foot kicks are allowed, unlike kickboxing or muay thai which allow strikes with knees and shins as well.[7]
The 2013 Male World Championships were held in Clermont-Ferrand, France, while the Female World Championships were held in both Clermont-Ferrand and Hainan, China. Men competed across eight, and women across seven weight classes.
