Beyond the Straight Line: Décalage and Chassé Frontal Bas in Savate

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In Savate, effective combat is a dance of movement and precision. Two fundamental techniques, Décalage (angular shifting) and Chassé Frontal Bas (low front push kick), are essential for controlling the fight, evading strikes, and setting up devastating attacks. When combined, they create a fluid, intelligent combat synergy.

Décalage: The Art of the Angle

Décalage is the tactical shift off your opponent's direct line of attack. It's about stepping your lead foot to the side, then quickly adjusting your rear foot, to gain a superior angle. This isn't a retreat, but a strategic repositioning to evade punches or kicks, and to open up new lines of attack on your opponent's exposed sides. Whether you move "outside" (away from their lead side) or "inside" (towards their lead side), Décalage makes you a harder target while creating offensive opportunities.

How to change angles in Savate (Décalage), by London Savate

Chassé Frontal Bas: The Low Barrier

The Chassé Frontal Bas is a front push kick delivered to the opponent's lower body (thigh, hip, or lower shin). While it can be an offensive strike, its primary role is often defensive and disruptive. It acts as a powerful "barrier," using the sole or heel of the foot to:

  • Intercept incoming low kicks.
  • Stop an opponent's forward movement.
  • Disrupt their balance.
  • Create distance and reset the engagement.

The Potent Combination: Angle and Barrier in Action

The true power emerges when Décalage and Chassé Frontal Bas are used together:

  1. Evade and Counter: Your opponent throws a powerful punch. You execute a Décalage to slip the strike and gain an angle. If they follow up with a low kick, you immediately counter or intercept it with a Chassé Frontal Bas from your new position. You've evaded, repositioned, and neutralized their follow-up in one fluid motion.

  2. Angle for Disruption: You initiate with a Décalage to move off-line, making your entry unpredictable. From this new angle, you immediately follow with a Chassé Frontal Bas to their lead leg or hip, forcing them off balance and creating an opening for your next strike (e.g., a high kick or punch combination).

  3. Barrier to Opportunity: Your opponent tries to kick your leg. You meet their attack with a strong Chassé Frontal Bas, acting as a powerful barrier. As they recoil, you instantly follow with a Décalage to get completely off their line and achieve a dominant angle, ready to unleash a rapid counter-attack.

By seamlessly weaving Décalage and Chassé Frontal Bas, a Savateur transforms defence into offence and controls the flow of combat. It's the intelligent integration of movement and striking that defines true mastery in Savate.

Savate's Chasse Frontal, by Gemeiner Savate Academy Australia

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