Formosa: Soulistic Tuina x Martial Artist

There is a specific kind of energy that takes over the gym when a competition is on the horizon. The rounds feel sharper, the footwork gets lighter, and the focus becomes absolute. As we look at the calendar for 2026, Formosa Kickboxing Academy (Bracknell Savate Club) has two massive opportunities to show the UK—and the world—what we are made of. 1. The British Savate Assaut Championships Date: April 25th, 2026 | Location: Guildford Spectrum (GU1 1UP) This is our immediate mountain to climb. Hosted by Greig Bradbury, this is a multi-style event featuring clubs from across the UK. For us, this means more than just fighting—it’s about exposure . We get to show practitioners of other martial arts the beauty, grace, and "fencing with the feet" that defines Savate. Why You Should Step Up For the Competitors: This is where you find out who you are as a martial artist. There is no better way to grow than to test your skills against someone you don't train with every day. For...

 In the world of martial arts and combat sports, targeting an opponent's lower body is a strategic and highly effective technique. At first glance, Savate's "Coup de Pied Bas," MMA's "Oblique Kick," and the traditional martial arts "Axe Blade Kick" might all seem like similar attacks to the legs. However, they possess fundamental differences in their technical details, purpose, and practical application. This article will delve into these three kicks, distinguishing their unique features and analyzing their respective values in self-defense scenarios. 1. Savate: Coup de Pied Bas (Low Kick) Technique and Purpose : Coup de Pied Bas, which translates to "low kick," is a core technique in French Boxing (Savate). It primarily uses the hard edge of the shoe (the instep or outside edge) to deliver a "whipping" or "sweeping" attack. The target is typically the shin, ankle, or calf below the knee. The essence of this kick...

Savate, also known as French boxing, is a martial art renowned for its elegant yet powerful kicking techniques, performed with specialized boots. Among its diverse arsenal, one kick stands out for its unique blend of circular motion and frontal targeting: Le Revers Frontal . This article delves into the mechanics, training drills, competitive applications, and self-defense utility of this distinctive Savate technique. Introduction to Le Revers Frontal At first glance, the name "Revers Frontal" might seem contradictory. "Frontal" suggests a direct forward motion, while "Revers" implies a reversal or turning. In Savate, this paradox is elegantly resolved: Le Revers Frontal is an outward circular kick delivered with the kicking leg, while the body maintains a frontal profile to the opponent. The kick typically targets the opponent's face, making contact with the outside edge of the Savate boot . Both the support leg and the kicking leg are extended duri...

Ever wondered how martial artists get better, step by step? In Savate, the cool French kickboxing style, we don't use belts like some martial arts. Instead, we have a "glove system" that's super smart! It's not just about getting a new color; each glove shows you've learned something new about fighting and, even more importantly, how to outsmart your opponent. Think of it like a ladder, with each rung teaching you a new skill for sparring. Let's break down what each glove means in simple terms: Blue Glove: The First Touch 🔵 This is where everyone starts! As a Blue Glove, your main goal is simply to touch your opponent . It's about learning the very basics – how to move, how far away to be, and how to land your first hits. At this level, your opponent might be new too, giving you easy chances to touch them because their guard might be open or they're not moving much. You learn to spot these "free" openings. Green Glove: Touching Back 🟢 O...

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...

Today's training is all about refining your chamber in Savate. This fundamental skill is crucial for both balance and striking power, as it allows for precise control and efficient force generation in your kicks. Savate Chamber Drills (30-45 minutes) Warm-up (5-10 minutes): Light cardio (jogging in place, jumping jacks). Dynamic stretches focusing on hips, hamstrings, and quads (leg swings, torso twists). Ankle rotations. Chamber Isolation (15 minutes): Slow-motion chambers: Stand with good posture. Slowly bring your knee up to a full chamber position, holding it for 3-5 seconds. Focus on engaging your core and maintaining balance. Slowly extend and retract your leg, then lower it. Repeat 10-15 times per leg. Wall-assisted chambers: Use a wall for support if needed to truly focus on the chambering motion without worrying about balance. Perform the same slow-motion chambers. Chamber holds: Hold the chamber position for increasing durations (e.g., 10-15 seconds) to bu...

What a session today! We really honed in on our chassé technique, covering the frontal chassé at all three levels: bas (low), médian (mid), and figure (high). It was a great workout for power and precision. We also spent some good time on the turning chassé, which is always a fantastic way to improve our mobility and transitions in the ring. Want to refine your chassé even more? Remember to watch James's excellent video on chassé technique! It's a fantastic resource to help you perfect your form.:  Additional information - Savate training drills & combinations:  http://www.cama.org.uk/savate_net2017/index.php/training-combinations?showall=1   Don't forget, we have our regular Savate session every Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM . Come join us to keep building your skills and fitness! Speaking of putting our skills to the test, mark your calendars! The London Open 2025 is happening on Sunday, July 20th, 2025 . This is an awesome chance to show off your progress and ga...