Aikido vs Savate

Aikido and Savate are both traditional martial arts with unique techniques and philosophies. Aikido focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them, while Savate is a French kickboxing style known for its powerful kicks and footwork.

General information

Aikido
Savate
Introduction :
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent's energy and movements against them, rather than relying on brute force. It emphasizes blending with an attacker's movements and redirecting their force to neutralize the threat. Aikido is known for its circular and flowing techniques, making it a popular choice for self-defense and personal development. It is also practiced for its physical and mental health benefits, promoting flexibility, balance, and mindfulness.
Introduction :
Savate, also known as French kickboxing, is a dynamic martial art that combines elements of traditional boxing with high kicks and footwork. Originating in France, Savate is popular for its emphasis on agility, flexibility, and precision striking techniques. It is commonly used for self-defense and as a competitive sport. With its unique blend of striking and footwork, Savate offers a challenging and effective workout for both physical fitness and self-defense skills.
Advantages :
  • Aikido focuses on redirecting an opponent’s energy, making it effective for self-defense without causing harm.
  • Aikido techniques emphasize joint locks and throws, providing practical skills for real-life situations.
  • Aikido promotes mental and physical balance, improving overall well-being.
  • Aikido training enhances flexibility, coordination, and agility.
  • Aikido emphasizes harmony and non-violent conflict resolution.
Advantages :
  • Savate offers a unique blend of striking techniques using both hands and feet, providing a well-rounded skill set for self-defense and competition.
  • Emphasizes agility and footwork, allowing practitioners to move quickly and effectively in combat situations.
  • Focuses on precision and control, enabling practitioners to deliver powerful strikes with accuracy.
  • Incorporates both offensive and defensive techniques, providing a balanced approach to combat scenarios.
  • Promotes physical fitness and conditioning through high-intensity training sessions, improving overall health and well-being.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited focus on striking techniques
  • Less competitive opportunities compared to other martial arts
  • Requires significant time and dedication to see progress
  • Emphasis on joint locks and throws may not be practical in all self-defense situations
  • Limited availability of Aikido schools in some areas
Disadvantages :
  • Limited use of hands for striking compared to other martial arts.
  • Lack of emphasis on ground fighting techniques.
  • Less popular and fewer opportunities for competitions.
  • Limited availability of qualified instructors and training facilities.
  • Not as well-known or recognized as other martial arts styles.
🟡 Popularity : Somewhat.
Aikido is moderately popular worldwide, with a dedicated following in many countries. It may not be as mainstream as some other martial arts, but it has a strong presence in the martial arts community.
🟡 Popularity : Somewhat.
Savate is somewhat popular in Europe, particularly in France where it originated. It has a dedicated following of practitioners and competitions, but may not be as widely practiced as other martial arts globally.


General application

Aikido
Savate
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Aikido requires dedication to learning the techniques and principles. While some basics can be learned quickly, mastering the art takes time and consistent practice. Physical fitness and flexibility are beneficial.
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Savate requires some basic fitness and flexibility. Learning the techniques and movements may take time, but with consistent practice and dedication, beginners can progress steadily in this martial art.
🟡 Self defense : Average.
Aikido can be effective for self-defense on the street due to its focus on redirecting an opponent's energy. However, its lack of striking techniques and emphasis on joint locks may not always be practical in real-world situations.
🟡 Self defense : Average.
Savate can be effective for self defense on the street due to its focus on striking techniques, but it may not be as practical as other martial arts that incorporate grappling and ground fighting for real-world scenarios.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Aikido is a good way to keep fit as it involves dynamic movements, joint locks, and throws that require strength, flexibility, and endurance. It provides a full-body workout and can improve overall fitness levels.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Savate is an excellent way to stay fit, with high levels of exertion and focus on flexibility. The dynamic movements and kicks involved provide a full-body workout, improving strength, agility, and cardiovascular endurance.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
Aikido has a variety of accessible sporting competitions at different levels, organized by various awarding bodies. Competitions provide opportunities for practitioners to test their skills and progress in the art.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
Savate has a well-established competition circuit with events at various levels, from local to international. There are recognized awarding bodies and governing organizations that oversee these competitions.


Techniques

Aikido
Savate
🟡 Punching : Average.
Aikido is not primarily focused on punching techniques, but some schools may incorporate basic punching drills. However, compared to other martial arts like boxing or karate, Aikido's punching techniques may be considered average in effectiveness.
🟢 Punching : Good.
Savate is good for punching due to its emphasis on precise and powerful kicks, which can be combined effectively with punches to create diverse striking combinations. The range and variety of punches in Savate make it a strong striking martial art.
🟡 Elbowing : Average.
Aikido is not primarily focused on punching techniques, but it does incorporate some striking movements using open-hand strikes and combinations of elbows. It is more known for joint locks and throws.
🟢 Elbowing : Good.
Savate is good for punching due to its focus on precision, speed, and power. Practitioners learn various punching techniques and combinations, enhancing their striking abilities in combat situations.
⚪ Kneeing : Unknown.
Aikido focuses more on joint locks and throws rather than punching techniques. While some schools may incorporate striking, it is not a primary focus. The effectiveness of Aikido for punching may vary depending on the instructor and school.
🟡 Kneeing : Average.
Savate is known for its kicks rather than punches, but it does incorporate some punching techniques. While not as emphasized as kicks, Savate practitioners can still develop decent punching skills through training and practice.
🔴 Kicking : Poor.
Aikido is not known for its kicking techniques. While some basic kicks may be incorporated, the art primarily focuses on joint locks, throws, and pins rather than extensive kicking techniques.
🟢 Kicking : Good.
Savate is known for its effective kicking techniques, including a variety of kicks such as front kicks, side kicks, and roundhouse kicks. Practitioners often combine these kicks with punches for a well-rounded striking game.
🟢 Throwing : Good.
Aikido is known for its extensive range of throws, including joint locks and pins. It emphasizes blending with an attacker's energy to execute throws effectively. Aikido practitioners often combine throws with strikes for self-defense.
🟡 Throwing : Average.
Savate is not primarily focused on throws, but it does incorporate some basic throwing techniques. While not as extensive as in other martial arts, Savate practitioners can still learn to execute throws effectively.
🟢 Joint locks : Good.
Aikido is known for its extensive range of joint locks and holds, making it effective for controlling opponents through manipulation of their joints. It emphasizes fluid movements and leverage for effective joint techniques.
🟡 Joint locks : Average.
Savate focuses more on striking techniques such as kicks and punches rather than joint locks and holds. While some joint locks may be included in training, it is not the primary focus of the martial art.
🟡 Grappling : Average.
While Aikido does incorporate some ground fighting techniques, it is not the primary focus of the martial art. It may be effective in certain situations, but other disciplines may offer more comprehensive training in ground fighting.
🟡 Grappling : Average.
Savate is primarily a stand-up striking art, so its effectiveness in ground fighting is limited. While some techniques may be adapted for ground combat, it is not a focus of traditional Savate training.
🟢 Defense : Good.
Aikido is known for its effective range of blocks and defense techniques, utilizing circular movements and joint locks to neutralize attacks. The combination of techniques makes it a strong choice for defense in martial arts.
🟢 Defense : Good.
Savate utilizes a range of effective blocks and defensive techniques, including footwork, parries, and counters. The combination of these techniques makes it a strong martial art for both blocking and defense against various attacks.


When choosing between Aikido and Savate, consider your preferred fighting style and goals. Aikido is great for self-defense and non-aggressive techniques, while Savate offers a more dynamic and striking-focused approach. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your personal preferences and what you hope to achieve in your martial arts practice.