Capoeira vs Savate

Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art known for its fluid, acrobatic movements and rhythmic music. Savate, on the other hand, is a French kickboxing style that emphasizes precise kicks and footwork. Both arts have unique cultural backgrounds and techniques.

General information

Capoeira
Savate
Introduction :
Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and music. It was developed by African slaves in Brazil as a form of self-defense and cultural expression. Capoeira is known for its fluid and graceful movements, as well as its incorporation of music and singing. It is popular worldwide for its unique blend of martial arts techniques and artistic expression.
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 :
  • Capoeira is known for its fluid and acrobatic movements, making it visually appealing and entertaining for spectators.
  • It incorporates music and dance, adding a cultural element to training sessions.
  • Capoeira emphasizes creativity and improvisation, allowing practitioners to express themselves artistically.
  • It promotes physical fitness, agility, and flexibility through dynamic movements.
  • Capoeira teaches self-defense techniques in a non-aggressive manner, focusing on evasion and counterattacks.
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 effectiveness in self-defense situations due to focus on acrobatics and ritualistic movements.
  • Lack of emphasis on practical fighting techniques compared to other martial arts.
  • High risk of injury due to acrobatic movements and lack of protective gear.
  • Limited availability of qualified instructors and training facilities.
  • Not as widely recognized or practiced as other martial arts.
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.
Capoeira is somewhat popular globally, with a strong presence in Brazil where it originated. It is gaining popularity in other countries as well, with dedicated schools and practitioners in various regions.
🟡 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

Capoeira
Savate
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Capoeira requires dedication to learn the unique movements and music. Basic skills can be learned relatively quickly, but mastering the art form takes time and practice due to its complexity.
🟡 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.
Capoeira can be effective for self defense in certain situations due to its acrobatic movements and unpredictability, but its focus on dance and music may not always translate well in real-world street confrontations.
🟡 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.
Capoeira is a great way to stay fit as it combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and martial arts. It improves flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular endurance through dynamic movements and high-energy routines.
🟢 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.
Capoeira has a well-established competition circuit with events at various levels, from local to international. There are recognized awarding bodies and organizations that oversee and regulate these competitions.
🟢 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

Capoeira
Savate
🔴 Punching : Poor.
Capoeira primarily focuses on kicks, sweeps, and acrobatic movements, rather than punches. While some basic punches are included, they are not the main emphasis of the martial art, making it less effective for punching compared to other styles.
🟢 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 : Poor.
Capoeira is not focused on punching techniques, as it primarily emphasizes kicks, sweeps, and acrobatics. While some basic hand strikes are included, they are not as developed or emphasized as in other martial arts.
🟢 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 : Poor.
Capoeira is not focused on punching techniques, as it primarily incorporates kicks, sweeps, and acrobatics. While it may include some hand strikes, it is not considered effective for punching compared to other martial arts.
🟡 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 : Good.
Capoeira is known for its dynamic and acrobatic kicking techniques, including a wide range of kicks such as martelo, meia lua de compasso, and chapa. These kicks are often combined with fluid movements and music in a unique and effective way.
🟢 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 : Average.
Capoeira incorporates some throws, but they are not the primary focus of the martial art. Throws in Capoeira are often used in combination with other techniques and are not as extensive as in other martial arts dedicated solely to throws.
🟡 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 : Average.
Capoeira includes some joint locks and holds, but they are not as emphasized as in other martial arts. The focus is more on fluid movements, kicks, and acrobatics rather than extensive joint manipulation 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.
Capoeira is known for its acrobatic movements and kicks, which may not be as practical in ground fighting. While it incorporates some ground techniques, it is not as focused on ground fighting as other martial arts.
🟡 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.
Capoeira is known for its fluid movements and combination of strikes and evasive maneuvers, making it effective for both blocking and defense. Its unique style allows practitioners to swiftly evade attacks while countering effectively.
🟢 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 Capoeira and Savate, consider your preference for dynamic movements and music in Capoeira, or the focus on precise kicks and footwork in Savate. Both arts offer effective self-defense techniques and physical conditioning, so the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and goals.