Eskrima/Kali/Arnis vs Savate

Eskrima/Kali/Arnis and Savate are both effective martial arts with unique origins and techniques. Eskrima/Kali/Arnis focuses on weapon-based combat and intricate hand-to-hand techniques, while Savate is a French martial art known for its dynamic kicks and footwork. Both styles emphasize practical self-defense skills and have a strong emphasis on training with partners.

General information

Introduction :
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis is a Filipino martial art known for its practical and effective techniques using sticks, knives, and empty hands. It emphasizes weapon-based combat but also includes empty-hand techniques for self-defense. With a focus on fluid movements and quick strikes, practitioners learn to defend themselves in close-quarters combat situations. Eskrima/Kali/Arnis is a versatile martial art that provides a well-rounded approach to self-defense and combat skills.
Introduction :
Savate, also known as French kickboxing, is a dynamic and versatile martial art that combines elements of boxing and kicking techniques. Originating in France, Savate focuses on striking with the hands and feet while incorporating footwork and agility. It is a highly effective self-defense system that emphasizes speed, precision, and control. Practitioners of Savate develop strength, flexibility, and coordination through rigorous training and sparring sessions.
Popularity :
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis is a popular martial art with a dedicated following worldwide. It is known for its practical self-defense techniques and weapon training, attracting practitioners of all ages and skill levels.
Popularity :
Savate is a niche martial art that is popular in France and some European countries. It has a dedicated following of practitioners who appreciate its unique blend of striking techniques and footwork.
Advantages :
  • Effective for self-defense
  • Improves hand-eye coordination
  • Enhances reflexes and reaction time
  • Teaches weapon and empty-hand techniques
  • Promotes physical fitness and agility
Advantages :
  • Savate is a highly effective striking martial art that focuses on kicks and punches, making it a versatile combat system.
  • It emphasizes footwork and agility, helping practitioners improve their overall coordination and movement skills.
  • Savate training can improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance, making it a great workout for overall health and fitness.
  • The techniques in Savate are practical for self-defense situations, providing students with the skills to defend themselves effectively.
  • Savate competitions and sparring sessions can help practitioners develop mental toughness and strategic thinking skills.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited availability of qualified instructors
  • Emphasis on weapon-based techniques may not be practical for self-defense in all situations
  • Risk of injury due to the use of weapons in training
  • Limited focus on grappling and ground fighting techniques
  • Lack of standardized curriculum and techniques across different schools
Disadvantages :
  • Limited grappling techniques
  • Not as popular or widely practiced as other martial arts
  • Requires specialized equipment such as shoes and gloves
  • Can be difficult to find qualified instructors
  • Limited self-defense applications compared to other martial arts

General application

🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Eskrima/Kali/Arnis can be relatively easy as many schools offer beginner-friendly classes. However, mastering the techniques and principles of the art can be challenging and require dedication and practice.
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started with Savate can be considered average in terms of difficulty. It requires learning specific techniques and movements, but with dedication and practice, beginners can quickly progress in this French martial art.
🟢 Self defense : Good.
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis is considered good for self defense as it focuses on practical techniques using weapons and empty hand strikes. It emphasizes speed, agility, and adaptability in real-life combat situations.
🟢 Self defense : Good.
Savate can be effective for self-defense due to its focus on striking techniques using both hands and feet. It teaches practitioners how to defend themselves in real-life situations, making it a valuable skill for self-defense purposes.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis is good for fitness as it involves a combination of cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility. Practicing these martial arts can improve overall fitness levels and help with weight management.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Savate is good for fitness as it combines elements of cardio, strength training, and flexibility. It helps improve endurance, agility, and coordination, making it a well-rounded workout for overall fitness.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
There are accessible sporting competitions for Eskrima/Kali/Arnis, with tournaments and events held regularly at local, national, and international levels. Competitions provide opportunities for practitioners to showcase their skills and compete against others.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
There are accessible sporting competitions for Savate, with events held at local, national, and international levels. Competitions provide opportunities for practitioners to showcase their skills and compete against others in a competitive setting.

Techniques

🟢 Punches : Good.
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis is good for punching as it incorporates hand strikes into its techniques, focusing on speed, accuracy, and power. Practitioners learn to punch effectively while maintaining proper form and technique.
🟢 Punches : Good.
Savate is good for punching as it emphasizes quick and precise strikes with the hands and feet. Practitioners develop strong punching techniques and footwork, making it an effective striking martial art.
🟡 Kicks : Average.
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis primarily focuses on stick and blade techniques, but some schools also incorporate kicking techniques. While not the main emphasis, practitioners can still develop effective kicking skills through training.
🟢 Kicks : Good.
Savate is known for its effective kicking techniques, making it a good choice for practitioners looking to improve their kicking skills. The art emphasizes precision, power, and speed in its kicks.
🟡 Throws : Average.
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis primarily focuses on stick and blade techniques, but some styles incorporate throwing techniques. While not as emphasized as in other martial arts, practitioners can still learn effective throwing techniques.
🟡 Throws : Average.
Savate focuses primarily on striking techniques such as kicks and punches, rather than throws. While some throws may be incorporated into training, it is not a primary focus of the art.
🟡 Joint locks : Average.
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis is average for joint locks and holds. While these martial arts do include some joint manipulation techniques, they are not the primary focus. Other styles may offer more comprehensive training in this area.
🟡 Joint locks : Average.
Savate focuses more on striking techniques such as kicks and punches, rather than joint locks and holds. While some joint manipulation techniques may be incorporated, it is not the primary focus of the art.
🟡 Ground fighting : Average.
While Eskrima/Kali/Arnis primarily focuses on weapon-based combat, it does include some ground fighting techniques. However, it is not as comprehensive as other martial arts specifically designed for ground fighting.
🟡 Ground fighting : Average.
Savate is not typically focused on ground fighting techniques, as it primarily emphasizes striking with the feet and hands. While some practitioners may have basic ground skills, it is not considered a strong suit of the art.
🟢 Blocks : Good.
Eskrima/Kali/Arnis is good for blocks and defense as it emphasizes quick and efficient movements to deflect and counter strikes. Practitioners learn various techniques to defend against different types of attacks.
🟢 Blocks : Good.
Savate is good for blocks and defense due to its emphasis on quick footwork, precise strikes, and effective use of kicks to keep opponents at a distance. It also teaches techniques for countering attacks.

When choosing between Eskrima/Kali/Arnis and Savate, consider your preference for weapon-based combat versus striking techniques. If you enjoy using weapons and intricate hand-to-hand combat, Eskrima/Kali/Arnis may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer dynamic kicks and footwork, Savate could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal martial arts goals and interests.