Kendo vs Savate

Kendo and Savate are both traditional martial arts with unique techniques and styles. Kendo, originating from Japan, focuses on swordsmanship and discipline, while Savate, originating from France, emphasizes footwork and striking techniques using the hands and feet.

General information

Kendo
Savate
Introduction :
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on swordsmanship using bamboo swords and protective armor. It has a rich history dating back to the samurai warriors of feudal Japan. Kendo is practiced for sport, fitness, and self-defense purposes, emphasizing discipline, respect, and mental focus. It is popular worldwide, with practitioners of all ages and skill levels participating in competitions and training sessions to hone their techniques and improve their physical and mental well-being.
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 :
  • Kendo offers a unique focus on discipline and respect, instilling important values in practitioners.
  • The use of traditional Japanese sword techniques sets Kendo apart from other martial arts.
  • Kendo provides a rigorous physical workout, improving strength, agility, and endurance.
  • Practitioners develop mental focus and concentration through intense training and sparring.
  • Kendo offers a strong sense of community and camaraderie among practitioners.
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 self-defense techniques compared to other martial arts.
  • Less emphasis on grappling and ground fighting.
  • Requires specific equipment (bogu) which can be expensive.
  • Limited availability of qualified instructors in some areas.
  • High risk of injuries due to full-contact sparring.
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.
Kendo is popular in Japan and has a dedicated following in other countries with established martial arts communities. It may not be as widespread as more mainstream martial arts, but it has a strong presence in certain 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

Kendo
Savate
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Kendo requires learning the basic techniques and etiquette, which may take some time. It also involves physical conditioning and the use of specialized equipment, making it an average level of difficulty to begin.
🟡 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.
While Kendo teaches discipline and focus, its effectiveness for self-defense on the street may be limited due to the focus on traditional techniques with bamboo swords. It may not be as practical in real-world self-defense scenarios.
🟡 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.
Kendo is an excellent way to improve fitness, with its high level of physical exertion and focus on agility and strength. It also helps improve flexibility and coordination, making it a well-rounded workout.
🟢 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.
Kendo 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 organize 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

Kendo
Savate
🟡 Punching : Average.
Kendo focuses more on sword techniques rather than punching. While some basic punching techniques are included, they are not the primary focus. Practitioners may find the punching techniques in Kendo to be average compared to other martial arts.
🟢 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.
Kendo is primarily focused on sword techniques and does not emphasize punching. While some basic punching techniques may be included, it is not a primary aspect of Kendo training.
🟢 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.
Kendo primarily focuses on sword techniques and does not emphasize punching. While some schools may incorporate punching techniques, it is not a primary aspect of Kendo training. Further research is recommended for specific information on punching in Kendo.
🟡 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 : Unknown.
Kendo primarily focuses on sword techniques and does not typically involve kicking. While some schools may incorporate minimal kicking techniques, it is not a primary aspect of the martial art.
🟢 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.
Kendo is not primarily focused on throws, but some techniques involve off-balancing opponents. While not as extensive as in Judo or Aikido, Kendo practitioners may learn basic throws for self-defense or competition.
🟡 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.
Kendo focuses more on striking techniques with the sword rather than joint locks and holds. While some joint locks may be incorporated into training, it is not a primary focus of the martial art.
🟡 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 : Unknown.
Kendo primarily focuses on swordsmanship and does not typically involve ground fighting techniques. While some principles of footwork and timing may be applicable in ground fighting, Kendo is not specifically designed for this purpose.
🟡 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.
Kendo is known for its effective use of blocks and defense techniques, incorporating a range of blocking movements and strategies. Practitioners learn to defend themselves efficiently against various attacks, making it a strong choice for those focused on defense.
🟢 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 Kendo and Savate, consider your preference for weapon-based combat or striking techniques. Kendo offers a traditional and disciplined approach to swordsmanship, while Savate provides a dynamic and versatile style of striking. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and which martial art aligns best with your goals and interests.