Savate vs Japanese Jiu-Jitsu

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu focuses on grappling and ground fighting techniques, while Savate is a French martial art that emphasizes striking with the feet and hands. Both arts have unique techniques and strategies that make them effective in self-defense situations.

General information

Savate
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
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.
Introduction :
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is a traditional martial art that focuses on self-defense techniques utilizing joint locks, throws, and strikes. With roots dating back to the samurai warriors, it emphasizes using an opponent's energy against them. Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is popular for its practical applications in self-defense scenarios and is also beneficial for fitness and overall well-being. It has gained recognition worldwide for its effectiveness in real-life situations.
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.
Advantages :
  • Japanese Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes joint locks and throws for self-defense.
  • Focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them, making it effective.
  • Teaches practical techniques for real-life situations.
  • Offers a well-rounded approach to self-defense with striking and grappling.
  • Promotes physical fitness and mental discipline.
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.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited focus on striking techniques
  • Less emphasis on competition training
  • Lack of standardized curriculum among schools
  • Limited availability of high-level instructors
  • Not as widely practiced or recognized as other martial arts
🟡 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.
🟡 Popularity : Somewhat.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is somewhat popular in certain regions, with a dedicated following of practitioners. It may not be as mainstream as other martial arts like Karate or Taekwondo, but it has a strong presence in the martial arts community.


General application

Savate
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
🟡 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.
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu requires dedication and commitment to learning the techniques and principles. Basic physical fitness and flexibility are helpful, but beginners can start with introductory classes to build a solid foundation.
🟡 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.
🟢 Self defense : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is effective for self-defense on the street due to its focus on joint locks, throws, and submissions. It teaches practical techniques for real-world situations, making it a valuable martial art for self-defense.
🟢 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.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is excellent for fitness as it involves a high level of physical exertion, improves flexibility, and enhances overall strength and endurance. It provides a full-body workout and helps in weight management.
🟢 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.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu has a strong presence in sporting competitions with events held at various levels, including local, national, and international tournaments. There are established awarding bodies that oversee these competitions.


Techniques

Savate
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
🟢 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.
🟡 Punching : Average.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu focuses more on grappling and joint locks rather than punching techniques. While some striking techniques are included, the emphasis is not on developing powerful punches compared to other striking-focused 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.
🟡 Elbowing : Average.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is average for punching. While it incorporates striking techniques like punches and elbows, the focus is more on joint locks and throws rather than developing powerful punching skills.
🟡 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.
🟡 Kneeing : Average.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu focuses more on joint locks, throws, and grappling techniques rather than striking. While some schools may incorporate striking techniques, the emphasis is not on punching, making it average for punching skills.
🟢 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.
🟡 Kicking : Average.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu includes a variety of kicks in its techniques, but the focus is primarily on grappling and joint locks. While practitioners can execute kicks, the emphasis may not be as strong as in other martial arts dedicated to kicking techniques.
🟡 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.
🟢 Throwing : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is known for its wide range of throws, including hip throws, shoulder throws, and sweeps. It emphasizes proper technique and leverage, making it effective for throws in self-defense situations.
🟡 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.
🟢 Joint locks : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is known for its extensive range of joint locks and holds, making it highly effective in controlling and subduing opponents. The techniques are well-developed and versatile for various situations.
🟡 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.
🟢 Grappling : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is known for its effective range of ground fighting techniques, including joint locks, chokes, and submissions. It emphasizes control and leverage, making it a valuable skill set for ground combat situations.
🟢 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.
🟢 Defense : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is known for its effective range of blocking and defense techniques, including joint locks, throws, and strikes. Its emphasis on fluid movements and redirection of an opponent's force make it a strong choice for defense.


When choosing between Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Savate, consider your preferred fighting style. If you prefer close combat and grappling, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer striking techniques using your feet and hands, Savate could be the right fit for you. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal preferences and goals in martial arts.