Savate at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games – A Forgotten Chapter in the History of French Boxing

Did you know that over 100 years ago, Savate featured in the programme of the Olympic Games? Although it was not a medal event, French boxing was given a unique opportunity to present itself to an international audience during the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

Today, as Savate continues to grow in popularity across many countries and attracts new practitioners, it is worth revisiting this remarkable chapter in its history.

Paris, 19 July 1924

The 8th Summer Olympic Games were held in Paris. As the host nation, France wanted to showcase not only its sporting achievements but also its own martial arts traditions. One of these was Boxe Française, also known as Savate or French boxing.

On 19 July 1924, a demonstration of this discipline took place at the Vélodrome d’Hiver in Paris. The event featured athletes from France and Belgium.

Savate was not an official Olympic medal sport, so no medals or Olympic titles were awarded. Instead, the demonstration aimed to introduce international audiences to this distinctive French martial art.

Not Just Fists and Kicks – Canne de Combat Too

The Savate demonstration was not the only tribute to traditional French fighting arts.

The presentation also included Canne de Combat – a French martial art involving the use of a specially designed cane.

Both disciplines share historical roots and have developed alongside each other over the years. To this day, Canne de Combat remains an important part of the French martial arts tradition.

Charles Charlemont and the People Who Made History

The history of French boxing would be incomplete without Charles Charlemont. He was one of the most important masters and promoters of Savate at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.

His work contributed to the systematisation of techniques and the development of a structured teaching system for French boxing.

Charlemont also played an important role in preparing the 1924 demonstration. He was entrusted with organising the presentation and preparing its programme.

Among the participants were athletes associated with his academy, as well as representatives of other French and Belgian schools.

A Historical Document That Has Survived for Over 100 Years

One particularly interesting piece of evidence of this event is the original programme for the French Boxing demonstration held on 19 July 1924.

The document was offered at auction by Graham Budd Auctions in June 2024 as part of a collection of sporting and Olympic memorabilia.

The auction description identifies it as the official programme of the French boxing (Savate) demonstration at the Paris Olympic Games. The item was sold for £140.

It is a remarkable piece of memorabilia that allows us to see Savate not only as a sporting discipline but also as part of European sporting history.

Will Savate Ever Return to the Olympic Games?

Despite its Olympic appearance in 1924, Savate never became a permanent part of the Olympic programme. The Paris demonstration remains its only recorded appearance at the Olympic Games.

Nevertheless, French boxing has a rich history, its own philosophy of training and a distinctive technique that sets it apart from other combat sports.

Savate is much more than kicking while wearing special shoes. It combines precision, speed, distance control, footwork and elegance of movement.

Over 100 years ago, Savate was presented to an Olympic audience in Paris. Today, this tradition continues through successive generations of athletes and instructors around the world.

And here at Savate Polska, we want to be part of this history and help develop French boxing in Poland as well.

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