LA BOXE FRANÇAISE: J. Charlemont's combative Savate method

I did not know just what to expect via Charlemont's work on La Boxe Francaise [French Boxing]. But it is referenced so much by other works on French Boxing. Savate and other works on self-defense and combatives ~ that at the very modest price ~ a really good deal. I reckoned ~ via the title ~ that it may be on an early version of sportive kick-boxing. Well, yes, that aspect is evident ~ but Charlemont has quite practical advice on self-defense and combatives ~ as well as sportive and sparring kick-boxing the Old Parisian Way.Good counters to rushing, tackles. clinching and bear-hugs. I am enthused to see some of the ideas presented in later works ~ and most especially via in person via a comrade from France quite a while ago ~ verified ~ in detail. Such as *Scissoring* [counter-rotation of limbs on two levels for defense and offense ~ into even takedowns] One general idea presented to me personally ~ was to respect, learn from and combine aspects of various eras of French, British and Western Boxing Arts. This book is a great addition to such *Boxing* savvy. There is more mobility ~ even slipping and ducking ~ than I expected. An agility and skill based kick-boxing Art.The section on Parisian Grappling is very interesting ~ and I could see the origin of some of the later *grappling* shown to me via my French comrade. Charlemont explains in a clear, rational and precise manner ~ and if the grey tone pictures are a bit *fuzzy* ~ they are okay to illustrate some of the main movements ~ that are explained well anyway. My only possible lack of favor ~ concerns the *laid-back* Guard position ~ and the *laid-back* balancing arms ~ but those together enable like a full foot more range ~ and I equally am not *into* the more recent *crowding* Guards and moves of French and general kick-boxing. I prefer a middle balance ~ as shown in the early Tegner books on French Boxing and Savate. But that is quite a minor concern ~ that can be handled via just using ones own prefered kick-boxing Guard [or Guards]

This is a great book for an amazing price. If you are a martial art enthusiastic and want to learn more about the science of fighting, this is the book for you. The original book was written in 1899. There are much fewer photos compared to today's martial arts book (photos are very costly to produce in 1899). However, the written words did more than compensate for the fewer photos. It's posible that Bruce Lee has seen this book prior to abadon Wing Chun as his primary fighting art. Bruce Lee's kicking method is based on Savate (Boxe Francaise). His hand techniques are based on Wing Chung. Thanks Matthew Lynch for the translation and a door to English readers.

This is an early look at French foot fighting from the last century and a great book for collectors of early training manuals. The price can't be beat.

A fine edition to the "how to administer a beating in historical style" bookshelf in my workout room.

I love this box. My Savate has improved tremendously!

A must ready. Excellent information about techniques with original photos of the time period ! A+.

I'm very glad I purchased this book, it provides good information on the French fighting arts. I would recommend this book.

Not easy to follow. Most martial arts books would have more explanatory photos showing break downs of the techniques

A similar book to ‘La Canne’ by the same author obviously written in the same manner which can be st time confusing or vague. But it is what it is, a historical curiosity.