About Us｜Savate Federation of Hong Kong, China (SFHK)

Origins: The Martial Art from the Banks of the Seine

Savate, also known as “French Boxing” or “French Kickboxing,” originated in the early 19th century in the port city of Marseille, France. It was developed by sailors and street dwellers as a form of self-defence in confined spaces such as ships and alleyways, giving rise to what was known as the “Marseille Kick.” Its most distinctive feature is that competitors must wear specialised footwear rather than fighting barefoot, earning it the nickname “the ballet of shoes.”

Savate is more than just a combat sport; it is regarded as a “physical art” that blends etiquette, aesthetics and strategy. It appeared as a demonstration sport at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games, and the father of the modern Olympic movement, Pierre de Coubertin, was himself a practitioner and advocate of Savate. The International Savate Federation (FISav) is a recognised member of AIMS, which is acknowledged by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and has over 70 member countries worldwide.

Our Vision: A Contemporary Dialogue Between Eastern and Western Martial Arts

As a hub where Eastern and Western cultures converge, Hong Kong has a deep and diverse martial arts heritage. Amidst a landscape dominated by raw power and intensity, we recognise a growing desire among urbanites for “intelligent combat” and “dynamic aesthetics.”

The Savate Federation of Hong Kong, China (SFHK) was officially established in August 2023 as the first official sports organisation in Hong Kong dedicated to the development of Savate. We believe that combat sports can transcend mere physical contests and become a profound practice in ethics, education and art.

International Recognition and Official Status

SFHK is the only recognised member in Hong Kong of the following international organisations:

• International Savate Federation (FISav)

• Asian Savate Confederation

Both FISav and the Asian Savate Confederation are members of AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport) , which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Savate is also an official event at the 2027 World Combat Games in Indonesia.

SFHK is actively applying to become an Observer Member of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) , with the long‑term goal of promoting Savate as an official sport in the Asian Games and Olympic Games.

Our Mission

The establishment of SFHK is not only to promote Savate but also to foster social inclusion and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s sports development. We will continue to work closely with international organisations, strengthen our roots in the community, promote a “Healthy Hong Kong” sports culture, and make Savate an important part of our local sports landscape.