In Savate, the Uppercut (or uppercut in French) is a vertical punch that travels from the bottom up. While Savate emphasizes kicks, the uppercut serves as a powerful tool for close-range combat.
How You Do It
- The Starting Position: You bend your knees slightly to gather power from the ground.
- The Path: You drive your fist upward in a tight arc, keeping your palm facing toward your own chest.
- The Rotation: You rotate your hips and torso as you punch. This movement transfers your body weight into the strike.
- The Impact: Your knuckles strike the target as your arm moves upward.
Common Targets
- The Chin: This is the classic target. The upward force can snap an opponent’s head back and cause a knockout.
- The Solar Plexus: A drive to the center of the chest can knock the wind out of an opponent.
- The Liver or Ribs: A “body uppercut” targets the soft spots under the ribcage to drain an opponent’s energy.
When to Use It
- Inside Fighting: You use the uppercut when you are too close to your opponent to land a long-range kick or a straight jab.
- Under the Guard: If an opponent keeps their hands high to protect their forehead, you drive the punch up through the “tunnel” between their gloves.
- Countering a Lean: If an opponent leans forward or tries to duck, they move their face directly into the path of your rising fist.
Key Differences in Savate
In Savate, you must balance your punches with your kicks. Fighters often use an uppercut to force an opponent’s head up, making it easier to follow up with a high kick like a fouetté (roundhouse kick).
Safety Note: Combat sports involve physical risk. Always practice under the supervision of a qualified instructor and use proper protective gear like hand wraps and gloves.