Elegant Combat

Savate is an elegant kickboxing sport that combines control with invention.

Train with us

Who we are

Founded 2004. We aren’t a high-street gym, we are a dedicated group training a combat sport without heavy contact. Whether you’re in SE16 or you travel – come to the only place in London to learn French kickboxing with a British World Champion.

How to start

Beginners are always welcome here. You will be given a warm introduction by me, James Southwood – World champion and head coach – or you’ll work with one of my senior technical students who will be keen to meet you and show you the moves. Come and discover it for yourself.

• No experience needed.
• Small group, limited spaces.
• Adult training
• Choose your first class.

What is Savate?

We do a technical style of kickboxing called Savate (or French boxing) – a modern combat sport for women and men which favours sleek kicks, accurate punches, and clever footwork.

Think of it as chess with your body – controlled touches, lots of partner work and plenty of room for expression. Savate Assaut uses the technical moves of full contact Savate but without force or power. You may hit, but you may not hit hard. The Assaut fighter must learn to settle their differences using cunning, technique and fitness – and to turn aggression into precision.

Don’t worry too much about where you are now. We all begin with different levels of fitness, co-ordination, and flexibility. Starting is the important step.

Commonly asked questions

Where and when to train with us

We have a spacious hall 12min walk from Bermondsey, or 18min from London Bridge station. There are changing rooms & showers here – not luxury, but they meet our needs. Most students travel from outside South East London to be here.

How often do you get to train with a world champion? Twice a week:

What our students say

EXCELLENT

Based on 27 reviews

Posted on Google

theo

So glad I came across London Savate! Felt proper welcomed when I started as a beginner and now I'm fighting in competitions thanks to the coaching and community feel. Definitely recommend

Posted on Google

Mathieu Guthinger

How often do you get to train with a world champion? Happens every monday and thursday!

Posted on Google

Hiro Ito

I got amazing level of fitness training at London Savate while developing kickboxing skills at the same time. The sessions are challenging and fun. It’s great to train along side a supportive and motivated group of people. The club is very well organised, with plenty of helpful content on the website to support your progress, as well as regular competitions and events. I highly recommend London Savate to everyone, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners!

Posted on Google

Louisa Furniss

London Savate is a very welcoming and fun place to learn and train in French kickboxing. Whilst the class ranges from beginners/novice all the way through to international/world competitor, there are no egos and the more experienced are super keen to help and encourage beginners. The demographic is also spread and I feel very happy training there as a female in my mid 40s. I have been training with London Savate and head coach, James, for a few years now and have gone through my own journey from beginner to most recently competing at the European championships, winning bronze medal under James's superb coaching and the club's amazing support and encouragement on the run up to this. Having started off as a timid and tentative savateur, I have become a more confident fighter, capable of getting in the ring, thanks to James's motivational coaching and help to improve my skill, strategy and game plan. Even for those not looking to compete, savate is a brilliant way to get and keep fit. The classes are typically around 90 minutes and this flies by. It's a very enjoyable way to do it! I would highly recommend London Savate!

Posted on Google

Zoe Fayaud

I have been training at London Savate under James Southwood’s guidance for a few years now. I can definitely recommend this club - 2 to 3 classes a week for a monthly membership of £48, a supportive community, access to online resources (including workout videos) - it’s a great deal all around and has helped keep me in shape and mentally energised !

Posted on Google

Harry Simi

Truly remarkable. James Southwood breaks down Savate for practitioners at beginner and advanced level. Fantastic community. Experience from start to finish. Will definitely be practicing this art of elegant combat more. Anyone in the London area needs to give this club a try!

Posted on Google

Ricardo Roxo

London Savate: Unlock Your True Potential If you’re looking for an exceptional place to train in Savate, look no further than London Savate, led by none other than world champion James Southwood. With an incredible teaching style, James is dedicated to the holistic improvement of every student, whether you’re a complete beginner or an aspiring champion. James’ expertise is unmatched, and his ability to nurture talent ensures that every individual—whether teen, adult, or seasoned fighter—reaches their fullest potential. From his keen eye for technical precision to his genuine encouragement, he makes Savate accessible and enjoyable for all genders and fitness levels. The atmosphere in his classes is welcoming, inclusive, and energetic. Even if stepping into the ring for tournaments isn’t your goal, you’ll find the training invigorating and the camaraderie inspiring. It’s no surprise that James has guided many students to become champions themselves, all while cultivating a positive, team-focused environment. Bonus perks? Your first class is completely free—a perfect opportunity to experience the magic firsthand. Plus, James is thoughtful enough to provide gloves and inner gloves if needed, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. Whether you’re drawn to mastering a fighting sport or simply improving your fitness, London Savate is an absolute must-try. Don’t just take our word for it—come and see for yourself why James Southwood and his community of fighters set the gold standard in Savate training!

Posted on Google

wi shi

I Started in October and honestly regret not doing this any earlier in my life. If you are looking to learn a sport,get fit or just find something healthy and constructive to do you couldn't find a better alternative for your monday and Thursday evenings,and is great value for money as other combat sports can be more expensive and offer less Training. The Teacher James Southwood is very experienced with a wealth of intelligence for the sport and life and more importantly a desire for his students to get better at Savate.he is very good at seeing what your good at and what you need to do to get better,he is not out to waste your money or your time. The added benefit of this school is that it is not full contact so very little danger of injuries,no black eye to explain to work! Or a busted foot to interfere with your day to day life. Despite that it's a very technical demanding sport at the top level,but we all walk before we can run and if that's not for you that's OK there's a eclectic mix of students at all levels of abilities and everyone is welcoming and patient with new people,no bravado or judgement here if that's ever put you off doing something like this before. My experience at London Savate has inspired me to take up other sports like Savate but nothing tops this in my opinion. Thanks for taking the time to read and I hope to see you there,it's great fun,educational and really cheap can't recommend London savate more.

Learn Savate with James online

Students outside London who are looking for skill and progression can get full access to all my lessons and online coaching.