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HISTORY
Savate Presence
1957 to 1989
Isidro Chapa shared his skills in Zipota and Boxing with many in Laredo.
1988
The Academy of French Martial Arts was established in both Dallas and Laredo, operating out of Laredo as
Savate French Martial Arts.
1990
The French Federation of Savate recognizes the Academy of French Martial Arts as the 1st established Operating School in the United States
1991
The Texas Association of Savate was incorporated with legal assistance from attorney Maria Elena Morales, marking the first formal organizational step toward governance.
1992
The International Federation of Savte Recognizes the Texas Association of Savate as the 1st organization of Savate in the United States.
1994
The discipline expanded with the addition of Danse de Rue Savate, evolving into the International Guild of Danse de Rue Savate, headquartered in Laredo.
1996–1998
Acting on recommendations from Texas Boxing Commissioner Dickie Cole, efforts began to establish a nonprofit governing body. These efforts culminated in the formation of:
USA SAVATEBoxe Française & Canne de Combat Commission, Inc., officially registered with the Texas Secretary of State in 1998
1998
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Boxing Commission), under the direction of Commissioner Dickie Cole, authorized USA SAVATE and its sport of French Boxing Savate to be exhibited in regulated competition and to operate under its own governing structure.
This recognition established a formal framework for Savate competition within the state of Texas. To date, Texas remains the only state to have granted such authorization, allowing USA SAVATE to conduct and regulate its sport under this designation.
1999
USA SAVATE received state and federal tax-exempt status, solidifying its role as a national nonprofit governing body.
Gentlemen's Stickfighting Coalition History
The Gentleman Stick Fighting Coalition (GSFC) emerged between 2014 and 2015 as a committee within USA SAVATE dedicated to the development and regulation of amateur stick-fighting competition. The Coalition was formed to establish standardized rules, promote safety in competition, and create structured championship opportunities for athletes from different martial arts styles.
In 2016, the Coalition conducted the First Texas Stick Fighting Championship, establishing the official state championship for stick-fighting competition. Since that time, the Texas Stick Fighting Championship has been conducted annually, providing a consistent competitive platform for athletes in both short stick and long stick divisions.
In 2017, the Coalition expanded its competitive structure with the North Texas Stick Fighting Championship, allowing greater regional participation and providing additional opportunities for athletes to compete.
In 2018, academy-level tournaments such as the Buitrón Academy Stick Fighting Tournament contributed to the development of the sport by giving competitors additional venues to gain experience.
In 2021, the Coalition further expanded its regional structure with the establishment of the Central Texas Stick Fighting Championship, strengthening the competitive network within the state.
From 2016 through 2025, the Texas Stick Fighting Championship has continued as an annual event under the governance of the Gentleman Stick Fighting Coalition.
The most recent event was the 2025 Texas Stick Fighting Championship, and preparations are currently underway for the next Texas Stick Fighting Championship scheduled for July, continuing the Coalition’s commitment to organized amateur competition.
Through these championships and regional events, the Gentleman Stick Fighting Coalition continues to support the development of disciplined athletes while maintaining the standards and traditions of regulated stick-fighting competition within USA SAVATE.
Savate Boxe Française Competitions History (1992–2005)
1992
The Texas Association of Savate conducted the First Metro Blast in Irving, Texas.
1993
The Second Metro Blast was held in Irving, Texas.
1994
The Third Metro Blast was held in Irving, Texas.
1998
Under the newly formed USA SAVATE, the organization conducted its first officially sanctioned competition:
- First Border Rumble, Laredo, Texas
1999
USA SAVATE expanded its competition schedule, conducting multiple sanctioned events:
- Fourth Metro Blast, Irving, Texas
- Second Border Rumble, Laredo, Texas
- First Texas Championships, Dallas, Texas
2000
The following competitions were conducted:
- First U.S. Championships of Savate, Laredo, Texas
- Third Border Rumble, Laredo, Texas
- First U.S. Assault Championships, Hebbronville, Texas
- Buitron Savate Smoker, Laredo, Texas
2001
USA SAVATE continued expansion with the following events:
- North Texas Championships, Irving, Texas
- Fourth Border Rumble, Laredo, Texas
- First U.S. Nationals of Savate, Laredo, Texas
2002
Competition activity included:
- Fifth Border Rumble, Laredo, Texas
- Second U.S. Nationals, Laredo, Texas
- First Laredo Internationals, Laredo, Texas
2003
- Sixth Border Rumble, Laredo, Texas
2004
The organization conducted:
- Laredo Internationals, Laredo, Texas
- U.S. Nationals, Laredo, Texas
- Texas Championships, Texas
2005
- U.S. Nationals, Laredo, Texas
2006
- U.S. Nationals, Laredo, Texas
About
History of La Canne de Combat Competitions
At usasavate.org, our mission is to provide high-quality sports equipment and apparel to our customers at affordable prices. We believe that everyone should have access to the gear they need to pursue their passion for sports.
Youth Access and Training Structure
USA SAVATE- Ensures
- Youth programs- UNDER CONSTRUCTION
- Adult practitioners may pursue advanced training through affiliated academies.
This structure actively supports the organization’s nonprofit mission while maintaining technical standards and continuity.
Cultural Stewardship and Recognition
USA SAVATE established the World Pugilist Hall of Fame, hosting 18 annual events, honoring pioneers, competitors, and contributors to the martial arts community.
The organization continues to:
- Maintain historical records
- Sanction competitions
- Promote French martial arts nationally and internationally
Expansion, Sport Governance, and Youth Development
- Zuavos Capoeira, incorporated to promote physical coordination, rhythmic movement, cultural literacy, and historical awareness
- Pare Bat Kenpo, adopted as a structured instructional system emphasizing discipline, foundational self-defense skills, and personal responsibility among youth participants
The inclusion of these programs marked a strategic expansion of USA SAVATE’s mission beyond competitive sport. This initiative reinforced the organization’s commitment to youth education, leadership development, and character formation, supporting long-term community impact through structured martial arts training.
USA SAVATE: Board of Directors
Patrick Gavin President
Kendall Martin Vice-President
Kendall Martin Vice-President
Moniteur – Silver 2° Degree
Patrick Gavin brings extensive competitive and instructional experience to the organization. Three-time U.S. Champion, having competed in multiple international bouts, and maintaining an active club since 2001. His leadership reflects both high-level athletic achievement and long-term commitment to athlete development and technical standards within Boxe Française Savate.
Kendall Martin Vice-President
Kendall Martin Vice-President
Kendall Martin Vice-President
Aide-Moniteur – Silver 1° Degree
Kendall Martin has held a continuous club since 1994, contributing decades of instructional leadership. A three-time Texas Champion and U.S. Champion competitor, he provides administrative and program oversight grounded in competitive experience and instructor development.
Danny Guardiola / Secretary
Kendall Martin Vice-President
Danny Guardiola / Secretary
Coach Silver 1° Degree
Danny serves as Secretary of USA SAVATE and is a three-time Texas Short Stick Champion under the Gentleman Stick Fighting Coalition. In addition to his competitive achievements, he serves on the Officiating Committee, contributing to rule enforcement and competition standards.
The usasavate.org Story
Paul-Raymond Buitron IV / Board Member
Paul Raymond Buitron III / Executive Director
Paul-Raymond Buitron IV / Board Member
Moniteur – Silver 2° Degree
Paul-Raymond Buitron IV is a three-time Texas Youth Stick Fighting Champion under the Gentleman Stick Fighting Coalition. He later earned distinction as the 2025 Adult Men’s Stick Fighting Champion in both Short Stick and Long Stick divisions. He is also a U.S. Champion of the 2024 All-American Championships. Hi
Moniteur – Silver 2° Degree
Paul-Raymond Buitron IV is a three-time Texas Youth Stick Fighting Champion under the Gentleman Stick Fighting Coalition. He later earned distinction as the 2025 Adult Men’s Stick Fighting Champion in both Short Stick and Long Stick divisions. He is also a U.S. Champion of the 2024 All-American Championships. His progression from youth champion to adult titleholder reflects the organization’s long-term athlete development model.
Jeremy Skyles / Board Member
Paul Raymond Buitron III / Executive Director
Paul-Raymond Buitron IV / Board Member
Coach– Yellow Glove
Jeremy Skyles is a two-time Long Stick Champion under the Gentleman Stick Fighting Coalition. As a Board member, he contributes athlete-based perspective and experience in stick-fighting competition development.
Paul Raymond Buitron III / Executive Director
Paul Raymond Buitron III / Executive Director
Paul Raymond Buitron III / Executive Director
Professeur – Silver 3° Degree (GAT)
Paul Raymond Buitron III serves as Executive Director of USA SAVATE and has been continuously teaching since 1988. His Rank is
Professeur – Silver 3° Degree, and recognized for several historic firsts in the development of Savate in the United States. He was:
- The first American to obtain the Silver Glove
Professeur – Silver 3° Degree (GAT)
Paul Raymond Buitron III serves as Executive Director of USA SAVATE and has been continuously teaching since 1988. His Rank is
Professeur – Silver 3° Degree, and recognized for several historic firsts in the development of Savate in the United States. He was:
- The first American to obtain the Silver Glove (Gant d’Argent) in France
- The first American to become a certified Professeur in France
- The first American to achieve professorial certification in all three disciplines: Boxe Française Savate, La Canne de Combat, and associated systems in France
- The first American to operate an officially recognized Savate club in France, maintaining instruction there for three years
- The founder of the first officially recognized School of Savate in the United States
In addition to his leadership within USA SAVATE, he serves as Technical Director of the International Guild of Danse de Rue Savate, contributing to curriculum development and preservation of technical standards. As Executive Director of USA SAVATE, he oversees day-to-day operations, organizational coordination, and program continuity. He holds no voting privileges', with Board members located throughout the United States, he ensures administrative consistency, competition execution, and governance alignment in support of the organization’s mission and long-term stability.