The Enigma of Kicks in European Martial Arts

The question of why kicks are not as prominent in European martial arts as they are in other parts of the world is a complex and intriguing one. While some forms of European martial arts have indeed incorporated kicks into their training, the prevalence of these techniques is far less than in martial arts from other regions.

Overview of Kicks in European Martial Arts

European martial arts (E.M.A) encompass a wide range of styles, from the elegant and sophisticated to the brutal and practical. While kicks can be seen in various forms, they are not as prevalent as in martial arts from other regions. French-Savate, Irish-Speochoriack, Greek-Pankration, Russian-Sambo, German-Eclectic Modern Development, and Great Britain-Devon Wrestling are some examples where kicks are incorporated. However, kicks are notably absent in Ju-Jutsu, Bartitsu (a modern combined version of Jujitsu), Karate, Judo, Boxing, and Stick fighting.

One possible reason for the absence of kicks in these European styles may be the historical focus on armed combat. The use of weapons in European fighting arts often negated the need and necessity for kicks, as the presence of a weapon already provided the necessary range and flexibility. Additionally, the geographically and climatically challenging conditions of Europe, such as wet and muddy environments, made kicking risky and potentially dangerous.

The Role of Armed Combat and Geographical Constraints

Europe's history of armed combat is a significant factor in the absence of kicks in many European martial arts. The primary focus on sword, knife, and firearm skills meant that kicks were less necessary. Even in the context of unarmed combat, the use of kicks was often reserved for specific techniques, such as kicks to the side of the knee to unbalance or dislocate the opponent, or powerful kicks to the groin.

Geographical and climatic conditions also played a role. Wet and muddy conditions made kicking a high-risk maneuver. In such environments, the risk of slipping or losing balance was significant. To address this, a form of kick known as "purring," which involves kicking the opponent's shins, was developed. This technique is particularly relevant to Devonshire wrestling, a style that utilized hard clog shoes and allowed kicking to the shins.

Historical Precedents: Chausson and Savate

Despite the scarcity of kicks in traditional European martial arts, it is important to note that early forms of kick-boxing did exist. Chausson, an ancient French martial art practiced by French mariners, predates Savate by several centuries. Savate, itself, has its roots in the 19th century and is one of the oldest and most common forms of kick-boxing. However, both these styles were not as well-known or popular in the United States due to the prominence of cinematic portrayals of Asian martial arts.

While Chausson and Savate exist, they are less well-known and practiced in the broader martial arts community. Their relative obscurity is a testament to the dominance of Asian martial arts in popular culture.

Practical Considerations and Weaponry

Practicality and safety were critical considerations in the development of European martial arts. The use of weapons in combat provided a sufficient range and leverage, reducing the need for kicks. Furthermore, kicks were often reserved for specific scenarios where a weapon was not involved. For instance, in the Fiore dei Liberi manuscript, kicks are depicted only after gaining control over the opponent's weapon. This demonstrates a strategic approach to combat, where kicks are used as a means to gain an advantage after setting things up with a weapon.

Experience in medieval martial arts and weapon use underscores the necessity of precision and calculated movement. Defensive stances and weapon-based techniques are often prioritized over kicks due to the risks and potential consequences. Kickboxing and eastern martial arts backgrounds may be advantageous, but they often require significant adjustments to practice within the context of armed combat. Attempting to use kicks without proper control or preparation can lead to unbalance or accidental falls, which are particularly dangerous if the opponent is armed.

Given these factors, it is clear that the absence of kicks in European martial arts can be attributed to a combination of practical, historical, and geographical influences. While kicks are not as common, they do exist and have a historical and cultural significance that should not be overlooked.