Fight Quest Season 1 Episode 6 France
- February 1, 2008
In Fight Quest Season 1 Episode 6, the hosts Doug Anderson and Jimmy Smith visit the country of France to experience and learn two different martial arts.
The episode starts with Doug and Jimmy exploring the city of Paris, discussing the history and culture of France. They highlight the fact that France has a rich martial arts history, and that many martial arts schools and clubs can be found throughout the country.
Their first stop is to learn Savate, a French kickboxing style that originated in the streets of Paris. They visit the Savate club and meet with their instructor, Nicolas Saignac, who is a former French and European champion in the sport. Doug and Jimmy are put through their paces with some basic kickboxing drills to begin with, before moving onto some more complex kicks that are specific to the Savate style. Nicolas explains the importance of flexibility in their kicks and demonstrates how to use their hips and leg muscles for maximum effect. The hosts are then able to practice their skills in a sparring session with some of the more experienced members of the club.
After their Savate lesson, Doug and Jimmy head out to the countryside to learn Canne de Combat, a traditional French martial art that uses a wooden walking stick as a weapon. They meet with instructor Dominique Boutonnat, who is a former world champion in Canne de Combat. Dominique starts off with some basic strikes and parries, which involve using the cane to both attack and defend. He then teaches the hosts some more advanced moves that involve using the cane to trip and disarm an opponent. Doug and Jimmy are clearly impressed with the effectiveness of the style and enjoy practicing the techniques themselves.
The hosts then get the opportunity to witness a full Canne de Combat competition, which involves two opponents fighting in a circular arena. They remark on the speed and agility of the fighters, as well as the skill involved in using the cane as both an offensive and defensive weapon.
Before leaving France, Doug and Jimmy reflect on their experiences learning both Savate and Canne de Combat. They highlight the importance of understanding the cultural context of a martial art and how it relates to the history and traditions of a particular country. They also acknowledge that learning martial arts is not just about physical training, but also about developing mental discipline and respect for others.
Overall, Fight Quest Season 1 Episode 6 provides an engaging and informative insight into two lesser-known French martial arts. The hosts demonstrate a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for these styles, and their experiences highlight the diversity and depth of martial arts around the world.