Curlie

Western

Western martial arts are often overlooked in favor of Asian martial arts. There is however a rich history of weapons and unarmed combat training and methods that trace back to ancient Western civilizations. Modern boxing, fencing, and even wrestling have roots in older martial forms. Western or "Occidental" describes cultures stemming from the Greco-Roman, Celtic and Germanic traditions, and the lands those cultures historically dominated. Typically, this would include Europe and the Americas. A marked difference between Oriental and Occidental martial arts is the general Occidental mind set in terms of the time to train and learn new martial skills. The Occidental instructor's mind set appears very different from those of the Oriental instructor's mindset, in that the Occidental instructor is not concerned with deep ritual or ceremony that are often, an integral part of the Oriental martial arts. Occidental students expect their Masters to provide systematic and effective knowledge, that has immediate application. Given the rapidity of the growing numbers of western-oriented martial arts groups and schools, the indication is evident that technique and the ability to learn a new skills quickly are the biggest draw for western martial arts schools today. Portions of this description are (C)2001 by David M. Cvet from the Journal of Western Martial Art. Used with permission of the author.

This category deals with classical Western Martial Arts including but not limited to sword and western forms of unarmed combat. This is not the place for "new" martial arts or eclectic combinations of Asian martial arts.

Only sites dealing with information directly related to the topic should be submitted. Sites dealing with merchandise or sales of items and information related to Western Martial Arts should be submitted to an appropriate site under the Shopping categories. Affiliate link sites that link to one sales site or aggregate several will not be accepted.

Organizations

Governing bodies for Western Martial Arts.

Please submit organizations, associations, or federations for the western martial arts. Schools will not be listed here.

Savate

"Savate" is a fighting art with roots traceable back to the streets of 18th century France. Savate reflects distinctive kicking techniques and classic boxing hand techniques. Savate is particularly popular in Europe and North Africa, with a growing following in North America. Elements which may be emphasized in its study include self defense ("savate defense") and weaponry such as "baton" and cane ("la canne"). Two forms of competitive savate kickboxing have emerged from savate, the harder-hitting "combat" and the technical "assaut". The sport aspect of savate is sometimes also known as French boxing (boxe francaise). combines many of the Western Martial Arts such a boxing, grappling, weaponry, as well as its unique forms of kicking.

Please submit only sites dealing with the arts of style of Savate, Boxe Francaise, or Chausson, and the associated weapons disciplines. Sites must be in English.

Please submit sites written in French to http://www.dmoz.org/World/Fran%c3%a7ais/Sports/Combat/Boxe/

Sites in other languages should be submitted to the appropriate language and category at http://www.dmoz.org/Regional/

Thank you for your interest!

Schools and Instruction

Schools that teach Western Martial Arts.

Please submit only schools that teach Western Martial Arts. Schools that teach a eclectic systems that include Eastern Martial Arts will not be accepted.

Stav

Stav is a martial art and a religion. It's been described by many as the northern European version of Qi Gong, Tai Chi, or Yoga. Stav means knowledge of rune staves. The system is designed to train the mind, body and spirit. The most common aspects are the martial and healing arts.

Please submit sites for the Northern European art of Stav.