[translated] M P Lynch

Boxing & Baton, Cane & Chausson [translated] M P Lynch

This 1865 manual on Boxing & Baton, Cane & Chausson by Julien Delauney offers a glimpse into the period during which Savate and Chausson made the full transition into the new sport of La Boxe Francaise. Whereas Chausson consisted entirely of low kicks with the hands held forth only to block and perhaps to snag a leg (open palm nose slams were also an option) French Boxing adopted the closed fist of 'English' boxing and began to include more elaborate kicks which rose to the level of the head. The native French form of staff fighting known as 'baton' is exposed in 17 lessons, as is a method for learning La Canne. And what gentleman of that era went around without his trusted stick? As innocuous as it may seem, anyone who spends a bit of time whacking stuff with a hardwood cane will realize that it is a terrible weapon in able hands.