The Helsinki Savate Open 2026 once again confirmed its status as a key event in the international Savate (French boxing) calendar. Held on 13–14 March 2026 in Helsinki, the competition marked its 12th edition, bringing together athletes, officials, and clubs from across Europe and beyond. Organised by the Finnish Savate Federation in cooperation with Savate Club Helsinki, the event welcomed 61 athletes from 10 countries, highlighting the continued growth of international Savate participation.
The Helsinki Savate Open remains a model of inclusive Savate competition, offering opportunities for athletes of all experience levels. Athletes were able to participate in an Open competition and an assaut tournament called the Mika Kalliomaa Challenge. The Challenge tournament is named after one of the great pioneers of Finnish Savate, Mika Kalliomaa (1972–2016). The Challenge was organised in all weight categories which had three or more fighters. Organised according to the FISav rules of international competition, participation was open for male and female juniors, seniors and veterans with any level of experience and all weight categories. This approach reinforces the event’s role in promoting Savate development, accessibility, and international exchange.
The competition was conducted under the official regulations of the FISav, ensuring international standards in refereeing, judging, and competition structure.
Over its 12 editions, the Helsinki Savate Open has become a recognised platform for:
Developing athletes in Savate Assaut
Strengthening international Savate networks
Promoting technical excellence and fair play
As Savate continues to expand globally, events like the Helsinki Open play a crucial role in supporting the sport’s visibility, accessibility, and competitive pathway.