The international Savate community mourns the passing of Richard Schreiber, who died recently at the age of 67. A passionate practitioner, dedicated coach, respected official, and President of the Swiss Savate Federation, Richard leaves behind a lasting contribution to the growth of Savate in Switzerland.
Born on 11 February 1959, Richard devoted much of his life to combat sports and, in particular, to Savate. Before 1991, he was an active boxer, developing a deep appreciation for the discipline and values of the sport. In 1991, he founded his own boxing club, beginning a lifelong commitment to teaching, mentoring, and promoting Savate in Switzerland.
Beyond coaching athletes, Richard also served the sport as an international representative, referee, and as President of the Swiss Savate Federation. Through these roles, he worked to support the development of Swiss Savate and strengthen its ties within the international community. Alongside his students and his son, Loïck Schreiber, Richard played an important role in the growth of Savate in Switzerland.
As a coach and mentor, he shared his experience with other practitioners and helped nurture the sport over several decades. Richard’s commitment to the future of Savate is reflected in those who now carry his work forward. The Swiss Savate Boxing Club will continue under the leadership of Ricardo Martins, Richard’s first student and now President of the club. The Swiss Savate Federation will be led by his son, Loïck Schreiber, who has assumed the presidency and will continue his father’s work for the sport.
Those who knew Richard will remember him as much for his friendly and generous character as for his dedication to Savate. His calm manner, willingness to help others, and genuine kindness earned him the respect and affection of colleagues, students, and friends throughout the Swiss and international Savate community.
On behalf of the international Savate family, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, students, and all those whose lives he touched. His contributions to the sport will be remembered, and his influence will continue through the people and organisations he helped inspire.