A Week of Training, Education and Social Impact in Ibagué
From 24 to 29 March 2026, the city of Ibagué, Colombia, became the stage for an important milestone in the international development of Savate. Led by Miguel Bordera Pascual, International Referee and Professor of Savate, the mission combined grassroots outreach, club training, and high-level education in coaching and refereeing.
Building Savate from the Ground Up
The week began not in a sports hall, but outdoors — on a modest dirt field. There, a group of teenagers from vulnerable communities, many affected by poverty and displacement, were introduced to Savate for the first time. With limited infrastructure but high motivation, the session focused on simple yet essential elements: movement, balance, discipline, and respect. Beyond technique, the objective was clear — to use sport as a tool for inclusion, structure, and positive engagement.
Later that same day, a second session welcomed younger children aged 7 to 12, as part of a municipal programme run by IMDRI. Through games and playful exercises, the children discovered Savate in an environment designed to build confidence, coordination, and enjoyment. Together, these sessions reached more than 50 young participants, demonstrating the powerful role Savate can play at the social level.
Strengthening the Local Club
The mission continued at Club Imperio de las Águilas, the main Savate training centre in Ibagué. Here, the focus shifted to technical development.
Athletes, assistant coaches, and practitioners gathered for a structured training session aimed at refining technique, improving tactical understanding, and raising overall standards. The session also provided an opportunity to evaluate the current level of practice and reinforce the club’s connection to the international Savate framework.
Training the Next Generation of Coaches
A key component of the mission was the Monitor Training Course, delivered over three days and totalling 17.5 hours. Participants were introduced to:
Technical foundations of Savate (kicks, punches, defence)
Teaching methodology and pedagogy
Tactical analysis and progression
Physical preparation and injury prevention
The federal grading and organisational system
This course represents the first official level of coaching certification within Savate, equipping participants not only to teach, but to do so safely, effectively, and in line with international standards.
Developing Qualified Officials
Alongside coaching education, a National Refereeing Course (10.5 hours) was conducted to prepare future competition officials. Participants studied:
Competition rules and formats
Roles and responsibilities of officials
Scoring systems and sanctions
Practical refereeing scenarios
Through a combination of theory and simulation, the course ensured that participants could operate confidently and consistently in real competition environments.
A Structured and Practical Approach
Across all activities, the methodology remained consistent: combining theory with application. Sessions integrated: Technical instruction and demonstration Tactical and regulatory understanding Real-life simulation exercises Continuous assessment This approach ensured that learning was not only understood, but fully operational.
Lasting Impact
The results of the Ibagué mission go beyond the activities themselves. It established: A strong foundation for Savate development in Colombia
A new generation of trained coaches and referees
A reinforced culture of safety, ethics, and technical quality
A clear pathway linking grassroots participation to structured sport
Perhaps most importantly, it confirmed the value of Savate as more than a sport — as a tool for education, inclusion, and social impact.
Looking Ahead
The mission also highlighted the next steps for continued growth:
Expanding training programmes for coaches and officials
Structuring a national development plan
Strengthening collaboration with local institutions
Continuing outreach initiatives for vulnerable youth
With the foundations now in place, Ibagué represents not just a successful mission, but the beginning of a long-term development pathway for Savate in Colombia.