Savate Boxe Française continues to expand its international presence in Africa as French coaches Paul Marques and Olivier Menzio returned to Brazzaville in May 2026 for the second edition of their international Savate training camp in the Republic of the Congo.
Organised in partnership with the Congolese Savate Federation and its National Technical Director, Brunel Bouap, the initiative reflects a growing commitment to developing Savate across Central Africa through education, inclusion, and grassroots engagement.
A Volunteer Initiative Driving Savate Development in Africa
Entirely volunteer-led, the project is built on a simple but powerful belief: Savate has enormous potential for growth in Africa when athletes and communities are given access to quality coaching and international support.
Over the course of two editions, the Brazzaville training camp has attracted more than 100 participants each year, bringing together children, teenagers, and adults from diverse sporting and social backgrounds. Men and women trained side by side, highlighting the inclusive spirit that continues to define Savate around the world.
Technical Training on the Corniche of Brazzaville
This year’s programme combined indoor sessions with outdoor training along the famous Brazzaville corniche, creating a unique environment for technical development and athletic exchange. Under the guidance of Paul Marques and Olivier Menzio, participants focused on:
- - Technical fundamentals
- - Guard positioning
- - Partner drills
- - Sparring exercises
- - Tactical movement and coordination
The motivation and discipline shown by the athletes — particularly the younger generation — left a strong impression on the international coaches and organisers.
Growing Recognition for Savate in the Republic of the Congo
The 2026 training camp received significant local visibility, including television coverage and attendance from Congolese officials, among them a representative of the Ministry of Sports.
This increasing institutional recognition demonstrates the steady integration of Savate into the sporting landscape of the Republic of the Congo and highlights the growing interest in combat sports development throughout the region.
Building a Sustainable Future for Savate in Central Africa
Following the success of the first two editions, Paul Marques and Olivier Menzio are now looking toward the long-term future of the project. Their ambition is to help establish a sustainable structure for Savate development in the Congo by:
- - Training local coaches and instructors
- - Supporting club development
- - Providing equipment and technical resources
- - Encouraging youth participation
- - Strengthening international cooperation
The goal is clear: to ensure that Savate continues to grow and thrive locally long after the international camps have concluded.
Savate Continues to Unite Communities Through Sport
The Brazzaville initiative perfectly reflects the global values of Savate and the mission of the Fédération Internationale de Savate: sharing knowledge, creating opportunity, and building international connections through sport.
As Savate continues to grow throughout Africa, projects like this demonstrate how passion, volunteerism, and collaboration can create lasting impact both inside and outside the ring.