**The Legacy of Professeur Paul-Raymond Buitron III and the Enduring Tradition of Savate Danse de Rue**
"Many are called, but few are chosen." This timeless adage perfectly encapsulates the life of Professeur Paul-Raymond Buitron III, a man whose journey has been marked by dedication, mastery, and an unwavering passion for martial arts. From his early days learning the ancient art of Zipota under his uncle Isidro Chapa, to becoming a global authority in Savate, Professeur Buitron has made a lasting impact on the martial arts community at local, national, and international levels.
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Professeur Buitron's journey began at the tender age of six, when his uncle, a master of Zipota, introduced him to the discipline that would shape his life. For 23 years, Isidro Chapa mentored the young Paul-Raymond, instilling in him the principles of precision, discipline, and respect that form the core of martial arts. This profound teacher-student bond not only honed Professeur Buitron's technical skills but also shaped his worldview. This strong foundation enabled him to branch out into other martial disciplines, including Savate, a French martial art that blends boxing with elegant leg techniques.
For nearly fifty years, Professeur Buitron has not only mastered these arts but also dedicated himself to preserving their traditions and passing them on to future generations. His teaching career began in 1988 in Dallas, Texas, where he introduced many martial artists to the leg kicks central to Savate, revolutionizing martial arts practice in the region.
His dedication to Savate earned him recognition and certification from three of the most esteemed Savate masters: Robert Paturel, Jean-Paul Viviani, and Roger Lafond. These accolades were a testament to his deep understanding of the art and his ability to teach it to others. In 1990, his commitment was further recognized with a full scholarship from the French Federation of Savate, allowing him to train in France with the best, while his uncle and father continued teaching in Laredo.
Among the notable Savate professeurs, Professeur Richard Sylla stands out as a significant mentor during his time at INSEP, the National Institute for Professional Sports in France. This prestigious institution, where France's Olympic and national teams train, provided him with three years of rigorous training under Sylla's guidance. Additionally, Professeur Michael Gilbert, a regional counselor of technique, played a crucial role in his development, ensuring he received comprehensive training to progress from monitor to professeur of Savate.
In 1994, Professeur Buitron founded the International Guild of Danse de Rue Savate, Inc., the first organization dedicated to preserving the traditional forms and disciplines of Savate. This was a pivotal moment, as traditional Savate was at risk of being overshadowed by the more sport-oriented Boxe Française under the French Federation of Savate. Professeur Buitron, along with other notable masters like Isidro Chapa, Jean-Paul Viviani, and Robert Paturel, led efforts to revive these traditional forms, ensuring they would not be lost to history.
From 1992 to 1994, Professeur Buitron competed in the Super-Middleweight Championship of the World of Savate. Although his competitive career was cut short by a hand injury, his influence on the sport continued to grow. In 1993, he received various honorary medals, including one for BF Savate, recognizing his contributions to the martial arts community.
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