About Buitron Academy

Welcome to Buitron Academy

Your Path to Self-Defense Mastery

For over 30 years, Buitron Academy has been a beacon for martial arts enthusiasts in Laredo, Texas. Founded in 1989 by Dr. Paul Buitrón and his late brother Maitre Isidro Chapa, the academy has a rich history steeped in tradition.

Buitron Academy is the first school of Savate in the United States, and its instructors have a direct lineage to the founding school of Savate in 1803. The school is recognized by the French Federation of Savate and the International Federations of Savate, as the first School of savate in the United States.

Its instructors are highly skilled in various martial arts traditions such as Hawaiian Kempo, Capoeira, and Silat.

Today, the academy is under the leadership of Professeur Paul-Raymond Buitrón III, who is the first American to achieve the Silver Glove in France and the first American to become a Professeur of all of its disciplines in France. Under his direction, Buitron Academy has produced many champions in Savate and other martial arts, including Nancy Liendo, the first girl to win the Golden Gloves in Corpus Christi Texas in 2000.

Buitron Academy is not just a school of martial arts, but a catalyst for the Savate Danse De Rue (sm) movement in the United States and abroad. The academy is known by many names, such as Buitron Savate Boxing Club, Danse De Rue Foundation, The International Guild of Danse De Rue Savate, INC, and The Academy of French Martial Arts;

The academy has received various awards for its contributions to the martial arts community and its charitable efforts, including the award for the best Boxing Club of 2001 from USA Boxing and appreciation awards for helping St. Jude’s Children Hospital and Laredo Lupus Foundation.

Buitron Academy’s impact on the growth of SAVATE Danse de Rue is undeniable. The academy has acted as a catalyst for the movement’s development, not just in Texas but throughout the United States and beyond. As more people have become exposed to the art through the academy’s efforts, other groups have emerged, building their own communities and promoting the growth of SAVATE Danse de Rue.

Today, SAVATE Danse de Rue has become a tradition that is embraced by many people. It has evolved and grown beyond its origins to become a popular form of urban combatives and martial arts around the world. The academy’s role in this development cannot be overstated, as it has helped to create a foundation for the movement’s success, providing the necessary education, training, and support for its growth. The BUITRÓN Academy’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence the world of SAVATE Danse de Rue for years to come.

Also receiving a proclamation from the City of Laredo mayor pro tem mercurio Martinez for continuing to have the exams of savate for over 30 years. Buitron Academy’s impact goes beyond Savate. In 1993, it formed the first Capoeira group in Texas under the leadership of Mestre Acordeon.

Over time, the group associated with the Federation of Capoeira of the state of Goiás, We associated with other mestres, including Mestre Capixaba. The group’s affiliation with the Federation allowed for collaboration and exchange with other capoeira practitioners. Under Mestre Motorista’s direction, the group continued to develop their capoeira skills and promote the art form.

Buitron Academy is not just a place to learn martial arts; it is a cultural institution that has made a significant impact on the community, both locally and globally.

In 2014, Professeur Buitrón and several Grand Masters of Filipino martial arts in Stockton, California, collaborated to create a set of rules allowing all martial arts that specialize in stick weapon training to participate in a competitive sport.

This gave rise to the Gentleman Stick Fighting Coalition, a subcommittee under USA Savate, which has organized annual championships since 2015 to the present.

Buitron Academy has been an active member of the community for decades, always at the forefront of tackling important issues. For over 20 years, the academy has been offering self-defense seminars to women on the second Sunday of every month, recognizing the importance of empowering women and equipping them with the necessary tools to protect themselves.

During times of crisis, Buitron Academy has always stepped up to help. When West Laredo was affected by flooding, the students of the academy came together to assist the community in need. And every year until 2020, the academy hosted a free lunch for first responders as a way of expressing gratitude for their unwavering commitment to public safety.

Buitron Academy’s dedication to the community is unwavering, and they remain committed to making a positive impact through their martial arts teachings and their involvement in important community issues.