Early Savate (Chausson) actually did have a technique using the hand as a base to kick from, like its Afro-Brazilian cousin Capoeira. In fact there was an article published in a June 1987 Black Belt magazine about the various possible origins of Savate. It featured the late Professor Daniel Duby and JKD instructor Paul Vunak demonstrating Boxe Française Savate techniques. It may have been influenced by European, Asian and African fighting arts. This is a beautiful video!