In 2017, the first axe-throwing centers aimed at the general public opened in France. They were able to showcase this unusual activity, and many budding throwers came to learn at Les Cognées.

But some people have been practising the sport regularly for many years now. Several axe-throwing clubs, grouped together under the Fédération Francaise de Lancer de Haches et de Couteaux, enable enthusiasts to gather and train for national and international competitions.

So if you've recently been bitten by axe-throwing fever, here's some practical info on joining a club.

French Axe and Knife Throwing Federation

The FFLCH is a French association whose aim is to promote axe and knife throwing, bring together practitioners and organize national and international competitions.

It is currently run by Pierre Cazoulat, one of the sport's pioneers (see interview in this article).

It currently comprises 12 clubs:

- L'ALCA (Association de Lancer de Couteaux en Alsace) | Colmar (Haut Rhin)
- Lanserien Kontili Breizh | Callac de Bretagne (Côtes-d'Armor)
- Les Faisans du Parc |Villeneuve Le Roi (Val de Marne)
- Le Mans Habilis | Champagné (Sarthe )
- Couteau Country Club | Tanneron (Var)
- Les Lames Normandes | Ouistreham (Calvados)
- Le Cercle Celtique des Lanceurs de Couteaux | Grâces (Côtes d'Armor)
- Les Lames de l'Hermine | Vitré (Ille-et-Vilaine)

Axe and knife throwing competitions

The French championships are held every year, and the world championships every two years. The world's best competitors come together in a sporting spirit. Conviviality, sympathy and dedication are also always on the agenda.

Test procedure :

Today, there are many different types of axe-throwing event, all regulated in Europe by the Axe Throwing Rules.

a. Standard events: 21 throws in each discipline.

Goal: score as many points as possible

- Axe throwing 4m, 5m and 7m
- Knife throwing 3m, 5m and 7m

b. Event 2: Long-distance throw.

Objective: Drive the axe into the target from as far away as possible.

Participants can move backwards as they go, with a maximum of 3 attempts per throw line.

Today the record is held by Stanislav Havel with a throw of 27.35 metres!

As the sport develops, the level of throwers will improve and we'll certainly see even more impressive records.

Discipline leaders 

The French team had a great 2016 in England, taking first place on the podium and winning the World Championship title ahead of the 12 participating countries that year. Something to make our country proud! Individually too, the French have put in some fine performances at the various championships, such as Pierre Cazoulat, who was also French champion in all categories.

National and international axe and knife throwing championships are above all a way of putting the spotlight on a discipline that is still little-known. Even if the practice is becoming more and more widespread, and axe-throwing centers have sprung up like mushrooms in recent years, it's still a good opportunity to put the spotlight on a sport taken very seriously by association members.