Before Muay Thai, There was Bokator
“Resurrecting Bokator Khmer, The Nearly Lost Martial Art of Cambodia. A new DVD introduces the world to the pride of Cambodian martial arts, while preserving a piece of history, which was almost lost. The Ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator is something which belongs only to Cambodia. The proof is written in stone, on the walls of Angkor Wat. A thousand years of war with Thailand and Vietnam, followed by the Khmer Rouge Genocide nearly wiped this art off of the face of the Earth. Film maker and Khmer genocide survivor, Tim Pek, and martial arts author, Antonio Graceffo, have teamed up to create the DVD Bokator Khmer. Shot on location in and around Phnom Penh, the DVD introduces the world to this fascinating martial art, which is a complete fighting system of more than 1,000 separate movements.
Bokator includes striking, grappling, ground fighting, and weapons. The DVD also features Master Sam Kim Saen, who fled the Khmer Rouge, and arrived in the USA as a refugee. After returning to Cambodia, more than twenty years later, Master Sam Kim Saen opened the first modern school of Bokator. The Master works tirelessly, trying to teach as many students as possible, in the hopes that the art will live on. If we had more time they could specialize. Said the Master. But I want every one of my black belts to know every single movement, form, and weapon, so when I die, no portion of the art will be lost. See the DVD.
See the beauty of a lethal Cambodian martial art. Learn about the plight of the Khmer people. And, become one more link in the long chain of history, a history which will include Bokator Khmer. “
Before Muay Thai, there was Cambodian ancient martial art, Bokator. Muay is a Cambodian terminology meaning ‘one.’ During the competition, our audiences and announcers would yell out,”lec muay! lec muay lec muay!” meaning # 1! #1 ! #1! (the winner, the number one). Muay does not have any root or connotation in Thai language. The Thai adopted Cambodian martial art and renamed it to “Muay Thai” where the forms and styles remained the same from the ancient Khmer style. Our record and proof shows on the sculpture of our Cambodian ancient ruins where many tourists have witness it today. You may visit and see for yourself at Angkor wat, Muay Thai belong to Cambodian. There were rumors that Kung Fu might took the original from Cambodian martial art. I don’t know if it’s true but the forms seem so similar to Khmer ancient martial art. As far as Muay Thai, history should be told the truth, culture should not be bought or sold, the creator or original owner should be given credit and give great respect. And should not be taken for granted.
“Unleash the ancient secret, BOKATOR. The great Angkorian martial art.” If you’re interest in Khmer martial art, the creator of Muay Thai, check out the site. Movie DVD coming soon. Watch out, the Khmer empire strike back!! 
 Proof of Cambodian ancient martial which is carved on the stone wall of Angkor wat before the Thai invasion. |
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Wow, exciting! I can’t wait to see the movie. I am proud that our ancestors left us great history. I hope our generation will learn and carry on to the next.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Did you say, the Khmer Empire strikes back? I love I love to hear that..hehehe..:-)
I enjoy reading your pages very much. Thank you!
December 1st, 2007 at 2:05 pm
suo sdei Rumtum. Love your name.
“Did you say, the Khmer Empire strikes back?” I didn’t say it. The empire said it. heh
I am happy that you enjoy reading my posts.
Don’t forget to come back again, because the empire will have many surprises to tell you.
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Hello bong,
Did you see this movie yet?
I really want to see it too.
December 3rd, 2007 at 3:14 am
Suo sdey oun pros(pu pnhom)
No, I have not seen the movie yet.
In fact, I just got a hold of the director,
they said it needs some editing but coming out shortly.
I’ll inform you when.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:17 am
eventhough i am an american citizen, i am very proud of the khmer tradition, especially knowing bokator is our angkorian martial art. i have always held true values to cambodian cultures and way of life, but it gets deeper as i get older. again, i cannot wait for the dvd to come out and i am so happy to have found the truth of muy khmer. it saddens me to know that thai people stole lots of things from us. it angers me, but i must be humble about it. as we all know, it was our king. anyhow, i am thankful of bokator and the khmer empire of the s.e.a.
January 4th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I came here by accident, but like it
January 27th, 2008 at 6:11 am
i used to watch { Buffalo protect child} wich showed about Khbach Kun Khmer. It was one of the good movie.
I cant wait to watch this one, too. As a Khmer new generation, it is worth to know about it.
January 30th, 2008 at 7:44 am
chumnith,
do you know where i can get that movie? please let me know. am interested in obtaining one.
thanks kindly,
phillip
January 30th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Welcome Chumnith and Phillip!
I have not seen the movie yet but I heard that it’s good. I surfed around and happened to find out where you can watch Krobei Leak Koun(Buffalo protect child). Check this site if you would to see the movie.
http://www.oudam.com/khmer-movies/khmer-movie-kompoul-kbach-kun-khmer-krobei-leak-koun-starring-eh-phutong.html
January 30th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Hi Jayavarman. i have watched at that website, too.
Phillip,let`s enjoy with it.
Thanks to everyone!!!
January 31st, 2008 at 3:30 am
thank you very much, jayavarman. i truly appreciate your kind effort in finding us the movie.
chumnith, cheers!
best,
phillip
January 31st, 2008 at 6:26 pm
i hope i can buy one DVD and then i will try to practice to gain the excellent! and hope to continue our khmer martial art!
February 5th, 2008 at 10:00 am
sNgat,
if you can’t buy the DVD where you at, you can practice “Muay Thai,” it’s the same forms. “Muay Thai” is equivalent to Khmer Bokator. No different, they just took it and change the name.
February 5th, 2008 at 10:49 am
I found your blog via Google while searching for martial art websites and your post regarding e Muay Thai, There was Muay Khmer(Bokator) - Satrey Khmer Online - Another World. Another Voice. Another Khmer woman. looks very interesting to me.I just just wanted to drop you a note telling you how impressed I was with the information you have posted here. I also have websites & blogs so I know what I am talking about when I say your site is top-notch! Keep up the great work, you are providing a great resource on the Internet here!
February 7th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Dear Martial Art Websites,
Welcome to SKO. About our website, we are not sure if it’s top-notch but thank you so much for your kind words.
Cheers!
February 9th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
I just watched Khmer boxing in Phnom Penh at the Olympic Stadium.
Eh Phouthong was knock-off by a white guy.
March 14th, 2008 at 4:35 am
Chong,
Maybe he had a bad day. Eh puthong usually doesn’t surrender. He’s a boxer of all, strong guy.
March 14th, 2008 at 2:54 pm