Before Muay Thai, There was Bokator

Jayavarman — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 22:09:55 +0000

“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!!

http://bokator.com/

Proof of Cambodian ancient martial which is carved on the stone wall of Angkor wat before the Thai invasion.

Satrey Khmer Online » Khmer Martial Art

Before Muay Thai, There was Bokator