Sometimes called Labokator, which means « fight the lion » in the Khmer language, Bokator is a martial art which finds its origins in the first centuries of Cambodian history.
Mixing the use of rudimentary weapons (bamboo, scarf, short sword, etc.) and of all the body parts, using about 11 000 blows and techniques, Bokator consists in submitting the opponent by taking advantage of his weaknesses and imbalances.
The martial art of Angkor warriors
Numerous Angkorian bas-relief carvings represent some Bokator fighting, which substantiates the ancient origin of this martial art, as well as the status it was being granted at the time. Bokator, both as a combat technique and some spiritual asceticism, took part in the erection of the colossal military power of the Angkor empire; moreover, thanks to the superiority of these combat techniques, the Khmer people were able to prevail upon their enemies during about eight hundred centuries.
Bas-relief carvings in the Angkor temples
Many representations of unarmed or armed combats adorn the temples; those representations are the most ancient testimonies of the ancient Khmer martial arts practice.
After the decadence of Angkor in the XIVth century, while the Kingdom was undergoing attacks from his Siamese neighbour, these techniques were maintained, in a somewhat clandestine way, centuries after centuries. However, the few masters still alive in the XXth century were nearly all taken away by the massacres perpetrated by the Khmer rouge regime. Only a few simplified forms of combat originating from Bokator have remained in the popular practice: Muay Thai, Muay Borann, Muay Lao, Khun Khmer…
The rebirth of Bokator
The rebirth of Bokator owes everything to the Grand Master Sam Kim Sean, Golden Krama and founder of the Cambodian Bokator Federation. Exiled to the United States in the late 70s, he headed back to his native country in 2001, with a strong intention to bring the sacred martial art back to life. Therefore, he has roamed Cambodia in order to look for any surviving masters, bringing together again with them all the techniques which can be taught to pupils nowadays.
A martial philosophy
Not only Bokator brings forward the principles of self-discipline and respect, but it also includes some techniques of breathing, meditation, and natural medicine. Through Bokator, the students are learning how to physically protect themselves against the attacks of a third person; Bokator also intends to develop determination, self-esteem, as well as some taste for Khmer culture and history.
We are therefore inviting you to the rebirth of a centuries-long martial art. After being forgotten for many years, Bokator is currently booming. In Cambodia, several schools have opened their doors, welcoming many boys and men, and even a few girls and young women. The practice of Bokator is also expanding a lot in the United States, in Europe, especially in France owing the ancient bond existing between the two countries.
A first international tournament France-Cambodia entitled « Bokator in Angkor » was organized in July 2011 by the Clais family in the middle of the temples in front of a frenzied crowd, most of whom then hardly knew the name « Bokator ». The fighters arrived by the fighting ring on elephant back!
Collaborating with the Ratanak Eisan club located in the grounds of the Terres Rouges Lodge as well as with the National Federation, we allow young Cambodian athletes to get to know an essential element of the fights of the old days in Asia, the first tank in history, the elephant!
The first apprehension passed, young warriors and warriors learn to move with and on the elephant, just like their ancestors did a thousand years ago!
Each gala, each major public event organized by Airavata showcases Bokator, this martial art born alongside the elephant!
