Bokator

Summary

Bokator is a Khmer martial art invented in the ninth century by the ancient Angkorian warriors for combat and self-defence. Widely regarded as the predecessor of Pradal Serey (Khmer Free Boxing) and one of the oldest existing fighting systems in Cambodia, Bokator is a complete martial art which includes striking, grappling, trapping, locking, ground fighting, and using weapons for both attack and defense. It is a close hand-to-hand combat system in which the entire body is used as a weapon. Practitioners are trained to use different elbow and knee strikes, feints and shin kicks to fight an opponent to submission or death.

History / Origins

ETYMOLOGY

The word “Bokator”, pronounced “bok-ah-tau” according to Khmer Dictionary, comes from “labokkatao” which means ‘to pound a lion’ or ‘lion fighter’. The word ‘bok’ means ‘to pound’ while ‘tor’ means ‘a lion’. Therefore, the term “bokator” simply translates as ‘pounding a lion’.

BEGINNINGS

Bokator dates back to the 9th century when it was originally invented by the Angkorian warriors for combat on the battlefield and for self-defense against invaders. It is said to be the oldest known systemised Khmer martial art, next in age only to the Mon-Khmer style of yuthakun khom. Bokator is said to have existed for over 1000 years, the position which is obviously attested by the 1000-year old carvings at Angkor Wat. Bokator primarily rose through the legendary influences of Indian culture on Angkorian cultural and religious life. Indian Brahmins used to practice sword fighting and empty-hand techniques as a form of Indian martial arts, and this greatly influenced bokator’s animal-based fighting techniques which practically surfaced during the reign of Angkor kings.

Bokator and other martial art practices nearly became extinct during the Khmer Rogue regime led by Pol Pot, a Cambodian communist revolutionary, between 1963 and 1979. During this time, practitioners of traditional arts were systematically eliminated and barred from teaching the art. After Khmer Rouge regime crumpled, Cambodia was invaded by the Vietnamese and native martial arts became totally outlawed.

PRESENT DAY

Bokator was reborn in early 2000s by San Kim Sean, the father of modern Bokator and the founder of Cambodian Yuthkun Federation. He established first schools in Cambodia which taught new generations to fight using ancient techniques. He brought together several Bokator instructors (known as lok kru) who were hesitant at first. The first national Bokator competition took place at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh in 2006. Since then, this martial arts system has gained huge popularity both in Cambodia and overseas. It is practiced in many martial arts schools throughout the world. Lately, Bokator fighters often participate in International Mixed Martial Arts tournaments as well.

FOLKLORE

There is a widely spread legend concerning the origins of Bokator. It is said that a single village warrior defeated and killed a lion bare-handed with a single knee-strike over 2000 years ago. Some connect this legend to the name of the art, which means to “pound a lion”. In addition, it is often stated that some of the techniques of Bokator were used by the armies of Angkor over 1700 years ago. Many also emphasize the importance of Indian tradition when it comes to this fighting system. Accordingly, practitioners never start training sessions before paying homage to the Brahma.