An ancient Cambodian martial art, Bokator involves ground techniques, grappling, striking, and weapons. Perhaps the most ancient remaining fighting system in the region, the combat system is believed to have been practiced by the Angkor armies as much as 1000 years back. The translation of Bokator is pounding a lion which perfectly describes the intensity of the martial art.
Bokator was created to be practiced on the battlefield unlike kickboxing and it incorporates a diverse range of knee and elbow strikes, submissions, ground fighting and shin kicks. Practitioners are given intense training on striking with hands, knees, feet, elbows, shins, feet and head. Hip, shoulders, fingers and jaw also can be applied to fight a rival to death.
The exponents of Bokator dress in the uniforms of olden Khmer armies when fighting even today. Red and blue silk cords named sangvar day are tied covering the combatants biceps and head and a krama scarf is folded around their waist. Although some believe that these cords were used to enhance strength, they are merely ceremonial.
Just as in most of the other Asian martial arts, the 341 sets of the art are centered on the analysis of life and nature. For instance, there are naga, bird, horse, crane and eagle styles each encompassing several techniques. The krama around the fighters waist displays his level of expertise; the top grade is black, followed by the lower grades brown, red, blue, green and white in descending order.
Once the initial training is completed by combatants, they wear a black krama for almost ten years. The true masters of the art achieve the gold krama as well as those who contribute something exceptional to the art. There are over 8000 different techniques in Bokators unarmed section alone, and only 1000 of those must be learnt to achieve the black karma.
A remarkable luxury
hotel Siem Reap has to offer is Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Located in the heart of the city within easy access of some of the leading attractions in the region, the
Siem Reap hotel boasts personalized pampering at their award-winning spa in addition to a range of high class dining choices.
