Bokator: Cambodia’s Two-Millennia Secret to Combat and Culture

More than 2,000 years ago, the Khmer created that very active martial art, which was known as Bokator; it influenced the Khmer Empire, once established with a territory spreading over most of present-day Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. Its presence since the Neolithic period can be evidenced through carved reliefs or archaeological excavations, especially at Angkor and several provinces of Cambodia.

Originally, Bokator served the purpose of ensuring survival against both predators and war. The art, with its techniques, has been passed on from one generation to another and has become a foundation of Khmer culture. The fighters then built their strategies by imitating the actions of tigers, eagles, and other animals symbolizing might and agility.

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 17-03-2025

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Table of contents

Bokator: An Ancient Cambodian Martial Art
Bokator Through History
Hierarchy and Levels of Proficiency
Symbolism in Traditional Costume
Bokator Tournaments and Competitions
Where to see the Bokator in Cambodia?
How Bokator Differs from Muay Thai?

Bokator: An Ancient Cambodian Martial Art

Bokator is known as Labokatao in its original sense. It is an ancient martial art of Cambodia that combines several different aspects, such as hand-to-hand fighting, ground techniques, and weapon skills. It is also the oldest fighting system that remains alive and well today in Cambodia, having been used more than a millennium ago by the armies of Angkor. From the words Bok (to fight) and Tor (lion), the term Bokator means "fight like a lion."

On the battlefield, Bokator would have utilized a variety of elbow and knee strikes and was also filled with kicks and techniques of submission ground fighting. Practitioners were trained to strike with knees, hands, elbows, feet, and head. Shoulders, hips, jaw, and fingers could also be used to incapacitate someone.

Bokator is characterized like many Asian martial arts; it derives from nature and life. It has its own styles, such as horse, bird, eagle, and crane. All of these have their own techniques, and long poles or short sticks are also used as some of the weapons.

The costumes they wear are ancient models from the Khmer armies. A krama hangs on their waists, whereas red and blue silk cords, called sangvar, are tied around their heads.

Bokator Through History

Indian Influence on Bokator and Its Development

The earliest references to the martial art of Bokator are found on the bas-reliefs of the temples of Angkor, particularly at Banteay Srei. These depict combat scenes involving strangulation techniques and blows, with the flavor of Indian arts like Maloyuth. Under the dispensation of Indian culture, Bokator gradually had its epic elements grafted in from the stories of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

*This is how the ancients told today's generations*

Its spread was also sustained by trade and cultural interchange between the Khmer Empire and the Indian kingdoms. Many Khmer warriors graduated from schools that imparted superior combat-training techniques, merging military strategy and physical discipline.

Bokator sits squarely at the heart of Cambodian heritage, represented at the temples of Angkor and Preah Vihear, having been classified as an intangible cultural heritage site alongside the Royal Ballet and Sbek Thom shadow puppetry.

How Bokator Has Evolved Through History

The application of firearms gradually lessens its military importance, and it is becoming more of a performing and traditional art. However, local monks and masters have continued practicing it.

While still keeping it as one of the elements in national festivities, the French invasion in the 19th century and then the occupation by the Vietnamese weakened it. The Khmer Rouge regime (1975-1979) nearly wiped out Bokator, with many masters killed or exiled.

The rebirth of Bokator

Cambodian masters began to teach the art of Bokator to a few survivors after the fall of the Khmer Rouge. The government and cultural organizations then began to identify and list some masters and clubs in the country that might be in a position to preserve this heritage.

The rise of national and international competitions burgeoned in the year 2000. The program launched Bokator onto the stage of the 2023 SEA Games and eyes the Asian Games and future Olympic Games.

*We can say that this martial art is intended for everyone, regardless of gender or age.*

Bokator Today

In fact, Bokator is an endangered art today. The great masters, aged beyond 75, are gradually losing significant knowledge, while some are not contributing further due to limited movement. Some of them have already passed away, and the remaining masters will have to transfer this knowledge directly to a couple of students.

This scenario is worsened by the disinterest of younger generations. Bokator, as an endangered entity, will disappear or lose its original identity without conservation and specific programs.

*Trying a Bokator class is also a way to experience the local culture. (I like this traveler's socks!)*

Hierarchy and Levels of Proficiency

Bokator consists of 341 techniques and is oftentimes inspired by animals and natural mechanisms. There is a hierarchy of levels represented by krama colors:

White – Beginner Level
Green
Blue
Red
Brown
Black – Advanced Level (minimum 10 years of practice)
Gold and Diamond – Reserved for those masters and champions who have marked history in Bokator.

To achieve Black Krama, the practitioner must have mastered at least 1,000 of the 8,000 to 10,000 available techniques. Each level requires knowledge in:

Attacks: Kicks, elbows, knees.
Defense.
Animal techniques (e.g., eagle, tiger, horse).
Kun Kru: Ritual dance preceding the combat.

*Master San Kim Sean with the golden krama - a person who made a major contribution to Bokator.*

Symbolism in Traditional Costume

Bokator fighters are clothed in costumes inspired by the ancient Khmer warriors:

The krama: A traditional cotton scarf that is wrapped around the waist.
The sangvar: A blue and red silk cord tied to the head and biceps, which was once thought to give strength to the fighters.
Protective equipment: In contemporary competitions, practitioners can wear protection to minimize the risk of injury.

Bokator Tournaments and Competitions

Competitions are regularly held in Cambodia; for example, the SEA Games in Phnom Penh. The principal two divisions in the competitions are:

Techniques

The participants demonstrate their tvear (kata or form) with bare hands or a weapon (short stick, long stick, or kun khel).
Judges then assess how aesthetic the movements are and how well they are performed.

Fight

The fight is held in a circle, with each fight consisting of 5-minute rounds, incorporating music specific to Bokator (unlike that used in Muay Thai and Kun Khmer).
All blows are permissible except those to the ground, the neck, the back, and the genitals.
A dance is performed between every fight phase, which is said to have been derived from the ancestry of Khmer folklore.
Biting and attacking the eyes are not allowed.

Where to see the Bokator in Cambodia?

Dinner shows in Cambodia offer a chance to watch spectacular displays of Bokator and performances of Apsara dance, two traditional arts classified as cultural heritage of the country. The shows are mostly held in restaurants and cultural centers in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. In fact, you can find:

How Bokator Differs from Muay Thai?

While Bokator and Muay Thai have certain similarities, such as elbowing and kneeing, there are many features that show differences between them:

Fighting Techniques: Unlike Muay Thai, which relies heavily on stand-up fighting, Bokator is more self-contained; it employs animal-inspired movements, throws, and ground techniques.
Weapons: It also incorporates traditional Khmer weapons along with Muay Thai.
Cultural Difference: Buddhist traditions and Khmer ceremonies link it to Muay Thai, which is simply a modernized combative sport widely practiced competitively.

*Rodtang Jitmuangnon – The “Iron Man” of the Muay Thai world*

>>> From Angkor's Heritage to Andaman Beach Escape in 18 Days

Conclusion

More than a martial art, Bokator is a living heritage and a symbol of resilience and cultural identity. Realizing its significance, Cambodia is taking steps toward safeguarding Bokator with the establishment of specialized schools in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and increasing international recognition.

Thanks to international competitions and state efforts, Bokator is slowly regaining its rightful place in Asia and beyond. The prospect of Bokator lies in teaching it to new generations, ensuring its conservation and sustenance.