Prime Minister Hun Manet has urged all branches of Cambodia’s armed forces, including the military and all law enforcement units, to work together to preserve and develop Cambodia’s ancient martial arts.

He emphasised the importance of training in traditional forms of the Kingdom’s martial arts, including Kun Lbokator and Kun Khmer, to ensure these combat techniques remain alive and continue to flourish.

“I ask the military academies and all other armed forces to intensify their efforts in promoting martial arts training. It’s not only the military that should be involved, as we have seen both the Royal Army and the National Police using these ancient martial techniques in the past. We should continue to teach and train these traditional combat methods, not just for self-defence but also to honour our heritage,” he said.

He explained that preserving and developing these ancient arts is not merely about enhancing physical strength and defence skills. It is also about honouring the legacy of past generations and their contributions to Cambodia’s martial traditions, which were once used for warfare and self-defence.

Manet delivered his remarks as he presided over the 30th anniversary celebrations of the army’s Battalion 70 on October 15, at the battalion’s headquarters. 

He noted that the traditional forms were originally developed for warfare by the ancestors of the Khmer people. The Cambodian armed forces have also integrated these ancient combat methods into their training programmes.

“These are not just martial arts for display. They were originally developed for real combat on the battlefield. Our ancestors used these techniques in actual wars and in defending our nation. Therefore, they are deeply embedded in the identity of the Cambodian people,” he said.

While acknowledging that some performances of traditional martial arts have been seen at public events, the prime minister emphasised that these performances are not the true essence of Kbach Khmer, which was developed primarily for self-defence and combat.

He highlighted that the martial arts of the Khmer people were used in real situations, such as battle and protecting one’s life.

“Long ago, there were no guns. We only had spears and knives, and combat was conducted using these weapons. These martial arts were not only practical for fighting but also for maintaining health and well-being. Today, I want the younger generations, including the next generation of Cambodian soldiers, to actively participate in preserving and promoting these ancient techniques,” he added.

In line with his call for service members to train in Kbach Khmer, Manet revealed that over 200 military personnel have already signed up to participate in the “Samdech Thipadei Martial Arts Cup”, a competition dedicated to traditional Cambodian martial arts. The event will take place from October 18-20, at the National Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.

“This competition will be the first of its kind, as it will feature traditional Cambodian martial arts exclusively. More than 200 of our soldiers have registered, and there will be over 400 participants in total,” he confirmed.

The competition is being held for the first time under the direct leadership and initiative of Manet. The competition will be divided into three categories: professional, amateur and exhibition, with 12 events in total.

Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism and chair of the competition’s organising committee, believed that the event will be a milestone in raising awareness of traditional Cambodian martial arts. He explained that it will not only serve to showcase the full spectrum of Khmer martial arts but also aims to inspire future generations of Cambodians to understand and appreciate their rich cultural heritage.

The prime minister’s push for the preservation and development of traditional martial arts is part of a broader effort to foster national pride and ensure that Cambodia's ancient practices are celebrated and passed down to future generations.