Modern-day exponents of the Kingdom’s martial arts receive lessons in the ancient fighting styles depicted in the carvings of Siem Reap’s temples. Supplied
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has begun the arduous task of collating the records and evidence of the Kingdom’s ancient martial arts that can be found engraved on the walls of temples cross Siem Reap province.
The “Khmer Martial Arts Journey to the Historical Site of Angkor” project, which is being carried out by the ministry’s Directorate General of Sports, was launched on August 27.
According to the ministry, the initiative aims to gather evidence and authentic records of ancient martial arts before compiling them into official documents for future generations of Cambodians, ensuring they are not lost over time.
Thin Vichet, head of the National Sport ICT and Statistics Center, addressed an August 27 press conference in Siem Reap town.
“The directorate has established the Traditional Sports Office, which is tasked with researching and compiling traditional sports that have been passed down from our ancestors, for the collective benefit of humanity. If we do not compile them, they may be lost from one generation to the next,” he explained.
As part of the initiative’s inaugural activities, the directorate organised a two-day research trip on August 28-29. Four national Kun Khmer representatives and several members of a Kun Lbokator martial arts team are taking part, conducting direct research on the history and techniques of ancient Khmer martial arts, as depicted on the walls of various temples in the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Two opponents are seen locked in hand-to-hand combat in a carving on the wall of Preah Khan Temple. Phoeung Dara via FB
An archaeology specialist from the APSARA National Authority provided the guests with detailed explanations of the history, helping them to gain a deeper understanding of the fighting styles that are clearly visible in the carvings on the temple walls. This initial research was focused primarily on Khmer boxing, commonly referred to as Kun Khmer, before subsequent expeditions expand and explore other traditional Khmer martial arts.
“Today, Khmer boxing is highly popular, with numerous competitions. As such, Pon Sok, director of the sports directorate, collaborated with the Kun Khmer Federation, the Apsara authority, various media outlets and other relevant parties to organise this project,” explained Vichet.
“The goal is to research and compile the true history and records of Khmer martial arts into official documents for formal use,” he added.
Saet Sokun, manager of the Memoire Palace Resort & Spa, which hosted the project launch, welcomed the initiative. He expressed his pleasure in supporting the "Khmer Martial Arts Journey to the Historical Site of Angkor" programme, believing that this work will help the world, as well as tourists, gain a clearer understanding of the richness of Khmer culture, which is inscribed on the walls of various temples in the Angkor region.
“The education ministry’s project is a great opportunity to show the world that we have a deep-rooted civilisation inscribed on our temple walls, and that we possess many martial arts techniques that have been carved and depicted on those temples,” he said.
Young practitioners of the UNESCO-listed ancient Khmer martial art Kun Lbokator train in a recent session. Supplied
“We hope that all the athletes will meet with our experts and learn more about our ancestors' martial arts techniques, and that they will bring this knowledge back to promote and share, so that Khmer martial arts can grow and be recognised more widely,” he added.
The four Kun Khmer representatives – SEA Games 2023 gold medal-winning fighters Chhoeung Lvai, Lon Panha and female boxer Touch Chanvatey, as well as bronze winner Chha Chandeng – shared their excitement at the opportunity to study the temples firsthand under the guidance of an archaeologist.
“Although I am a boxer, I don’t know much about the true history of Khmer martial arts. During this trip to the Angkor historical sites, I intend to pay close attention to the experts and increase my knowledge,” said Panha.
Fellow gold medallist Touch Chanvatey was also extremely keen to expand her understanding of the subject.
“I am very happy to have been given the chance to come and study here and learn about the history of Khmer martial arts that are carved into the walls of our temples. I hope to learn a lot from the archaeologist who will work with us, and will strive to study more and apply it during my training,” she said.
“I also aim to share my knowledge with young people who have not yet learned about the history of Khmer martial arts, so they can understand that they have a long history, and were passed down from our Khmer ancestors,” she added.
