Khmer Boxing
Camboia has a long history of martial arts. In Cambodia, several styles of martial arts are practiced, including Tae Kwon Do, styles of Chinese martial arts, and Khmer Boxing. While Tae Kwon Do and the Chinese martial arts are not considered native to Cambodia, Khmer Boxing is.
While Khmer Boxing almost became extinct during the civil war in the country, during which the government attempted to eradicate the martial art, it has now become one of the most popular martial arts in Cambodia.
Khmer Boxing
Archaeological evidence has shown that a form of martial art was once practiced in ancient Cambodia, found in the temple of Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple. The ruins show figures sparring, in stances similar to those that exist in the Chinese martial arts, and other fighting poses, all without holding weapons. However, modern day Khmer Boxing is believed to utilize some native Cambodian weapons.
It is believed that the martial art that appears on the walls of these ruins is an ancient form of kickboxing native to Cambodia. This type of kickboxing is similar to the kickboxing that exists in Thailand (Muay Thai), but perhaps existed before Muay Thai. The martial art is known as Khmer Boxing, or Khun Khmer Boran, Sovanna Phum, Pradal Serey and Badai Serei. Like Muay Thai, it uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees in bouts that incorporate a ritualistic performance.
Evidence suggests that Khmer Boxing is related to ancient styles of Indian martial arts, such as Vajramushit and Kalaripayat, as Indian culture heavily influenced Cambodia (as well as other parts of Southeast Asia).