Overshadowed as Cambodia’s premier martial art for much of the past century by the more spectator-friendly Cambodian kickboxing (or Kun Khmer), Bokator has witnessed a government-supported comeback in recent years in line with country’s economic development and growing self-confidence. This resurrection has been aided by Cambodian-made martial arts films such as the wildly popular Jailbreak(2017), and success of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters such as Chan Rothana.
The upper floor of the building houses a practice boxing ring, MMA cage, numerous heavy bags and gym equipment – and a rack of swords.
‘Bok means to attack; fight, punch, elbow etc., and Tor means lion. So roughly translated, it’s “fighting with the lion” ‘, explains Brooklyn-born Reach. The self-proclaimed Wikipedia on Cambodian martial arts, Reach defers further commentary to Master Kim.
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