Kbach Kun Boran Khmer - L'BOKATAO

Khmer Warrior legendary of Nak Ta Dambang Dek statue in Battambang province

Kbach Kun Boran Khmer originate name is "L’Bokatao" or "L’Bokator" is a complete art and already a powerful art. At first the founder, Lok Kru Sakikori named the art as Lokusskor about 257 A.D. About the 537 A.D. Lok Kru Yaksakri name is Twin Shield Sticks and Lok Kru Kamakyutparak also found the Twin swords in the same years. Khmer wrestling found by Lok Kru Brahmin Teebok in 1332 A.D. By 1682 A.D. Ta_Boss Taomakrak Dechess Entra Yut Krom Khom which later combined to one short name as L’Bokatao. If I am not mistaken, Sra Ngair Pan is the last found and invention of the Khmer martial art during King Jayavarman VII.

Base on the time line and first Khmer language usage during that time was Sanskrit hence the written on the ancient monuments wall. The current used of word “Bokator or Bokatao” is not accurate. To understand, one must know the Khmer language. Let analyze the word further, if you spell “bok and tao” which sound of Bok-tao which mean smash lion. However, that not a correct pronunciation and the origin of the word. The original is L'Bokatao, and it pronouns L’Bok_Kak_ Tao” found around 3rd A.D (Koh Santepheap Daily, 2009). L’Bokatao defines in the Khmer dictionary title “Dictionnaire Cambodgien” published 1967-1968, as Kun L’Bokatao or translated as twin staff (dambang Klaiy) used as shield against a long staff (dambang veng) 3rd A.D. L’Bokatao is a combine style of Jombab – Khmer wrestling, Kun Dambang – long or short staffs, Kun Dao – short or long sword, Kun Kall, Kun Konsaing, Kun Lompang etc…

Image (Pan 1971)

The sacred of Yantra ("Sangvar")
a head and arm bands wore by ancient Khmer warriors or fighters

This is Jomho Tvear - Doors system
Image (Sok 2008)

Twear and Mae are the heart and soul of Kbach Kun Boran Khmer L’Bokatao. Twea translates as doors (emphasis of foot works) and Mae or Mdiey (emphasis of leading techniques) translates as mother, leader or chief. The word “Mae” have link and traced back to the Khmer Baku of “Mae Ba Ta Preah Chai” (Pro. Keng Vansak 2007). Before Khmer formed the first kingdom of Nokor Phnom, the Mon-Khmer lives as tribes, pretty much scattered all over the South East Asia.

When Khmer established it first kingdom, they break a way from the Mon and became just Khmer or Kingdom of Kambuja or the Nokor Phom (Funan is a more well known among historians). In the ancient Khmer culture, female considered as leaders, but protected by the males, hence “Mae” come before “Ba.” The Construction of Angkor Wat and many other historical monuments symbolize the Khmer Baku religion of Mae Ba Ta Preah Chai. For example the monuments are the Mae and protected by surround water, the Ba. Other examples are the five towers symbolize the Khmer Baku religion of Mae Ba Ta Preah Chai teaching. Prum Muk Bon, the four faces, also the representation of the Baku teaching as well, connected to the Prum Vichhear Tour Tang Bon or the four elements of earth, water, winds and fire.

In the society aspect, Mae is usually referred to as leader or chief, for example, Mae Pum – lead chief of village, Mae Krum – lead chief of group, Mae Tiep – lead chief of warrior etc. In the martial aspect, Mae is lead or root of techniques, much like the symbols or formulas mathematic equation. Mae covers the offensive and defensive of a human body from head down to toes. For example Mae SamTom (Boran Mae 1) is a defensive of hands, where Mae Wai Mouyjom is a defensive of hitting in different angles and targets sequentially. Can the Mae be used in the actual fight? You can ask the same on the mathematic equation, is the equation is the solution? Absolutely not, they are there as guideline to solve certain problem or offensive-defensive solution. One must study the Mae and understand it by breaking the Mae down to simple form or Sneet – techniques whether offensive or defensive. One Mae can be breaking down to many techniques.

Mae – Core foundation techniques that consists offensive move and defensive tactic
Boran – Khmer word translated as ancient, normally acient Khmer or culture
Leay Samiy – usually referred to a mix ancient style and modern style

More info and original post is at Kun Khmer Warrior