University of Cambodia

Lectured by:

Mut Somoeun, M.Ed

KHM 140: Khmer Culture

KHMER TRADITIONAL SPORTS

Free Boxing Lbokkato/Bokkato Wrestling Khmer Rope Tugging

KHMER BOXING

Recored on the palm leave script (writing on leave) that had been left by Khmer ancestors

It is soft but strong, especially it looks really attractive and flexible with active techniques

Boxing sport is found as evident on the wall of Angkor Wat temple, Bayon temple which means that it has been long time existed

But presently, it is more developed

KHMER SPORT (SCULPTURE)

KHMER BOXING (CONTINUED)

In the past, the boxing was performed as entertainments in ceremonies, particularly in Khmer New Year Event & Kathen ceremony

And it was also to show the King for selecting the strong one to be an army commander, bodyguard, or a palace security guard

The boxers (male only) wear a string/ rope of woven cotton on their fingers

KHMER BOXING (CONTINUED)

KHMER BOXING (CONTINUED)

The boxers wear a loose short pants with a scarf around waist, and a string on arm muscle, and also sometime on head

Before starting, the boxers bow head to respect teacher, following the music of drum and flute (music entitled: Yaun)

The boxers concentrate and remind all what they have been trained

KHMER BOXING (CONTINUED)

KHMER BOXING (CONTINUED)

Showing /reminding the gratitude of teacher with the forms below (Rumlek Kun Kru): Tunsay Braleng Preah Chan Prum Mok Buon Preah Ream Port Seima Neak Len Tek Krong Reap Samdeng Rith Preah Ream Pleng Sar

KHMER BOXING (CONTINUED)

After reminding the teacher’s gratitude: Arbitrator explains the rules then start fighting Making an incense with marking 5 steps for 5

rounds last When the fire at each step, the boxers are allowed

to pause for taking rest The boxers must try hard and use all techniques

to defeat his party

KHMER BOXING (CONTINUED)

KHMER BOXING (CONTINUED)

LBOKKATO (KHMER BOXING)

Lbokkato consists of many structures and techniques It is combined with many other types of Khmer

boxing such as free boxing, wrestling, Kun Dobang (wooden stick fighting), or Kab Dao (curved sword fighting)

In the past, this sport was also used for entaining and fighting in protecting against enemies

LBOKKATO (KHMER BOXING)

LBOKKATO (KHMER BOXING)

LBOKKATO (KHMER BOXING)

WRESTLING

For testing energy of men and for entertaining in the ceremonies

The wrestlers (male) fight within 3 rounds last If the party is exhausted then can ask for rest by

saying “Hob”few minutes and start again If the party cannot combat, he would say “Nhorm –

that means lose” by kneeling down on ground then the arbitrator stop another party

WRESTLING

KHMER ROPE TUGGING (ទាញព្រ�័ត្)

Khmer popular sport for entertaining in the joyful event of Khmer New Year

All women and men can play it, especially the youth/ adult people

Normally it is played in the pagoda or in the field of the village/ any terrace and at day time

Both parties (a group of men & a group of women) or a group of men and men

KHMER ROPE TUGGING

Sometime with music of Kong or Rokiang to energize/ attract the players

The lose group will follow what the winning group ask

The members of each group should be equal (if men &men) but would be more in female group

KHMER ROPE TUGGING

KHMER ROPE TUGGING

THANK FOR ATTENTION!

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