Kun Boran Khmer
( យុទ្ធគុនខ្មែរ ឬ ក្បាច់គុនបុរាណខ្មែរ )
Kun Boran Khmer or Yutthakun Khmer (Skrt. Yuddha-Guna) is a fighting art created & developed out of the Khmer empire which ruled over & vassalize much of what is now Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Southern Vietnam and parts of Mayanmar & Malaysia. It is a fighting system that is traditionally taught in 4 parts. The use of the self/body (Atmaniyuth), The use of wooden weapons (Haniyuth), metal weapons (Khaniyuth) and various weapons (Srakyuth). It has main gestures called “Maes” (core forms) such as Mae Dal, Mae Pat, Mae Rhong, Mae Khael, etc. that are expressed through “Mae Kbach” (core styles) such as Preah Ream, Hanuman, Essey, Swa, Dormey, Krapeuh, Bokatao, etc. These are then broken down into “Kbach” (style/actions) such as Hanuman samdaighn Rith, Krapeuh Hah, Domrey Boung, Swa Prachap, Neak Poan, Kanol Rae Rom etc. then Sneat (techniques/variations/sequences)
* Yutthakun Khmer is part of the larger teaching/compilation called Tri-yuth (Treaties of war) consisting of Yutthakun (Combat fighting), Yutthasehl (Magic warfare) & Yutthasahs (War strategies). This is traditionally passed on & guided from Kru to Sehs (disciple) along with Tri-phum, Tri-ved/phet, Tri-da, etc.
* គុន/គុណ Kun (gunas) are qualities which derive from merits. It is a lineage which draws from spiritual and ancestral roots. This energy manifests and is directed in the form of combat.
Kun Boran Khmer is the predecessor & umbrella term that includes Pradal Serey (Khmer Free fighting), Kun Khmer (Khmer kickboxing), Kun Chambap (Khmer wrestling), Kun Dai (Khmer boxing) , Kun Dao (Khmer Sword fighting), Kun Krabit (Khmer Knife fighting), Kun Dambong (Khmer stick fighting), Kun Lampeng (Khmer Spear fighting), Etc.
Practice begins with homage to Kru and calisthenics drills. This is then followed by an indept lesson beginning with hand to hand combat with future progression to weapons. In each session, students develop proper form, techniques as well as tactics & strategies that are practical & effective for combat & self defense.
* Only offered to Khmer students who would like to know of authentic Khmer martial arts.
** Bokatao is NOT the name of all Khmer martial arts, It is the name of one specific style. Modern Bokatao or that which is presented as Khmer martial arts is the imitation of this.
*** I teach only genuine Khmer martial arts passed down from authentic lineages
Pradal Serey ( ប្រដាល់សេរី )
PRADAL SEREY - Pradal (Fight) Serey (Free) “free fighting or fighting freely” is the original national blood sport of the Khmer Empire (Cambodia), where different styles from across the kingdom would meet in bouts to display their prowess. Combatants or practitioners would first preform “Twai (-Bongkum) Kru” ritual dances, paying homage to their Kru-linage, and invoking through performance one’s patreon deities. This is to bestow blessings and protection as fights often resulted in death and/or severe injury if not divinely protected. Accompanied by “Pinpeat” music, Bouts would begin at a distance or in duel stance, low stance, etc. Competitions were often held during festivals honoring the gods, at Pagodas and entertainment venues alike. They were often themed with epic battles from the Reamker, Maha Bharat, and other events from Khmer mythology & history. Practice begins with homage to Kru followed by calisthenics drills. Lessons are centered on Atmaniyuth (Weaponized self) which includes striking, joint manipulation, grappling (Malayuth), takedowns, etc.
Calanā | Movement ( ចលានា )
Calana or movement incorporates and complements Khmer yogic and Khmer martial arts movements. These movements were traditional used to upkeep physical fitness and wellbeing. They include calisthenics, plyometrics & isometric exercises focusing on quality & flow of movement. Sessions begin with warm up followed by interval style training. Sessions end with a cool down and stretch. (*Duration approx. 1hr 30min)