Imsta
18-06-2004, 01:43 PM
Kun Khmer
Archaeological findings in Cambodia have suggested that a sophisticated martial arts system – Kbach Kun Boran Khmer – was practiced as far back as 2000 years ago. The bas-relief of Angkor Temples illustrates the various combat methods, from armed to un-armed, that structure Kbach Kun Boran Khmer. These combat methods include Kun Sabbarp (Grappling and wrestling system), Kun Labong Wanye (Long stick system), Kun Labong Cleye (Short stick system), Kun Gabit Cleye (Short Knives System), Kun Dour (Swords system), Kun Tahnow (Arrows system), Kun Daye (Bare-hands system), Kun Bockatour (Doors system), Kun Ombaye (Spear system), Kun Krab (Low-fighting system) and Kun Bradarl Borran (Ancient Freestyle boxing system). Ancient manuscripts illustrate the thorough and intricate forms of each combat method, which Khmer Soldiers employed to protect themselves in battle, ensuring the survival of an entire Kingdom.
Although the richness of Kbach Kun Boran Khmer is evident, Kun Khmer Australia is primarily concerned with the preservation and promotion of the free-style boxing system (simply called ‘Kun Khmer’) as a sport. It is one of the most spectacular spectator sports of South East Asia, meshing sacred and ancient traditions with fierce kicks, punches, knees and elbows. Each bout is accompanied by the music of the ‘skor yaul’ (a type of drum), ‘the sralai’ (a flute-like instrument) and the stringed ‘chhing’. As the boxers stride out, they dance and bow in their traditional headgear, to the roar of the crowd that calls them to battle. While in the past Kun Khmer was regarded as a lethal gladiator sport, through which boxers would fight to the death; it has since been modernized and regulated with strict rules, to minimize injury and to promote safety within the ring. In a similar fashion to conventional western boxing, it is fought in a 6.1-meter square ring, with five three-minute rounds broken by one minute intervals. The referee or officials decide the bouts, and a knockout is called when a boxer is knocked down and cannot rise within 10 seconds.
As an organisation, Kun Khmer Australia hopes to celebrate and share with the community, a small part of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. People may wish to learn Kun Khmer for a myriad or reasons: health, self-defence, self-confidence, social reasons and so on. However, for the Khmers that choose to be members of the organisation, it’s about building links between their modern lives in Australia and their innate ties to ancient Khmer history; to help them build self-identity, pride and a sense of community. The President of the association has ambitious plans for the association, which oozes out of its bold mission statement: “to be a cohesive, global organisation that preserves and promotes the Kun Khmer tradition, contributing to the health, welfare and success of its members”. And with a slogan like “Fighting for a better future”, it seems the association is aiming for great things.
:)
Archaeological findings in Cambodia have suggested that a sophisticated martial arts system – Kbach Kun Boran Khmer – was practiced as far back as 2000 years ago. The bas-relief of Angkor Temples illustrates the various combat methods, from armed to un-armed, that structure Kbach Kun Boran Khmer. These combat methods include Kun Sabbarp (Grappling and wrestling system), Kun Labong Wanye (Long stick system), Kun Labong Cleye (Short stick system), Kun Gabit Cleye (Short Knives System), Kun Dour (Swords system), Kun Tahnow (Arrows system), Kun Daye (Bare-hands system), Kun Bockatour (Doors system), Kun Ombaye (Spear system), Kun Krab (Low-fighting system) and Kun Bradarl Borran (Ancient Freestyle boxing system). Ancient manuscripts illustrate the thorough and intricate forms of each combat method, which Khmer Soldiers employed to protect themselves in battle, ensuring the survival of an entire Kingdom.
Although the richness of Kbach Kun Boran Khmer is evident, Kun Khmer Australia is primarily concerned with the preservation and promotion of the free-style boxing system (simply called ‘Kun Khmer’) as a sport. It is one of the most spectacular spectator sports of South East Asia, meshing sacred and ancient traditions with fierce kicks, punches, knees and elbows. Each bout is accompanied by the music of the ‘skor yaul’ (a type of drum), ‘the sralai’ (a flute-like instrument) and the stringed ‘chhing’. As the boxers stride out, they dance and bow in their traditional headgear, to the roar of the crowd that calls them to battle. While in the past Kun Khmer was regarded as a lethal gladiator sport, through which boxers would fight to the death; it has since been modernized and regulated with strict rules, to minimize injury and to promote safety within the ring. In a similar fashion to conventional western boxing, it is fought in a 6.1-meter square ring, with five three-minute rounds broken by one minute intervals. The referee or officials decide the bouts, and a knockout is called when a boxer is knocked down and cannot rise within 10 seconds.
As an organisation, Kun Khmer Australia hopes to celebrate and share with the community, a small part of Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. People may wish to learn Kun Khmer for a myriad or reasons: health, self-defence, self-confidence, social reasons and so on. However, for the Khmers that choose to be members of the organisation, it’s about building links between their modern lives in Australia and their innate ties to ancient Khmer history; to help them build self-identity, pride and a sense of community. The President of the association has ambitious plans for the association, which oozes out of its bold mission statement: “to be a cohesive, global organisation that preserves and promotes the Kun Khmer tradition, contributing to the health, welfare and success of its members”. And with a slogan like “Fighting for a better future”, it seems the association is aiming for great things.
:)