Bok-ka-tor is originated from the Khmer ancie11222nt words: La-Bok (meaning wooden stick) and Ka-tor (referring to Lion). Bokator is considered to be a very powerful form of Martial Art that can be used for self-defence, even against wild animals such as lions. It is a close fighting combat techniques and also a complete form of Martial Art incorporating striking, throwing, grabbing, trapping, locking, ground fighting, pressure point attacks and use weaponry. For Bokator practitioners, every single part of the body can be used to fight their opponent(s) to submission.
They are trained to use hands, knees, elbows, fingers, chins, head, shoulders, hips, and jaw. Weapons used in the art include short and long handled swords, double swords, short and long sticks, ancient short shields (like Tonfa), Kramar (scarf), whips, Kneap Srov (like Numchaku).
Skilful Bokator practitioners will do both physical and mental training. A part of learning and practising techniques physically, they need to learn meditation and some ancient chanting that provides peace of mind, strengthened power and an uplifted spirit. Elite Bokator fighters have a good balance of physical and mental being, which develops the full potential and could equip them to enter World Championship of Martial Art.