Kun Khmer is the national martial art of Cambodia and originated from the Khmer empire. Kun Khmer, or full name is “Kbach Kun Pradal Khmer”, also known as Pradal Serey. In Khmer, “Pradal” means fighting, and “Serey” means freedom, so if translated into Vietnamese Kun Khmer will be “free martial”.
Although this martial art has many similarities with Muay Thai, including punches, kicks, patties, pillows, and locking techniques (clinch); Cambodian people assert that Kun Khmer has its own history and tradition, even there is an opinion that Muay Thai is derived from this martial art.
According to the stories, the Khmer empire, the predecessor of the Mon-Khmer, began training the martial arts “Pradal Serey” since the 8th century BC. At that time, the Khmer troops created a huge empire covering the territory of Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and part of Vietnam today.
Kun Khmer's competition rules are somewhat similar to Muay Thai, each match usually lasts 5 rounds with every 3 minutes. Competition rules are also very simple. The boxer was not attacked when the opponent collapsed on the floor, did not bite, hit the back of the neck or down. The boxer will not hold the radio and the referee will request the match to end if a boxer is no longer able to play.
The biggest difference in Kun Khmer's fighting style is that this martial arts focus on punches and elbows, while Muay Thai boxers focus on stone and knees.
Many boxers have the opportunity to interact with both subjects that Kun Khmer has a very active fight to hunt Knockout and often find ways to bring the opponent into the clinch. To be able to do this, the punches using Cambodia's martial arts must practice very carefully the physical stitching and bearing capacity.