The traditionalmartial arts of theMainland Southeast Asia are related to one another, and as a group toIndian martial arts. The most salient common feature is Mainland Southeast Asiakickboxing. The region ofMainland Southeast Asia is believed to be the land ofSuvarnabhumi that ancient Indians mentioned in Buddhist text and Hindu text. In 790 A.D., aKhmer prince who grew up abroad by the name ofJayavarman II returned to unify the Khmer civilization. In 802 A.D., Jayavarman II established theKhmer Empire, the precursor to modern Cambodia, and declared himself theChakravatin (universal ruler).[1] Around 850 A.D.,Pagan, the ancestor of modern-dayBurma, was established by Tibeto-Burman speakers.[2] For 200 years, Pagan remained a small principality until the reign of KingAnawrahta.[3] In 1238 A.D., Thailand's first state,Sukhothai, was started when the residents declared independence from theKhmer Empire. In 1353 A.D., Laos's first state,Lan Xang, was started byFa Ngum with the assistance of theKhmer fromAngkor.[4]
Thaing (Burmese:သိုင်း,pronounced[θáiɰ̃]) is aBurmese term used to classify the traditionalmartial systems ofMyanmar. There are three main generation of Thaing in Myanmar, named "Kanbawza" "Inwa" and "Yamanya". Burmese martial arts includebando,banshay,naban,shan gyi andLethwei:
Lethwei or Burmese boxing. A traditional style of striking withheadbutts, kicks, punches,knee andelbow strikes.[5]
Naban is the traditional form of wrestling from Myanmar. Originally based on Indian wrestling, it is practiced primarily in rural areas. Naban is especially popular among the Himalayan tribes. The Chin and Kachin people are both known for their skilled wrestlers. Techniques include joint locks, strikes to pressure points, and chokeholds.
Bokator is an ancientCambodianmartial art with roots in the 1st century. It prioritises physical and mental development through strength, discipline, and a commitment to non-violence. It combines physical combat techniques with a strong focus on mental discipline rooted in respect for nature and societal values. Masters, some believed to possess special healing and protective abilities, guide apprentices in understanding their roles and responsibilities, ultimately preparing them to safeguard communities, the environment, and advocate for justice and peace. Bokator remains an integral part ofCambodian culture, not only as a martial art but also in rituals dedicated to local deities and festive events. These occasions often incorporate traditional elements like dance, music, and traditional medicine. Bokator symbolises Cambodia's cultural, social, and religious values and enjoys a broad following across age, gender, education, and social status.[6]
Kun Khmer orPradal Serey is an unarmedmartial art fromCambodia. InKhmer the wordpradal means fighting or boxing andserey means free. Originally used for warfare, pradal serey is now one of Cambodia's national sports. Its moves have been slightly altered to comply with the modern rules. The martial art was turned into a sport when French colonists arrived and added components of Westernboxing such as a boxing ring, boxing gloves, weight classes and timed rounds.
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Khmer traditional wrestling is afolk wrestling style fromCambodia. It has been practiced as far back as theAngkor period and is depicted on the bas-reliefs of certain temples. The earliest form of Khmer traditional wrestling was called Maloyuth. Maloyuth was created in 788 A.D. byBrahmin Timu.[7] It evolved to the current form of wrestling, Cham Bab, in the 8th century. Although predominantly a male sport today, Khmer wrestling was once practiced by both sexes as female wrestlers are also displayed on theBanteay Srei temple.
Muay Lao is a traditional unarmedmartial art fromLaos. It incorporates punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes. Muay Lao was an event at the2009 Southeast Asian Games inVientiane.
Tomoi is an unarmedmartial art fromMalaysia. It is practiced mainly in the northern states such asKedah,Trengganu, and especiallyKelantan.
Muay Boran (Thai:มวยโบราณ,RTGS: muai boran,pronounced[mūa̯jbōːrāːn];lit. 'ancient boxing') is an umbrella term for the unarmedmartial arts ofThailand prior to the introduction of modern equipment and rules in the 1930s. It is the predecessor of modernMuay Thai or Thai boxing.
Muay Thai (Thai:มวยไทย,RTGS: muai thai,pronounced[mūa̯jthāj];lit. 'Thai boxing') is the Thai style of striking with strong emphasis on kicks, punches,knee andelbow strikes.[8]
Krabi-Krabong (Thai:กระบี่กระบอง,pronounced[krā.bìːkrā.bɔ̄ːŋ]) is a Thai weapon-based martial art. Krabi-krabong was developed by the ancientSiamese warriors for fighting on the battlefield. It was likely used in conjunction with muay boran but whether the two arts were developed together or independently is uncertain. Early warfare in Indochina was mostly between rival kingdoms and were fought en masse. Individual fighters were armoured and carriedrhino hide shields. The system's name refers to its main weapons, namely the Thai sword (krabi) and staff (krabong). Typically, two swords (daab song mue) are wielded as a pair. Unarmed krabi-krabong (muay boran) makes use of kicks, pressure point strikes, joint locks, holds, and throws.
Traditional Vietnamese martial arts (Võ Thuật Cổ Truyền Việt Nam 武術古傳越南) can be loosely divided into those of the Sino-Vietnamese descended from the Han, and those of theChams or indigenous Vietnamese.Qwan Ki Do andVovinam are prominent modern Vietnamese martial arts.[9]
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