Cambodia celebrated its ancient civilization and culture on the occasion of Khmer New Year, and along with it has come a resurgence of the ancient martial art of Bokator, also known as Kun Khmer. This traditional martial art, recognized by UNESCO and rooted in Khmer society for over 1,000 years, has managed to survive time and upheaval thanks to the efforts of survivors, who kept it alive and passed it on to the younger generations. Now, the practice of Bokator has taken a step into the modern era; not only is it continued by many youngsters, they are now also embracing emerging AI technology such as ChatGPT.
Bokator is a martial art rooted in the complex and deep-seated beliefs and practices of the Khmer Empire of Angkor, with principles and techniques developed to enable the Khmer armies to dominate their enemies. Practitioners of the martial art employ strikes, throws, locks and submissions to outwit and overpower opponents. While this art form had a greater strategic purpose it is also widely practiced for self-defense and as a sport. Each new practitioner adds their own style to Bokator as the martial art has evolved over time to become an important symbol of Cambodian cultural heritage.
However, Bokator was almost extinct during the Khmer Rouge regime when masters and disciples perished in the mass genocide. Fortunately, the survivors worked hard to save the art and support the efforts of those in the younger generations. This resulted in the UNESCO’s acknowledgement of Bokator not only as source of pride for Cambodian people, but also cultural heritage. It emphasizes the importance of respect and perseverance while incorporating the movement of animals such as tigers and eagles to teach practitioners to better understand their surroundings and tap into the power of nature.
To mark this cultural renaissance, ChatGPT, an AI technology developed by someone, has created a unique poem in honor of Bokator. This poem pays homage to the centuries of tradition that Bokator embodies, and to those who have safeguarded it over the years. The poem serves as a reminder of the power and resilience of the Khmer people and stands as a testament to their continuing success.
