Cambodia, China planning to promote traditional martial arts with new doco
Cambodia, China planning to promote traditional martial arts with new doco
An upcoming Cambodia–China Martial Arts Performance will take place at the northern courtyard of Bayon Temple on the morning of April 30, showcasing a spectacular collaboration between the traditional martial arts of both nations.
The event will feature traditional Cambodian disciplines such as Kun Lbokator and Kun Khmer, alongside Chinese practices including Shaolin Kung Fu and Tai Chi.
Beyond the live performance, both sides will produce a documentary exploring the cultural “secrets” behind their martial arts traditions, with the aim of promoting them to a global audience.
Organisers expect the project to generate strong international interest, as 16 Shaolin monks —who arrived in Cambodia on April 27 — prepare to participate alongside Cambodian practitioners in the free public showcase.
Vath Chamroeun, president of the Cambodian Bokator Federation and the Mixed Martial Arts Federation of Cambodia, highlighted the success of a similar cultural and martial arts event held at the same location in April 2024.
He noted that such performances not only demonstrate the uniqueness of each country’s martial traditions but also reflect deeper cultural, tourism and diplomatic ties.
“This cultural heritage runs very deep for Cambodia, a nation with a proud civilisation from the Angkor era. That greatness was closely linked to martial arts — because only with strong martial capability could the nation prosper,” he said.
As secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), Chamroeun explained that Cambodia’s Angkor-era strength was built on advanced martial techniques, strategies and discipline. These historical elements will be brought to life through the joint performance and documented so they can be shared with the world.
“This joint performance is a major objective, but behind it lies an even more important effort —we are preparing to produce high-quality documentary content on both countries’ martial arts traditions for global promotion. We believe it will attract significant international attention,” he noted.
The production will include short-form video content designed for social media platforms, with Chinese partners expected to distribute the material widely — particularly within China’s vast audience. Organisers believe the reach could extend to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.
The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to preserve and promote Cambodia’s martial arts heritage. In 2025, Prime Minister Hun Manet called for deeper research and documentation of ancient Khmer martial arts, emphasising the need to preserve endangered traditions while strengthening those still practiced today.
He has also supported the organisation of the annual “Samdech Thipadei Cup”, a traditional Khmer martial arts competition launched in 2024, which provides a platform for various disciplines to compete and be documented for future generations.
Chamroeun noted that Cambodia is combining research with modernisation — integrating music, storytelling and performance elements — while Chinese Shaolin practitioners are also adapting their art into contemporary formats.
“Through this collaboration, we expect a new level of success — not only for tourism and culture, but also for promoting Khmer martial arts to the world,” he said.
The Cambodia–China Martial Arts Performance is being staged by Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism, Siem Reap provincial authorities and China’s Henan provincial government. The event forms part of the Cambodia–China Tourism Year, aimed at promoting shared cultural heritage and attracting more Chinese and international visitors to Cambodia.
-Phnom Penh Post-
