Bokator vs Muay thai, what are the main differences between these two distinct and unique styles?
What are the similarities and which is better to learn and train?
In this post we take a deep dive into these two unique styles and learn about their origins and why Muay thai is more popular and well known in the world today.
Brief Overview of Bokator
Bokator is a traditional martial art that originated in Cambodia.
It is one of the oldest existing fighting systems in the country, with a history dating back over a thousand years.
Bokator is known for its extensive techniques, which include strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks, and ground fighting.
The origins of Bokator can be traced back to the ancient Khmer Empire, which was a powerful kingdom that ruled over present-day Cambodia and parts of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries.
During this time, Bokator was developed as a comprehensive martial art and combat system to train soldiers for warfare.
It was practiced by the royal armies and was considered an essential skill for warriors.
Bokator was not only used in warfare but also played a role in entertainment, as it was showcased during festivals and competitions.
What is the Difference between Bokator and Khun Khmer?
Both Bokator and Khun Khmer originate from Cambodia.
The main difference is that Khun Khmer is more similar to modern day muay thai in that it focuses on striking and competition as a popular combat sport.
Khun Khmer has been popular as a competitive sport in Cambodia for many years.
Bokator is more similar to muay boran in that it originates from the battlefield, focuses much less on competition and is more comprehensive in that it includes weapons training as well as techniques that are not allowed in competitive matches such as throws and joint locks.
While both Bokator and Khun Khmer share common roots, they have developed as separate martial arts with their own unique techniques, training methods, and cultural significance.
What are the Differences between Bokator vs Muay Thai?
Both styles originate from the same region within South East Asia.
However there are key differences between these two unique fighting arts.
Origins and Cultural Influences
To start with these styles originate from two neighbouring countries, Cambodia and Thailand.
Bokator has its roots in the ancient Khmer Empire of Cambodia and is deeply tied to Cambodian history, culture, and spirituality.
Bokator also incorporates animal-inspired movements, traditional rituals, and symbolism.
Muay Thai, also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” originated in Thailand and has been practiced for centuries.
It is an integral part of Thai culture and is deeply influenced by Thai traditions, rituals, and the country’s warrior history.
Rules and Competition
Bokator has much less of a focus on competition as a ring or combat sport.
Bokator competitions are relatively less common and structured compared to Muay Thai.
Traditional Bokator matches can involve diverse techniques and forms, showcasing a wide range of skills.
However, formalized competitive formats and rules may vary depending on the organization or event.
In 2023, the South East Asian games included Bokator as part of its competition.
And apart from combat matches there were also competition in individual and partner forms (much like in Wushu compeition).
The gold medal performance in the female individual Bokator form can be seen below from the 2023 SEA Games.
Muay Thai has a well-established competitive framework and is practiced globally as a combat sport.
It has specific rules and weight classes, and matches are regulated by organizations such as the World Muay Thai Council (WMC) and International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA).
Muay Thai competitions often include timed rounds, judges, and scoring systems and is heavily influenced by Western Boxing’s Queensbury rules.
Training Methods – Bokator vs Muay Thai
Bokator is known for its wide range of techniques, including strikes, kicks, elbow strikes, knee strikes, throws, joint locks, ground fighting, and animal-style movements.
Bokator also emphasizes versatility in both armed and unarmed combat and covers a comprehensive set of techniques.
Muay Thai primarily focuses on striking techniques such as punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes.
There are no weapons training as part of muay thai. Though weapons are included in styles of muay boran.
Muay thai emphasizes powerful, high-impact strikes and clinching techniques.
The clinch is particulalrly important in muay thai. And the muay thai clinch is probably the most effective and well developed form of stand up grappling in combat ports.
And while the muay thai clinch game does incorporate throws, trips, sweeps and dumps, ground fighting is not a part of Muay Thai.
In short, Bokator training can be more likened to traditional martial arts training that focuses on forms and katas, weapons and even mediation.
While muay thai training is more similar to traditional Western boxing training including jumping rope, road work (running), heavy bag, pads and sparring with lots of pushups and situps as well.
Which is Better to Learn and Train?
Which is better to learn and train, Bokator vs Muay Thai?
This all depends on the individuals goals in learning martial arts.
If self defense is your main goal then there is no reason why you can’t learn and train both styles.
But it can be completely possible that Bokator as a more comprehensive style which focuses on weapons and not just on competition techniques, could be a better choice to learn for self defense.
If competition is your goal then you are probably better off learning and training muay thai or khun khmer which focus on ‘legal’ ring techniques under competitive rules.
However it should also be noted that muay thai is much more recognised and well known around the world.
So unless you are able to travel to Cambodia or South East Asian countries where Bokator is available to learn, you most likely will have greater ease of access to muay thai training.
In short, around the world, there are far more gyms and schools where muay thai is taught in comparison to Bokator.
But you can learn online from some excellent resource for Bokator.
One of my favorites is the Khambo Warrior YouTube channel. And while it is not in English you can still get a lot of appreciation for Bokator and learn by watching.
Bokator vs Muay Thai – Wrap Up
Both of these unique and distinct style originate from the warring periods and ancient battlefields of Siam (Ancient Thailand) and Khmer (Ancient Cambodia).
Bokator and muay thai have their origins which date back thousands of years.
IF you are familiar with muay boran (Thailands Ancient boxing) and Cambodian Kickboxing or Khun Khmer then you would understand that Bokator is more similar to Muay Boran and Muay Thai is more similar to Khun Khmer.
Both Bokator and Muay Boran focus on applicable fighting techniques which include weapons training.
While muay thai and khun khmer are focussed on competition and combat sports and both are very popular spectator sports in Thailand and Cambodia respectively.
In terms of learning either style, Bokator is less accessible than muay thai around the world today. So it would be more accessible for most people around the world to learn and train muay thai in comparison to Bokator.
But there are places to learn online including the Khambo Warrior channel on YouTube.
