On a rented plot of land approximately 200 square metres in size in Chong Kao Sou village of Siem Reap’s Slor Kram commune, the ancient Cambodian martial art of bokator has slowly started to strike a chord.

Cambodian Bokator Federation founder and grandmaster San Kim Sean has shown great dedication in battling through financial difficulties to launch a training course through his club that has eventually seen seven students obtain instructor qualifications.

According to the grandmaster, San Angkor Reach Wan has achieved a second degree black kroma (bokator’s version of a belt), while Say Tevin, Ban Tidek and Hok Phearom have all received the first degree black kroma.

Mok Samrith moved to brown kroma and Ponlok Sopheap and Seng Hok have progressed to blue kromas. Japanese student Hankihi Roosaki obtained a first degree black kroma from the Siem Reap club, which allows him to open a bokator club abroad.