Competing for the first time in the Cambodian traditional sport of Kun Bokator, the Philippines is expected to compete at the highest level against rivals in Southeast Asia.
This was the assessment of Sambo Pilipinas president Paolo Tancontian, who will act as Deputy Chef de Mission in charge of combat sports in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games slated in May in Cambodia.
“May laban tayo. Magagaling naman tayo (Filipinos) basta sa striking,” said Tancontian on the second day of the seminar conducted by the Cambodia Kun Bokator officials, coaches and athletes at the Tagaytay International Convention Center.
Kun Bokator is one of the indigenous sports included by the host country in the list of sports for the biennial games, offering a total of 21 gold medals, including 9 in combat and 12 in forms techniques.
Those, who attended were from kickboxing, muay thai, wrestling, pencak silat, Kyokushin karate, and sambo, to absorb the techniques.
“The usual striking techniques pa pero maraming variations sa tuhod and clinching and throws,” said Glenn Mondol, coach of Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas.
Kun Bokator has been practiced as a traditional martial art in Cambodia since the 12th century.
In the coming SEA Games, it focuses more on kicking and knee-striking techniques.
The special jumping knee offers 5 points if properly executed. Throws, takedowns, and kicks to the head are worth 2 points. Punch to face and body equals one point.
Cambodian Bokator officials are making rounds in Southeast Asian member countries to promote the sport and attract participation. At least four countries are needed to have the sports played in the games.
The three-day seminar was hosted by Philippine Olympic Committe president and Tagaytay City Mayor Bambol Tolentino, with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission.