Kun Khmer Workshop Draws 65 in Chile as Federation Plans Wider South American Push
After a three-day programme in Santiago, the Kun Khmer International Federation plans training in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia.
What happened
The Kun Khmer International Federation (KIF) is planning more training workshops across South America after its first programme in Chile brought together 65 coaches, experts and athletes. The three-day Kun Khmer South America Training Workshop took place in Santiago from 30 October to 1 November, Khmer Times reported, and introduced participants from different combat sports backgrounds to the techniques and traditions of Cambodia's national martial art.
According to Khmer Times, the training was led by Albert Veera Chey, a Cambodian living in France who heads The Temple Kun Khmer club in Bordeaux and was sent by KIF. The federation's October announcement had named its master trainers Rith Chea and Lao Sinath for seminars in Chile and Brazil, with the Brazil seminar scheduled for 8 to 13 November.
What the federation said
In a statement on his official Facebook page, Khov Chhay, KIF secretary-general and president of the Kun Khmer Federation, called the Chile programme an important milestone in the international promotion of Kun Khmer. He thanked the Chilean organisers Juan Marcelo Gallardo Silva and Waldemar Mardonez, and Kombat Global president Rick Shin.
Why it matters
The workshop builds on a step taken in June. At a ceremony in São Paulo on 5 June, the federation officially recognised Kun Khmer representatives in eight countries: Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Venezuela, Bolivia and Guadeloupe, the Phnom Penh Post reported. Khov Chhay described that recognition as "a new chapter in Kun Khmer history".
The October programme covered the history and cultural meaning of Kun Khmer, technical skills, coaching methods, athlete development, competition rules and safety standards. KIF also wants to support instructor certification and training centres in the region.
What happens next
KIF plans to take its training programmes to Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and other South American countries. Its longer-term plan is to develop coaches, open more clubs and stage international competitions, with the stated aim of eventual inclusion in the Olympic Games.
