Pradal

Pradal refers to the Cambodian traditional kickboxing styles, most commonly known as Pradal Sila or Pradal Serey. It is a combat sport and martial art from Cambodia that focuses on stand-up striking and is closely related to Muay Thai. Practitioners train to deliver punching, kicking, knee, and elbow strikes, often in conjunction with clinching to control an opponent.

The practice has roots in ancient Khmer martial arts and royal combat traditions. Over the 20th century, Pradal Sila developed into a popular sport within Cambodia, absorbing influences from neighboring Southeast Asian kickboxing traditions while maintaining distinctive rules, practices, and cultural elements. Today it remains an important part of Cambodia’s martial culture, performed in stadiums, gyms, and village events, and it is also encountered in Cambodian communities abroad.

Techniques and training emphasize a full range of strikes from fists, feet, knees, and elbows, as well as clinch work to impose knee and elbow attacks at close range. Fighters train in pad work, bags, and technique drills, with conditioning and footwork central to preparation. In competitive settings, bouts are typically conducted with rules that permit a wide array of standing strikes; protective gear such as gloves and mouthguards are used, with equipment and rules varying between amateur and professional events.

Competition and organization vary by venue but share a common emphasis on effective striking, control of range, and the ability to deliver decisive strikes. Pradal Sila and Pradal Serey are recognized as integral parts of Cambodian cultural heritage and are practiced domestically and in international demonstrations and competitions.