In a heartbreaking loss for Cambodia and the global martial arts community, Grandmaster San Kimsean, revered as the “Golden Khmer Scarf” and the leading force behind Labokator’s international revival, has passed away today at the age of 80 due to a sudden heart attack. The announcement was confirmed by Mr. Ur Dara, Deputy Secretary General of the Cambodian Labokator Federation, who stated, “Cambodia has lost not just a master, but a cultural warrior who dedicated his life to bringing Labokator back to its rightful place of honor.”

From Nearly Lost to Globally Recognized San Kimsean, often called the Father of Modern Labokator, spent decades researching, reviving, and promoting Cambodia’s ancient martial art—a rich discipline that predates even Angkorian times. In a country once ravaged by war and cultural erasure, Grandmaster Kimsean stood as a living symbol of resilience, pride, and identity.

His efforts led to the UNESCO recognition of Labokator as an Intangible Cultural Heritage and inspired generations of Cambodians to take pride in their ancestral knowledge. “Without Grandmaster Kimsean, the world may have never known the true beauty and power of Labokator,”said martial arts historian Chhoeun Sopheap. “He was not only a fighter of techniques, but a fighter for Cambodian dignity.”

A Life Devoted to the Art Born in the 1940s, San Kimsean trained in Labokator from a young age, often under harsh conditions and during a time when the Khmer Rouge regime nearly erased all traces of traditional martial arts. After years in exile, he returned to Cambodia with a mission: to revive, reform, and reintroduce Labokator to the world stage. He succeeded.

From village schools to global competitions, from dusty temple grounds to international documentaries, his golden scarf and commanding presence became instantly recognizable. In 2022, Grandmaster Kimsean was featured in several international showcases, and in 2023, he was awarded the National Medal of Cultural Heroism by the Royal Government of Cambodia.

A Nation Mourns Tributes are already pouring in from across Cambodia and abroad. Martial artists, students, monks, government leaders, and ordinary citizens alike are expressing sorrow at the loss of a man who gave everything to his people and their past. Flags at Labokator training centers around the country are being flown at half-mast. Candlelight ceremonies are expected tonight at Wat Phnom and Olympic Stadium, where many of his disciples will gather to honor his memory. "For over twenty years, he fought under the banner of our nation — for Cambodia, for Bokator. Today, the Cambodian flag rests upon his body one final time, honoring a life of unwavering patriotism. His spirit now lives within us, guiding future generations to cherish, protect, and uplift our homeland. Rest in peace, dear teacher. We will carry your legacy forward, always." said one tearful student.

His Legacy Lives On

While the physical presence of Grandmaster San Kimsean has departed, his impact will echo for generations. Thousands of young Cambodians continue to train under his codified Labokator curriculum. The National Labokator Federation he founded is now a regional beacon of cultural preservation. International academies in France, Japan, and the United States proudly teach the martial art he brought back from the brink of extinction.

As Cambodia mourns, it also stands taller—a nation made prouder, stronger, and more united by the legacy of its warrior-grandfather.

"Rest well, Lok Kru. You did not just preserve our past—you shaped our future." Funeral details and national memorial plans will be released by the Cambodian Labokator Federation in the coming days.

Follow The Mekong Times for exclusive updates, regional opinion, and editorial deep-dives into the cultural icons shaping Southeast Asia.