One of the surviving masters, Chan Bunthoeun, 62, who first learned the fighting style from his father, explained that the form was meant for the battlefield because it incorporates all forms of fighting techniques, including combat with both bare hands and weapons, such as swords and spears, as well as grappling. It also involves dark magic used to defeat opponents.

“In addition to the strength of an elephant and the speed of a leopard, a Yuthakun Khorm warrior uses magic spells to help them knock down their opponents,” he says.

“For example, Moha Kamlang is a spell that makes you powerful during the fight,” he added, referring to a spell that is said to give fighters a sense of strength.

A former commando in the 1960s and 1970s, Bunthoeun says the knowledge of Yuthakun Khorm saved his life throughout countless combat missions. He also claims to know the spells that make him invisible and prevent him from being hit by enemies.