Sihanoukville, Cambodia — A partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was officially signed on February 13, 2026, at 3:38 PM at Legend Hotel in Sihanoukville between Major General Khov Chhay, President of the Kun Khmer Federation, and Rick W. Shin, President of Kombat Global Corporation. Senior executive members of the Kun Khmer Federation were present to witness the ceremony.
Kombat is an international combat sports organization overseeing professional leagues and championships across multiple disciplines, including Taekwondo, Kun Khmer, MMA, and Jiu Jitsu.
The signing of this MOU marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration between Kombat and the Kun Khmer Federation to explore and develop Cambodia as a central hub for future Kombat Championships and related activities. While the agreement establishes a formal partnership, Both Organizations will continue working closely on detailed planning, operational frameworks, and long-term development initiatives.
Kun Khmer is Cambodia’s national martial art, rooted in ancient Khmer military combat traditions and cultural heritage. Historians and practitioners widely recognize that Muay Thai evolved from earlier Khmer striking traditions. Ancient bas-relief carvings at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat depict combat techniques and fighting systems associated with Kun Khmer dating back centuries, long before the formalization of modern Muay Thai.
Kun Khmer is regarded as a cultural gift from Cambodia to the world and is widely viewed as the father of Thailand’s Muay Thai.
The signing took place during a significant week for Cambodia’s martial arts community, as the World Kun Khmer Championships are being held in Sihanoukville, further highlighting the country’s leadership role in preserving and promoting its national martial art.
President Rick W. Shin stated:
“The signing of this MOU marks the beginning of a long-term vision. We are working closely with the Kun Khmer Federation and our partners in Cambodia to thoughtfully build the foundation for Kombat Championships and shape its future from here.”
Both parties share a long-term vision of positioning Cambodia as a major destination for Kombat Championships. Similar to how major combat sports organizations are associated with key global regions, Kombat and the Kun Khmer Federation will work together to assess opportunities, infrastructure, and event development strategies that support Cambodia’s growing role in the international combat sports landscape.
Kombat Global Corporation has been evaluating potential host locations around the world for major Kombat destinations. Cambodia is currently one of the key locations under active development, while discussions are also ongoing with two other countries as part of the organization’s broader international expansion strategy.
The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to promoting sports tourism, supporting local and international athletes, and showcasing Cambodia’s martial arts heritage through structured planning and phased implementation.
Major General Khov Chhay stated:
“This partnership opens the door for cooperation and future development. Together, we will continue planning and working step by step to promote Cambodia’s martial arts heritage and expand opportunities for our athletes.”
Upcoming Kombat Challenge Series Professional Championships scheduled for April 19 in Uruguay, May 29 in Brazil, and August 22–23 in Uruguay will feature Kombat Kun Khmer and Kombat Taekwondo. These events will play an important role in introducing and promoting Kun Khmer and Cambodia’s martial arts heritage throughout the Americas while further strengthening the global reach and influence of the Kombat platform.
Kun Khmer Federation will support the professional broadcast of Kombat Championships through national television networks, while Kombat will provide event content free of charge to global media and digital platforms to maximize worldwide exposure.
The initiative is being carried out with the support of Cambodian sports authorities and national stakeholders, with further coordination and planning expected as the partnership develops.
Both organizations will continue discussions regarding future flagship events, including potential Kombat Grand Prix and World Title Belt Championships in Cambodia this summer and fall, subject to ongoing planning, logistics, and coordination.
Long-term goals under discussion include the development of regular Kombat programming from Cambodia, international training exchanges, coaching development, and Kombat Academy programs designed to support athlete growth and technical advancement.
This agreement represents the beginning of a collaborative process between Kombat and the Kun Khmer Federation. Both Organizations will continue coordinating, planning, and developing initiatives aimed at strengthening Cambodia’s role within the global combat sports community.
Media Contact
Kombat Global Corporation
contact@kombattaekwondo.com
