Sam Mao, a 45 year old former gang member and former professional kickboxer, is the head trainer at the Long Beach Khmer Kickboxing Center (LBKC) in Long Beach, California. At 12 years of age, Mao was introduced to Pradal Serey by his father, a former champion in Cambodia before the genocide, and began training at the LBKC.
One year later, Mao had his first fight at a local “smoker,” a non-sanctioned exhibition fight. He won his first fight and continued to compete in smokers until he turned pro at the age of 18, before eventually forgoing his professional career after he became affiliated with a gang.
After years of living “a life of negativity,” saturated with tragedy, Sam stepped away from the gang. He returned to the LBKC and began teaching others the art of Pradal Serey after running into Oum Ry Ban, the founder and owner of the LBKC and a former champion in Cambodia, as well as genocide survivor, at a Cambodian New Year event in April 2025.
Although Sam’s father was disappointed in him after he abandoned his kickboxing career, he is proud of Sam’s return to kickboxing. Sam is proud of his return as well. He acknowledges, “a lot of people can fight, but they cannot teach. I can do both…It brings me a sense of pride and achievement.”
Samnang (Sam) Mao, a 45 year old former gang member and former professional Pradal Serey kickboxer, holds focus mitts for Cristian Luan, 18, at the Long Beach Khmer Kickboxing Center (LBKC) in Long Beach, California on April 13, 2026. LBKC is the first Cambodian kickboxing gym in the U.S., founded by a former champion and Cambodian genocide survivor, Oum Ry Ban. As the head trainer, he trains kids, adults, and holds private sessions with several autistic youth. Sam’s tattoos represent various elements of his experiences, past, and identity. According to Sam, the clock and hourglass represent the “time I was locked up and to remind me time waits for no one.”
Sam, whose former gang nickname was Rhythm, was born in Cambodia and migrated to the U.S. with his family in 1987 when he was 5 years old. As with many Cambodian gang members in Los Angeles, Sam initially joined the gang for protection. He is now dedicated to taking a “life of negativity and turning it to a journey full of possibilities and positivity” while “doing good” for others whenever possible.
Sam and Cristian, 18, one of the autistic Pradal Serey practitioners Sam trains, in the boxing ring at the LBKC on April 13, 2026. Decades before working at LBKC, when Sam was 12 years old, he was attacked by a group of older boys. In response, his father, a former Pradal Serey champion in Cambodia before the genocide, took him to the LBKC to learn Pradal Serey, also known as Kun Khmer, so he could learn to defend himself.
Pradal Serey, also known as Kun Khmer or Khmer Kickboxing, is the traditional martial arts of Cambodia. The ancient martial art appears to have been depicted in a carving on Banteay Chhmar Temple, in the Northwest province of Banteay Meanchay in Cambodia, which dates back to the 12th century.
Sam absorbs a kick from Cristian during a private lesson on April 13, 2026. Pradal Serey, also known as Kun Khmer or Khmer Kickboxing, is the traditional martial arts of Cambodia. The ancient martial art appears to have been depicted in a carving on Banteay Chhmar Temple, which dates back to the 12th century.
Sam yells words of encouragement as Cristian completes a set of sit ups. Although being a trainer is a job for Sam, one where he is “selling elbows and knees one hour at a time,” it’s more than that for him. He enjoys training kids and motivating them. He uses the inherent nature of Pradal Serey, as a combat sport, to instill the concept that if the kids “do anything in life, do it 100 percent.”
Old VHS cassettes of Sam’s professional fights. During his career he held a record of 34 wins and 4 loses with 8 knock outs. At 13 years old, Sam had his first fight at a local “smoker,” a non-sanctioned exhibition fight. He won his fight and continued to compete in smokers until he turned pro at the age of 18, before eventually forgoing his professional career after he became affiliated with a gang.
Sam plays with his dog, Maya, on his couch at home on April 13, 2026. Sam currently lives alone with Maya. He purchased Maya, a show quality Rottweiler, when she was 6 months old. He recently moved so Maya would have a bit more space and, for now, doesn’t let anyone know where he currently lives. He says, “I do not want people to know where I live at now, and that includes friends and enemies…[because] I’ve been through a lot and now I understand peace brings you happiness…so I’m happy just knowing myself.”
Sam drives with Maya to pick up dog food on April 13, 2026. Sam’s gloves from his professional fighting days hang in the back of his car. Having Maya in his life has given him a new sense of responsibility and helped him cope with the trauma of his past.
Sam eats with his family at the Khemara Buddhikarama Temple, also known as Wat Willow, in Long Beach, California during part of the Cambodian new year celebration on April 13, 2026. Cambodian new year is the traditional celebration of the solar new year in Cambodia.
Sam lights incense before praying at Wat Willow. The candle represents the teachings of Buddha, Enlightenment, and impermanence. The burning of incense helps calm the mind and represents the burning of negative qualities within to reveal a pure self. Sam was raised Buddhist, in addition to being a professional Khmer kickboxer Sam’s father, Soka Mao, spent time as a Monk in Cambodia. Although the actions of his past may not coincide with Buddhist ideals, Sam is trying harder now to “appreciate the little things and try not to sin.”
Sam runs Cristian through warm ups during a private training session on April, 13, 2026. Cristian has been training with Sam for 2 months. Cristians mom, Silvia Chavez says about Sam, “I’m grateful that he understands the needs of my son. I like how he trains, shows support and helps. Generally our entire family is happy and grateful that he’s a good coach!”
Sam resets to continue pad work with Cristian on April 13, 2026. He enjoys working with Cristian, he says he wants Pradal Serey to give Cristian a “sense of acceptance and self-esteem,” and “feeling that being different is okay.” Cristian himself confirms, that thanks to Sam and Pradal Serey he feels “more confident, happy and more energized.” Sam has found personal redemption in teaching and working with his community, he “enjoys motivating others” and it gives him “a second chance at life.”