The traditional Myanmar martial art of Lethwei is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Strikes are fierce. Knockouts come quickly.
Myanmar's knockout sport —
The traditional Myanmar martial art of Lethwei is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Strikes are fierce. Knockouts come quickly.
courtesy Nikko Karki
Former Golden Belt freeweight champion Lone Chaw now teaches Lethwei at Thut Ti Myanmar Traditional Let Whay Club in Yangon.
Lethwei champ turned instructor —
Former Golden Belt freeweight champion Lone Chaw now teaches Lethwei at Thut Ti Myanmar Traditional Let Whay Club in Yangon.
Courtesy Thut Ti Gym
At Thut Ti Gym, the setting is typical of the improvised simplicity familiar across Myanmar.
Simple surroundings —
At Thut Ti Gym, the setting is typical of the improvised simplicity familiar across Myanmar.
courtesy Nikko Karki
Lethwei fighters once fought only with knuckles bound by cloth. Today, mixed martial arts matches incorporating Lethwei tend to enforce the use of gloves.
Cloth and gloves —
Lethwei fighters once fought only with knuckles bound by cloth. Today, mixed martial arts matches incorporating Lethwei tend to enforce the use of gloves.
Courtesy Thut Ti Gym
Once derided as a sport fit for only brutes, Lone Chaw and Thut Ti Gym founder Win Zin Oo now give lessons to doctors, foreign bankers and celebrities.
Newbies —
Once derided as a sport fit for only brutes, Lone Chaw and Thut Ti Gym founder Win Zin Oo now give lessons to doctors, foreign bankers and celebrities.
Courtesy Thut Tu gym
The modest ring vibrates with energy every Saturday, when practitioners spar. Training sessions cost 5,000 kyat ($5) per person.
Sparring partners —
The modest ring vibrates with energy every Saturday, when practitioners spar. Training sessions cost 5,000 kyat ($5) per person.
Justin Calderon/cnn