trainers

Michael’s passion and respect for martial arts runs deep. Traditionally trained in Kun Khmer from the age of 12, he brings over 25 years of experience to The Wat. His foundation was shaped by training with Kun Khmer legends and champions such as Eh Phutong, Tun Sophea, Pich Sophan and Meas Chantha who taught him the values of a true Khmer warrior – discipline, respect and humility.

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To broaden his skill set, Michael has cross-trained in Hapkido, Muay Thai, Dutch kickboxing, Western boxing, Filipino martial arts, Judo, BJJ and MMA, learning the core techniques and movements that make each discipline effective. Through training in Cambodia, Thailand and the Netherlands, he keeps Kun Khmer alive in the modern context, blending technical style with solid fundamentals to help lead the resurgence of this martial art in Australia.

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For Michael, this is more than coaching — it’s cultural revival.

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“Fifty years ago, Cambodia almost lost its martial arts during the genocide under the Pol Pot regime. Today, Kun Khmer isn’t well known even to its own ancestors and diaspora. The generation outside of Cambodia have no idea that we even have martial arts of our own, let alone western society. Our roots stretch back to the 1st century when we were the first kingdom in South East Asia.

It is my mission to bring my culture to the world.”