Help Rebuild Cultural Landmark in Long Beach!!!!!!
Donation protected
At 9:30pm on February 27, 2021 Long Beach Khmer Kickboxing Center was caught on fire by an unknown person. On behalf of Kru Oum Ry, Master Ron, and all of the Long Beach Khmer Kickboxing family, we are deeply heartbroken by this incident.
Oum Ry began training Pradal Serey in 1958 before becoming an international champion in 1972. His days as a champion were unfortunately cut short when he had to flee Cambodia due to the Khmer Rouge (aka the Cambodian Genocide). When he planted his roots in Long Beach, he took his passion and talent as a fighter and opened his gym, the first Khmer kickboxing gym in America. LBKK has become a staple in the community and a culturally significant home to the history of Kun Khmer.
Kru Oum Ry's passion is to help, mentor, and guide for all children to walk on the right path. With the help from his dearest friend, Master Ron, they both have helped many children to stay off from the street and out of trouble. They have impacted many lives from all different age groups, backgrounds, and culture. LBKK is a second home for most children who are from a broken home. Kru Oum Ry and Kru Ron aren’t just Pradal Serey Professional Fighters or trainers but they are our heroes in our hearts. Oum Ry's mission in life here is to spread love and keep Khmer culture alive. After all the destruction, he still remains humble. The gym is an escape for many people, most of whom want a place away from the harsh realities of everyday life.
Keeping our heads afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic has been an immense challenge, which is why we are not reaching out seeking donations for repairs. Whether you are a member of the community, a lover of martial arts, or just a good samaritan, any and all donations help and are greatly appreciated. The gym and all who call it home carry so much history, and we ask that you help us to preserve that history which is so crucial to the story of Long Beach. If you’d like to read more please visit our about page and instagram to learn more about us and our mission, Thank you for all your support.
Arkoun.
UPDATE (3/3/21): We received confirmation that the fire was started by an individual who remains unknown. What remains unknown is this person’s identity and if the fire was intentional. The fire department was called on Saturday night to put out the blaze, and the police have no leads about the identity of the person at the time. It is important to note that there is no evidence that this incident was a hate crime.
Thankfully, the fire wasn't any worse. We are unsure of how much the building’s insurance will contribute, and we are extremely grateful to our community’s generosity and support. We look forward to reopening and celebrating with you all in the near future!
Kru Oum Ry is so happy and grateful for everyone and he hopes to see you all after we reopen.
- Long Beach Khmer Kickboxing fam
Oum Ry began training Pradal Serey in 1958 before becoming an international champion in 1972. His days as a champion were unfortunately cut short when he had to flee Cambodia due to the Khmer Rouge (aka the Cambodian Genocide). When he planted his roots in Long Beach, he took his passion and talent as a fighter and opened his gym, the first Khmer kickboxing gym in America. LBKK has become a staple in the community and a culturally significant home to the history of Kun Khmer.
Kru Oum Ry's passion is to help, mentor, and guide for all children to walk on the right path. With the help from his dearest friend, Master Ron, they both have helped many children to stay off from the street and out of trouble. They have impacted many lives from all different age groups, backgrounds, and culture. LBKK is a second home for most children who are from a broken home. Kru Oum Ry and Kru Ron aren’t just Pradal Serey Professional Fighters or trainers but they are our heroes in our hearts. Oum Ry's mission in life here is to spread love and keep Khmer culture alive. After all the destruction, he still remains humble. The gym is an escape for many people, most of whom want a place away from the harsh realities of everyday life.
Keeping our heads afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic has been an immense challenge, which is why we are not reaching out seeking donations for repairs. Whether you are a member of the community, a lover of martial arts, or just a good samaritan, any and all donations help and are greatly appreciated. The gym and all who call it home carry so much history, and we ask that you help us to preserve that history which is so crucial to the story of Long Beach. If you’d like to read more please visit our about page and instagram to learn more about us and our mission, Thank you for all your support.
Arkoun.
UPDATE (3/3/21): We received confirmation that the fire was started by an individual who remains unknown. What remains unknown is this person’s identity and if the fire was intentional. The fire department was called on Saturday night to put out the blaze, and the police have no leads about the identity of the person at the time. It is important to note that there is no evidence that this incident was a hate crime.
Thankfully, the fire wasn't any worse. We are unsure of how much the building’s insurance will contribute, and we are extremely grateful to our community’s generosity and support. We look forward to reopening and celebrating with you all in the near future!
Kru Oum Ry is so happy and grateful for everyone and he hopes to see you all after we reopen.
- Long Beach Khmer Kickboxing fam
Organizer
Meas Ban
Organizer
Long Beach, CA