We are pleased to announce that Lethwei: Sport of Warriors, our forthcoming book project, is now close to completion, but there is still so much more to do! To finish, we will need to take one more trip back to Myanmar to do some further interviews, photoshoots, and filming for a potential companion-documentary release. We…
Lethwei: A Renewed Fight For Survival
The sport of Lethwei has faced many challenges in the past. The recent 2021 coup following the tragic COVID-19 pandemic has once again put Lethwei into survival mode after a decade of growth and global support. We will examine how Lethwei can somehow maintain its forward momentum, while coping with an uncertain future and limited…
Thank You
Thank you to the following individuals for their kind donations, and their support for the “Born Warriors” research project: Federico Quadraro Zulfi Ahmed Robert Eggebrecht (RIP) Maria Stoll John Tellipier Mary Ellen Ellis Jay Jaubert Cary Walden Gregory Driscoll Josh Brooks
Lethwei: A Renewed Fight for Survival
by Vincent Giordano The sport of Lethwei has faced many challenges in the past. The recent 2021 coup following the tragic COVID-19 pandemic has once again put Lethwei into survival mode after a decade of growth and global support. From 1999 through the opening of the country in 2011, I documented and trained in Lethwei….
New Interview: Saya U Duang Ni
Saya U Duang Ni’s long and prolific career in Lethwei has been a lifelong pursuit despite the highs and lows of the sport. In this new interview, he shares with us his early years as a competitor and his eventual transition to working behind the scenes, not only as a prominent jurist, but as one…
In Memory of Saya U Moe Pa Lae (1965 – 2021)
Saya U Moe Pa Lae passed away on January 21, 2021 – after suffering from a prolonged illness. My fond memories of him go back to earlier times in Yangon where we first met. At the time, he was still an active competitor. Years later, we were able to meet again at his camp to…
U Duang Ni
Saya U Duang Ni – known as “The Red Peacock” – is one of Lethwei’s most charismatic and colorful senior officials in the sport today.
Lethwei: The Tradition of Child Fighters
by Vincent Giordano
Burmese Lethwei, or Myanmar traditional boxing, is an ancient bare-knuckle fighting art that has survived in Myanmar despite decades of endless violence and governmental control. At times, this control threatened to wipe out Lethwei’s very existence, but the sport survived partly because rural communities throughout the country continually staged Lethwei tournaments during the celebrations and holidays that fill Myanmar’s calendar year. Including bare-knuckle matches as part of each celebration is a firmly embedded and accepted tradition within Myanmar. Central to these celebratory tournaments is the idea that, long ago, young boys engaged in Lethwei matches to display their fighting skill, courage and bravery. It was part of a rite of passage into adulthood.
Win Zin Oo
Saya Win Zin Oo is the founder and senior coach of Thut Ti Lethwei Club in Yangon. He is prominently featured in the Born Warriors documentary trilogy, as well as many other television specials and documentaries focused on the art of Lethwei. Saya Win’s deep understanding of Lethwei, alongside his ability to work across cultural borders, has made him a highly respected global ambassador for the sport.
Sai Zaw Zaw
U Sai Zaw Zaw has been Lethwei’s top promoter since he entered the sporting arena close to three decades ago. He has organized and promoted well over 100 international and national fights, beginning with the historic 1993 challenge match between Shwe War Tun and Aung Aung Tun in Aung San Stadium. His innovation and success continued with the creation of the first Golden Belt Tournament in 1996. His vast international reach includes over 15 Myanmar vs. Thailand fight cards, two Myanmar vs. Japan fight cards, and one Myanmar vs. Philippines fight card. His other tournaments have included fighters from as far away as Russia, France, Iran, Switzerland, Mexico, Japan, England, New Zealand, and the United States.