I Am Oum Ry: A Champion Kickboxer's Story of Surviving the Cambodian Genocide and Discovering Peace

The book "Oum Ry: The Life and Legend of a Cambodian Martial Arts Master" is a captivating tale of a legendary martial artist and kickboxer, Oum Ry. It follows his journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a national champion and touring Southeast Asia, winning over 250 fights. Despite facing hardships, including the Khmer Rouge genocide, he survived and continued to pursue his passion for martial arts. His return to Cambodia in 2022 is a significant milestone in his life.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: DoppelHouse Press

The remarkable tale of the legendary martial artist and kickboxer Oum Ry is a captivating journey that oscillates between exhilarating, unsettling, and profoundly powerful. His life is intricately woven into a captivating narrative by his daughter Zochada Tat and Addi Somekh, which is presented with exquisite detail. From the very first pages, the book seizes your attention and refuses to relinquish its grip.

Oum Ry, born in 1944, is a former international champion kickboxer who played a pivotal role in introducing the Cambodian martial art of Pradal Serey to the United States. Despite facing financial challenges when his family's silver engravers struggled to provide for his needs, he sought solace in the monastic life until he could locate masters of Pradal Serey. His unwavering dedication and exceptional skills led him to become the national champion at the age of 23, earning him widespread recognition as one of the most formidable fighters in the region.

For a span of 15 years, Oum Ry embarked on a remarkable journey, traversing Southeast Asia and amassing an impressive record of over 250 victories. His undefeated streak showcased his exceptional prowess and resilience in the ring. However, his life took an unexpected turn in 1975, just two months before the Khmer Rouge entered Phnom Penh, plunging the country into the chaos of civil war. The horrors of starvation, disease, and mass executions became a daily reality, testing the limits of human endurance.

Amidst this tumultuous backdrop, Oum Ry managed to survive the genocide, although tragically, much of his family perished. His fame, talent, and unwavering resilience saved him numerous times from death in Cambodia. However, his journey was not without its challenges, as he faced a life-threatening attack during the infamous gang violence that erupted in Southern California during the 1990s.

Oum Ry's resilience and determination were further tested when he relocated to Chicago as a refugee with his young family. In this new environment, he took on various jobs, including cleaning hotels, to support his family. Despite the hardships, he never lost sight of his dream of opening a kickboxing gym in the United States. His unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of his passion led him to achieve his goal, becoming one of the pioneers in the establishment of kickboxing gyms in the country.

Oum Ry's life story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of perseverance. His journey from a humble upbringing to international stardom, his survival against all odds during the Cambodian genocide, and his unwavering pursuit of his dreams in the United States are a source of inspiration for generations to come. His upcoming return to Cambodia in February 2022, after nearly four decades, is a momentous occasion that will reunite him with the country and his loved ones.

In conclusion, the story of Oum Ry is a captivating tale of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. Through the lens of his daughter and co-author, Zochada Tat and Addi Somekh, his life is brought to life in a way that is both poignant and inspiring. The book will grip you from its first pages and leave an indelible mark on your heart, reminding you of the human capacity for triumph over adversity.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 127 x 197 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781954600171