Tacoma, WA — Est. 1996
Keeping our culture alive
Experience the rich tradition of Kun Khmer in Tacoma, Washington. Our emphasis on discipline and community sets us apart. Join us and be a part of something extraordinary.
Second floor of the Soccer Center, off I-5 in Tacoma’s Dome District
Established 1996, and still going strong
South Sound Martial Arts was established in 1996 and has been going strong ever since. Over seven coaches and six fighters train out of the gym, and our journey is rooted in authenticity and commitment.
We are here to help you unleash your potential and embrace the true spirit of martial arts. At our gym you will find more than just a place to train. You will find a family that shares your passion and supports your growth.
Our 2,500 square foot facility is equipped with traditional heavy bags, kick pads, focus mitts, and a 22 by 22 boxing ring.
- Training floor
- 2,500sq ft
- Full boxing ring
- 22x22ring
- Youngest age we teach
- 6+years
The art
What Kun Khmer is
Kun Khmer, also called Pradal Serey, is Cambodia’s traditional kickboxing art. Fighters use eight points of contact: fists, elbows, knees and shins. The style is known for its elbow work and for the rhythm and timing behind it.
Every session opens the way it has for centuries, with respect for the coaches who carry the art forward. Students learn the Wai Kru, the ceremonial dance performed before competition to honour teacher and family.
We teach it the way it was taught to us. That is the whole point of this gym.
Affiliation
Part of the Kun Khmer International Federation
South Sound Martial Arts is a member gym of the Kun Khmer International Federation, the body that governs and promotes Kun Khmer worldwide. The affiliation keeps our coaching and our fight team connected to the standards of the art and to the wider community of gyms carrying it forward.
- Kun Khmer International Federation
- Vice President
- United Southeast Asian Cultural Association
- Co-founder, 2007
- South Sound Martial Arts
- Head coach since 1996
The man who brought Kun Khmer to Tacoma
Kru Srab Sroeuy — Founder and Owner
Srab Sroeuy’s journey into Kun Khmer began in Cambodia, shaped by his grandfather, a celebrated festival fighter. He took his first fight at 15, having trained in secret near the Thai border in Surin.
After moving to Washington State he started teaching out of his own backyard and garage. That garage became a gym, and the gym became a movement. He has spent the years since promoting Kun Khmer across the United States and abroad, building a community around an art that had almost no foothold here when he started.
In 2007 he co-founded the United Southeast Asian Cultural Association (USEACA), the only sanctioning body for Kun Khmer and Muay Thai in Washington State. Today he runs a 2,500 square foot facility in Tacoma and serves as Vice President of the Kun Khmer International Federation, representing the sport internationally while continuing to develop fighters at home.
Kun Khmer’s roots trace back centuries, carved into the stone walls of Angkor Wat as warriors trained for battle. His belief is simple: that art deserves to be preserved, practised and celebrated far beyond its homeland. Everything taught in this room follows from that.
Srab, the early years
The first training floor
- Cambodia
- Grew up around the art through his grandfather, a celebrated festival fighter.
- Age 15
- Took his first fight, after training in secret near the Thai border in Surin.
- 1996
- Moved to Washington State and started teaching Kun Khmer out of his own backyard and garage.
- 2007
- Co-founded USEACA, the United Southeast Asian Cultural Association, with a group of Cambodian and Thai coaches.
- Today
- Runs a 2,500 square foot facility in Tacoma and serves as Vice President of the Kun Khmer International Federation. He also runs his own gym in Phnom Penh, travels back frequently, and is working to grow his presence in Cambodia further.
Kru Srab Sroeuy’s second gym
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Srab Sroeuy Kun Khmer Gym
Kru Srab also owns and teaches at Srab Sroeuy Kun Khmer Gym in Phnom Penh, and takes students from Tacoma over to train there, visit, and see where the art comes from first-hand. It is the same Kun Khmer, taught in the country it belongs to.
Visit srabsroeuy.com, opens in a new tabMeet the team
Kru is the Khmer word for teacher. Ours have been on these mats for years, and several still compete.
Kru Srab Sroeuy
Founder and Owner
Founded the gym in 1996 and still teaches every level in the room.
Preston Sroey
Fighter and Coach
Competes actively and coaches the fight team, working with students who want to step into the ring.
Kru Ajoe
Coach
Leads technique work on the bags and pads, with a focus on the fundamentals every student builds on.
Kru Hung
Coach
Kru Ryan
Coach
Kru Jessica
Coach
Book your free first class
Pick a night that works and come train with us. No experience needed, no gear needed, nothing to sign.