The cornfields of Iowa and the lush tropics of Southeast Asia may seem worlds apart, but when Shamik Hayes first set foot in Laos, he felt an undeniable sense of home. Rediscovering the culture rooted deep in his family’s history ignited a passion that would propel him to become one of America’s top Muay Thai fighters. For some, fighting is about glory; for others, it’s the thrill of competition. But for Shamik, every punch and kick is a tribute to his heritage. His ultimate dream? To represent his Lao roots on the international stage.

https://www.instagram.com/blasian_one712/

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

Cherish the past, dream of the future but live, today… Time waits for no one and when Tee Insixiengmay needed a fresh start after a tough break up, he bought a one-way ticket to the adventure of a lifetime. From his ancestral homeland in Laos, to the mountains of South America, Tee has been back packing his way around the globe with the goal of visiting to thirty-five countries, by his thirty-fifth birthday. While he loves the beaches, the majestic views and the amazing foods, it’s the connections with locals and his fellow travelers that leave the biggest impression.

https://www.instagram.com/thirstee4adventure/

https://www.youtube.com/@thirstee4adventure

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC

Sambo Kim, born in Cambodia, found his connection to an ancient Khmer tradition not in his homeland but 8,000 miles away in America. It was there that he discovered Bokator, a martial art with deep roots in his heritage. Like many young people, Sambo’s initial exposure to martial arts came through Hollywood films, but what began as a childhood fascination quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Returning to Cambodia to train and being mentored under the guidance of Master Kenya Prach, Sambo has been entrusted with the responsibility of preserving and promoting a tradition that spans over 2,000 years. His mission now is twofold: to pass Bokator on to a new generation and to bring it to the Hollywood screens that first sparked his journey.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClueQz3Xaxcvw-Pvy3Lq82A

Music: Summer of 1984 by RKVC