December 20, 2024
PHNOM PENH – The “Sport Ethics School” has officially begun training the Kingdom’s combat sports athletes of tomorrow.
Founded by Grandmaster Seng Bunsong, a well-known martial arts expert, the new facility aims to not only identify and develop young athletes with the potential to represent Cambodia, but also produce well-rounded citizens.
The school provides an opportunity for children who are passionate about martial arts to receive structured training in various disciplines, helping them pursue a path to national selection in the future.
Located on Street 2004 in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district, the school has the official support of Vath Chamroeun, secretary-general of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC).
The campus management have gathered experienced coaches who each specialise in a particular discipline. The first batch of courses includes Cambodian traditional Kun Khmer and Kun Lbokator, as well as Taekwondo and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
Students pose for a group photo with the leadership and coaches of the Sport Ethics School, during the December 15 opening ceremony. PHOTO: NOCC/THE PHNOM PENH POST
Bunsong, who also manages the school, emphasised that other sports disciplines will be incorporated into the curriculum over time.
The bold new facility aims to contribute to the growth of sports in Cambodia by fostering young people’s health, skills, discipline and ethics, preparing them to become valuable members of society.
The revered grandmaster, a veteran of many sports and formerly a martial arts instructor in the US, explained that the new school is the culmination of his long-standing desire to return to Cambodia and contribute to the sporting landscape.
Students in a Taekwondo class perfect their flying kicks. PHOTO: NOCC/THE PHNOM PENH POST
Five years ago, he retired from running overseas martial arts clubs and returned to the Kingdom. Through his personal networks and with the support of NOCC’s Chamroeun, he played an active role in helping to organise the 32nd SEA Games, hosted by Cambodia in 2023.
Bunsong explained that the creation of the Sport Ethics School was the result of a promise he made to Cambodian martial arts practitioners, who encouraged him to return and support the local sports community. He believed that the school fulfils his commitment by bringing his experience and the values of discipline, ethics and sportsmanship to young athletes.
The training approach at the school starts with health-oriented exercises and gradually progresses to more specialised skills. Talented athletes will be given additional training to reach a high level, with the potential to be selected for national teams. Bunsong stressed that the programme not only focuses on physical fitness but also emphasises the development of sound character.
The school’s philosophy aims to nurture young athletes who will eventually represent Cambodia at international competitions.
Grandmaster Seng Bunsong addresses several of the young students of the new academy. PHOTO: NOCC/THE PHNOM PENH POST
Pov Sokha, a multiple gold medal winner in her chosen discipline of Vovinam and a popular athlete, encouraged young people to sign up for the school.
She praised the underlying principles of the school, noting that it does not solely focus on physical strength but also aims to develop athletes with strong ethical values. She added that talented athletes will receive free coaching, making it accessible for those who might otherwise struggle financially.
In addition to producing athletes, the Sport Ethics School seeks to educate students to become well-rounded individuals who will contribute positively to society. The school teaches discipline, ethics, leadership and intellectual growth in addition to physical skills, offering a holistic development approach for youth.
Bunsong explained that the school works closely with parents and local schools to ensure a balance between studies, sports and personal development. He emphasised that the school’s goal is not only to train representative athletes but to build leaders who embody physical strength, knowledge, ethics and noble character.
This unique combination of sports and character building is what sets the Sport Ethics School apart, as it seeks to cultivate athletes who can excel both on the field and in life.