22/07/2026
Grandmaster Bunsong Seng: A Life Dedicated to Martial Arts
* Early Life (1953-1974)
Grandmaster Bunsong Seng was born on January 1, 1953, in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia. He began his education in 1959 and completed secondary school in 1969. In 1970, he decided to become a Buddhist monk and remained in the monastery until 1974. After leaving monkhood, he developed a passion for martial arts and began training in boxing and Prodal Serey (Kun Khmer) from 1974 to 1975.
* Surviving the Khmer Rouge (1975-1979 and Becoming a Champion (1981-1986)
From 1975 to 1979, Bunsong endured a harsh life in Battambang under the Khmer Rouge regime. After the fall of the regime, he struggled to survive along the Cambodian-Thai border between 1981 and 1986. During this challenging time, he trained in various martial arts under local masters and fought as a boxer to earn a living.
His skill and determination quickly gained recognition. He defeated many tough Khmer and Thai fighters at the border, earning a reputation as a formidable warrior. In 1982, he became the Prodal Serey Champion, proving his dominance in the ring. By 1983, he transitioned into a coaching role, training young fighters while still competing until 1986. That same year, he achieved his 1st-degree black belt in Hapkido recognized by Shin Korea Moo Hapkido Association, marking a new chapter in his martial arts journey. In 1987, he participated in the Asian Martial Arts Tournament, where he won a championship trophy, Manila, Philippines.
* Life in America (1988-2020)
In 1988, Bunsong Seng moved to Massachusetts, the United States, where he further advanced his martial arts skills. He became a highly respected instructor, teaching Prodal Serey (Kun Khmer), gymnastics, and Hapkido to American students. His expertise gained recognition, and in 1993, he was invited to train the Cambodian Police Force and Army in combat techniques. He also became an instructor for state police officers in the U.S.
Over the years, Grandmaster Bunsong continued to achieve great honors. In 2000, he received his 8th-degree black belt, recognized by the Korea Shin Moo Hapkido Association. In 2003, he co-founded the Cambodian Hapkido Federation, further promoting martial arts in his homeland. His lifelong dedication was acknowledged in 2007, when he was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. In 2008, he introduced Brazilian Jujutsu (BJJ) to Cambodian Martial Arts Society
* Return to Cambodia and Present Achievements (2020-Present)
In 2020, Grandmaster Bunsong Seng returned to Cambodia, where he has been actively involved in the martial arts community. He contributes to the growth of disciplines such as Jujutsu, Hapkido, and Asian MMA. In 2023, he was honored with a 9th-degree black belt by the Cambodian Hapkido Federation, solidifying his legacy as a martial arts master.
During the 32nd SEA Games in 2023, where Cambodia proudly served as the host country for the first time, Grandmaster Seng Bunsong, the senior consultant of the National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC), was a key figure in facilitating and organizing major activities, particularly the symbolic torchlight running event. The successful hosting of the 32nd SEA Games stands as a historic achievement for Cambodia, made possible by the tireless efforts of individuals and the strong support of the Cambodian government in delivering an excellent sporting event.
Today, he serves as the Director of the Sport Ethics Academy and continues to teach Asian MMA and Khmer martial arts, including Yuthkun Donta, Sva Brojab (Moneky Grip). His lifelong dedication to martial arts has inspired generations of fighters and students, making him a legendary figure in the world of combat sports.
