‘Can’t live without fighting’: Myanmar youth find solace in bareknuckle lethwei

In Myanmar, a group of young people have turned to traditional bareknuckle boxing called lethwei as a way to cope with the country's ongoing conflict. The sport is also seen as a form of self-defense, where fighters use techniques that include punches, kicks, and head butts. Su Luck, a 19-year-old fighter, said she can't imagine giving up the sport, which has been her passion for years. Lethwei is distinct from other martial arts like Thai kickboxing because it allows head blows and competitors fight without gloves or protective gear. This type of boxing is known as the "Art of Nine Limbs" because each part of a fighter's body - fists, elbows, knees, feet, and head - can be used to take down opponents. Five years of conflict have devastated Myanmar, but for Su Luck and others like her, lethwei has become a source of comfort and a way to channel their energy into something positive.