Cung Le Kicks the "Kung" Out of Kung Fu

By Chihye Chung

It's not about tae kwon do, karate, or kung fu anymore. It's all about K-1 - the new all-encompassing kick boxing sport. Also known as San Shou, K-1 covers kicking, jabbing, punching, sweeping throws, knee attacks and ultimate knockouts. K-1 has brought Cung Le on as a super fighter and has allowed him to execute San Shou in action. Headed by Scott Coker, President of K1, this sport is an eight-man, single elimination tournament rising in popularity all over the world.

Cung's performs his famous inverted throw. Courtesy of Jeff Chiu

So what sparked this champion's passion for kickboxing? Starting at the early age of nine years old, Cung began learning the techniques of tae kwon do (Korean martial arts). Soon after, Cung wrestled his way through college until 1994. A few years later, in 1998, Coker spotted Cung fighting on Pay-Per-View. Impressed by Cung's talented skills, Coker immediately booked Cung on Strike Force (ESPN 2). Coker then asked Cung to fight San Shou style for him in future tournaments; thus, beginning his professional career in martial arts. Known as a "world class professional champion fighter," Cung remains completely humble even after being featured as one of the "Best Fighters of All Time" by Martial Arts Illustrator Magazine and winning championships at the IKF (International Kickboxing Federation) World Championship as well as the North American Championship.

When asked about what motivates him, Cung answered like a true champion, "Tomorrow is not promised to anyone so every new minute, I realize that I've been blessed and that's my driving force." He also expressed that family support is extremely important. Raised by a selflessly dedicated and hard-working single mother, it's only natural that Cung takes after her for his loyalty to the arts.

Cung's high flying kicks throws his opponents off. Courtesy of Cungle.com

All you ladies interested in this gentle warrior, don't even think about it. Cung has been happily married for seven years to his high school sweetheart of fifteen years and has a two and a half year old son. Regardless, women still continue to throw themselves at him. When Cung is not vigorously training, he enjoys spending quality time outdoors with his family. Interestingly enough, Cung reveals that his son watches his fights only on TV because of the potential danger involved in watching live fights.

Speaking of danger, there is not much Cung fears - in this world that is. This boxing champ is a god-fearing man. His thoughts on god? "I wake up to him, I go to sleep to him, before I eat I pray to him…and when something good happens to me, I thank him, and when something bad happens to me, I still thank him for providing me with a situation to learn from. And because I'm still able to have what I have, I'm always grateful." This spiritual mentality has gotten Cung into some difficult predicaments in the past. Though a coach in the martial arts is called "master," Cung has a somewhat unorthodox outlook on the word. "There is only one master, there's only one god, the lord above. I still call my trainers "coach" or "sir" but god is my only master. I stand by what I feel is right in my heart."

Cung Le at his interview with APA. Courtesy of APA

Though Cung's respect for god is very apparent, he mentions a few people he admired while growing up. Bruce Lee, understandably (because who in martial arts wouldn't refer to Bruce as a prominent influence?), is one of his greatest role models. "Much respect to Bruce Lee who was very dedicated to his work in acting and in performing all his martial arts stunts by himself," Cung replied.

The next step for this Asian-American? The internationally known K-1 fighter is making an entrance in Hollywood. Though he will always continue to be a martial artist, Cung is determined to make it to the big screen to launch his acting career. Cung has already landed a role in the independent film, "The Edge of Darkness," directed by Jason Yee. "The Edge of Darkness" had already debuted last year. His disciplinary training and martial arts technique makes him a natural on-screen, "My martial arts talent can transfer well onto the big screen. I get good training because when I compete in the ring, I don't have a second or third take. I can lose my title, lose the tournament, or get hurt. That is the type of discipline I can take into my acting. If I have that same mentality, it's a one shot-take," Cung replied.

Though the transition from martial arts to the big screen has been fairly easy for Cung, he states that his loyalty will always lie in the former. Cung had very little to say on rejection, "One door closes another one will open." "The advice that Cung leaves for other Asian athletes and actors is simply this: "Always be dedicated and determined. Never give up….and always finish what you start…" He continued to say, "Whatever I do I want to do it till the end with a 110 percent effort, whether I make it or not." As long as Cung keeps this optimistic attitude up, this champion fighter will most definitely rise to the very top.

Cung is "high on life" as he called it and he seems unstoppable. Aside from all the seriousness, Cung had a great sense of humor and was a gentleman from beginning to end. No wonder the fan pool is growing in numbers exponentially. Cung also added that he loves his fans because they are the ones who make him.

Cung gladly greets fans. Courtesy of Cungle.com

Here's what's in store for Cung Le: Friday, August 15th, Cung representing the US will duel it out with Phil Phetit (Canada) at the "Battle at the Bellagio" at none other than the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas at 7pm where fighters from all over the world will battle it out. Tickets will be available at the Bellagio box office. And who's predicted to win? Well, if you ask me, Cung's surely got the winning spirit but his patented high-flying scissor kicks and throwing techniques alone will create some entertaining "KO-ss."

August 15, 2003