Photographer Nikko Karki went to Burma to check out the unique Burmese martial art of Lethwei – a hard-core, no gloves, full contact sport that is not for the feint of heart.

What he found there was a group of young men who were entirely dedicated to their art, personable, welcoming and friendly . . . until they stepped into the ring.

“I was welcomed graciously to observe the professional fighters training and took a few pictures. Before long, they asked me if I wanted ‘to play’. ”

“It is essentially boxing by submission, where to win, a fighter has to force a concession or up to three knockouts before a bout is discontinued.”