Nagaway Mural at Phnom Penh’s Kingdom Fight Gym:
A Dragonball Z-Inspired Cambodian Twist
MURAL COMMISSION // APR 8, 2023 // C. KEO
If you’ve ever been a fan of the 90’s Dragonball Z series, you’ll know the iconic Snakeway, a road of trials that Goku must travel to meet King Kai. When I was approached to create a mural for Kingdom Fight Gym in Phnom Penh, this image of the road immediately came to mind. But instead of recreating the exact Snakeway, I decided to add a distinctly Cambodian flavor, reimagining it as the “Nagaway,” a tribute to the mythical serpent king, the Naga, from Khmer literature.
Given that both the gym’s owner and I grew up in the 90s, we bonded over a shared love for the era’s action-packed shows. It felt only natural to weave references from the fighting genre into the mural. In Dragonball Z, the Snakeway represents a path of trials, symbolizing challenges that warriors must overcome. For a martial arts gym, this was the perfect metaphor to reflect the gym’s ethos of hard work, perseverance, and growth.
I incorporated the Khmer “Naga” to replace the original Snakeway, adding Cambodian aesthetics to create a unique visual representation of this road of trials. The Naga, with its mystical and protective qualities in Khmer culture, made it the perfect symbol for this mural. To further emphasize the Cambodian touch, I added Kbach ornamentation to the dorsal fins of the Naga. These red fins symbolize the fiery road of challenges that every fighter must face in their personal journey.
I am incredibly grateful to Kwok and the amazing team at Kingdom Fight Gym for allowing me to bring this mural to life. It’s not just a tribute to the 90s and our shared memories but a fusion of Cambodian mythology and modern fitness culture.
Kingdom Fight Gym is located in the bustling heart of Phnom Penh, right behind the Royal Palace on a hidden street off Street 19. Known for its high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Kun Khmer, boxing drills, sparring, and overall fitness programs, this gym caters to those looking to push their limits, both mentally and physically. If you’re interested in learning more, I highly recommend checking out their facebook page.
