A tattoo on Tuy “K.K.” Sobil spells “Kampuchea,” former name of Cambodia. Other images on his back depict the temples of Angkor Wat. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
K.K. mediates a dispute between Bunthoern Nganh, 14, and another boy, at the Tiny Toones youth center in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The center provides mentoring and educational classes, along with hip-hop music and break-dancing lessons, to at-risk youth. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
K.K., center right, and Michael Otto, organization advisor, far right, watch Bunthoern practice his break-dancing moves. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
Youths practice at Tiny Toones. Although rapping, break dancing, beat boxing, and deejaying are the centers trademark, its real mission is to empower youngsters, help them kick drugs, and teach basic language, arts and computer skills. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
Thach “Homie” Chanreangsey, 20, right, a peer mentor and dance teacher, holds Srey Nich, 2. At left is Makara “Slick” Sorn, 19, a dance student. Set Yav, in background, a cleaner at the center and Srey’s mother, watches the break-dancing class. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
K.K., right, break-dances with Sovann “Fresh” Dyrithy, 18, a teacher. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
K.K., right, advises Sovann “Fresh” Dyrithy, 18, a dance teacher, center, on moves during a class. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
K.K. performs. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
K.K. puts his glove on before heading out on the mat. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
Unique Tuy, 5, K.K.’s son, watches his father after mediating a little skirmish with Srey Nich, 2. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
A boy practices at Tiny Toones. (Lianne Milton / For The Times)
