Tiếng ViệtIn Vietnamese culture, it is a time-honored tradition for those who achieve academic or professional success to return to their homeland to perform the Vinh Quy Bái Tổ ceremony—a gesture of gratitude to their ancestors, mentors, and parents. This deeply meaningful ritual holds special significance for individuals who have spent years away from home in pursuit of personal and professional development. Their return to the place of birth and upbringing is not only a way to reconnect with cherished memories but also an opportunity to honor those who shaped their journey. These homecomings contribute to the pride of both family and homeland, embodying the enduring Vietnamese values of filial piety, respect for tradition, and appreciation for one’s roots.
From National Tradition to Việt Võ Đạo
For practitioners of Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo, this spirit transcends cultural tradition—it becomes a core part of their identity. Especially for those training abroad, the notion of Vinh Quy Bái Tổ takes on even greater significance. To them, traveling to Vietnam—the birthplace of Vovinam—is not just a visit; it is a profound milestone in their martial arts journey, a way to spiritually return to their roots.
However, realizing that dream is often far from easy.
The Inspirational Journey of Nigeria Team
At the end of 2024, during the African Vovinam Championship, the Nigerian national team touched the hearts of the global Vovinam community with their extraordinary story. To reach the competition venue in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the team embarked on a grueling journey of over 1,000 kilometers by bus, crossing four countries: Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. But it was not just the distance or hardship that earned admiration.
At 2 a.m., upon reaching the Benin border, their bus was ambushed by an armed gang. The team was robbed of all their belongings—money, luggage, personal items. Worse still, six members, including the Federation President, Secretary General, Technical Director, and three athletes, lost their passports. Only five young athletes, all under the age of 19, managed to keep their documents.
Having lost nearly everything and with only a quarter of the journey completed, they faced a critical decision. Yet rather than turning back, the five remaining members chose to press forward. Hitching rides and relying on the kindness of strangers for food and transport, these young Nigerian Vovinam practitioners arrived just in time for the opening ceremony—driven by unwavering determination and the burning spirit of Việt Võ Đạo.
Touched the Hearts of Vietnamese People
At the stadium, upon meeting the five young athletes, Dr. Mai Hữu Tín, President of the World Vovinam Federation, intended to offer them a small financial gift as a token of support, was visibly moved and gently asked: “You’ve been through so much and still made it here. I’m truly touched. Is there anything I can do for you?” One of the students responded, with a sincere voice and eyes gleaming with dreams: “We tried our best to come here and compete… because we hope that one day, we’ll earn the yellow belt and be able to visit Vietnam.” No complaints. No requests. Just a heartfelt wish to visit Vietnam, the homeland of Vovinam.
President Dr. Mai Huu Tin with African Vovinam athletes, May 2025.
Photo: Facebook / Mai Huu Tin
Dr. Mai Hữu Tín, later shared the story with the media, concluding with a deeply moving reflection:“In moments like this, put yourself in the shoes of a Vietnamese and you will truly feel how sacred the words ‘Vietnam’ are. And you will understand that every step we take to bring the name of Vietnam beyond its borders, to carry the spirit and culture of the Vietnamese people to the world—that is a noble life purpose. One that I am fortunate to have, as a representative of the organization I proudly serve.”
Tổ Đường – The Spiritual Home of All Vovinam Disciples
Located at 31 Su Van Hanh Street, Ho Chi Minh City, the Tổ Đường is a place of profound historical and cultural significance for the Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo community. It houses the remains of Founder Nguyễn Lộc (1912–1960) and Grandmaster Lê Sáng (1920–2010), and serves as a solemn space of remembrance for other senior masters who devoted their lives to the growth and preservation of the discipline.
Tổ Đường of Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo, Ho Chi Minh City.
Photo: Vo Dinh Hieu
65th Commemoration of Founder Nguyễn Lộc (1960 – 2025), Tổ Đường
Photo & Video: Nguyễn Tiến Khoa
More than a memorial, Tổ Đường is a sacred symbol—a common home where generations of Vovinam practitioners around the world look toward with reverence. It is where the roots of the art form reside, and where every journey of martial arts discipline, no matter how far, ultimately finds its way back.
Vovinam practitioners from France at the Tổ Đường for worship and training.
Photo: Tổ Đường
Tổ Đường is not only a sacred space for honoring and remembering the late, esteemed Grandmasters of Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo—it also serves as a shared home for all practitioners, regardless of nationality or rank. This historic hall is a living center of tradition, where ceremonial activities and cultural values are preserved alongside regular training sessions held throughout the week.
The Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo Tổ Đường logo, symbolizing a place to return to.
Belt Grading Ceremony in 2024 at the Su Van Hanh Club.
Photo: Nguyễn Tiến Khoa
Year-end gathering and Spring Festival celebration at the Su Van Hanh Club.
Photo: Nguyễn Tiến Khoa
Disciples from both Vietnam and abroad frequently visit Tổ Đường—not only to pay their respects, but also to deepen their martial skills and spiritual connection with the roots of their art.
One especially meaningful detail: during his lifetime, Grandmaster Lê Sáng (1920–2010) personally added a symbol of a rooftop to the logo of Tổ Đường. His message was simple yet profound: Tổ Đường is a place to return to. A home for all Vovinam disciples and anyone who cherishes the spirit of Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo—a place where one can learn, train, and rediscover the living history and values of the discipline.
Bridging National Pride Beyond Borders
In an era where national cultures are increasingly interconnected and globally expressed, stories like the one from Ivory Coast remind us of a powerful truth: Vietnamese values are not confined to Vietnamese soil.
Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo—with its philosophy of martial virtue, compassion, and the spirit of “remembering the source of the water we drink”—has touched the hearts of young people in distant lands like Africa. And in their humble dreams, we witness a quiet yet powerful revival of traditional Vietnamese values—alive and thriving across borders.
Nguyễn Tiến Khoa