Tiếng ViệtOn October 20, 2025, a historic milestone for the global Vovinam community was marked by the official launch of the Global Vovinam Academy. The event took place at the National Defense Education Center No.1, Thu Dau Mot University (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), gathering leaders, masters, scholars, and martial arts experts from across the country.
The Global Vovinam Academy is an initiative supported by the Vietnam Vovinam Federation (VVF) and the World Vovinam Federation (WVVF). Its goal is to become a global center for research, training, education, and promotion of Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao, serving as a bridge between martial arts, science, culture, and global education.
Attending the inauguration were Master Tran Van My, Head of the Vovinam Viet Vo Dao Council; Dr. Mai Huu Tin, President of the World Vovinam Federation; Mr. Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Chairman of the City People’s Council; Major General, Master Vu Van Dien, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, Commander of the Ho Chi Minh City Command, and Member of the Vovinam Council of Masters; and Mr. Bui Thanh Nhan, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Fatherland Front Committee, and Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Confederation of Labor. The ceremony was also attended by leaders of departments, agencies, Vovinam representatives, and delegates from several secondary and high schools in Ho Chi Minh City.
City leaders presented flowers to Thu Dau Mot University and the Global Vovinam Academy
In his speech at the ceremony, Dr. Mai Huu Tin – President of the World Vovinam Federation – emphasized the long-term vision of the Academy:
“We are building not just a training center, but a global academy that will preserve, develop, and internationalize the values of Vovinam. Our goal is to elevate Vovinam to a level of academic and cultural recognition worldwide.”
Dr., Master Mai Huu Tin, President of the World Vovinam Federation, delivered his remarks at the ceremony.
The Academy will organize training programs for coaches and referees, host academic conferences, conduct research projects, and collaborate with international universities and martial arts organizations. This establishment reflects the growing global demand for structured martial arts education rooted in cultural heritage.
With over 87 years of history, Vovinam continues to spread across five continents, practiced by millions of people. The launch of the Global Vovinam Academy signals a new era—one of professionalism, modernity, and deep connection with the Vietnamese national identity.
Dr. Le Tuan Anh, Chairman of the University Council of Thu Dau Mot University, announced the Decision to establish the Global Vovinam Academy.
At the event, Master Tran Van My, Head of the Vovinam Viet Vo Dao Council and President of the Vietnam Vovinam Federation, presented the Certificate of Recognition for the Global Vovinam Academy to Dr. Bui Dang Hong Nhung, representing the Academic.
Master Tran Van My presented the Decision recognizing the Global Vovinam Academy as a member of the Vietnam Vovinam Federation.
According to Mr. Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Chairman of the City People’s Council, the establishment of the Global Vovinam Academy marks a strategic development milestone for Vietnamese martial arts, particularly amid deep international integration. This is the first Vovinam Academy in Vietnam, serving as a center for research, training, and the global dissemination of the Vovinam Viet Vo Dao spirit—with the mission of connecting martial arts, science, and modern education.
Mr. Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Chairman of the City People’s Council, delivered a speech at the ceremony.
On that foundation, the Global Vovinam Academy is oriented to become a hub for research, training, coaching, and promotion of the Vovinam Viet Vo Dao spirit, as well as a bridge for international cooperation in martial arts. It will gather experts, trainers, and students from Vietnam and abroad, contributing to expanding the influence of Vovinam and spreading the spirit of Viet Vo Dao worldwide.
Vovinam students perform at the ceremony
Born from the spirit of martial virtue and patriotism, Vovinam – Viet Vo Dao is not only a martial art but also a symbol of Vietnamese character, will, and soul. Through more than eight decades of development, Vovinam has spread to over 60 countries, loved and practiced by millions of disciples, becoming a cultural bridge that promotes the image of a dynamic, humane, and creative Vietnam.
The Global Vovinam Academy was established with two major objectives:
- To research, train, and develop Vovinam in a scientific, professional, and internationally integrated academic direction.
- To preserve, promote, and spread cultural values, affirming Vovinam’s position as a spiritual symbol and national heritage of Vietnam.
Text & Photos: Vovinam Digital (compiled from press sources)