Tiếng ViệtMasters Nguyen Loc, the esteemed founder of Vovinam, possessed a tall and slim figure. His wide forehead, high cheekbones, and prominent chin contributed to his distinctive appearance. His face radiated quiet determination, complemented by bright eyes that held a straight, sharp gaze—a reflection of his unwavering belief. His majestic voice resonated warmly, accompanied by an open, intimate smile that revealed a tolerant and generous heart. These unique features marked him as a superhuman figure—a noble master with a profound mission: to maintain, protect, and develop Vietnam’s heroic and indomitable martial arts tradition. As a pioneer of discovery and creativity, he embarked on the greatest conquest of the century: overcoming the weaknesses of the human body and spirit in the face of all circumstances. The sublime personality of the late Master Nguyen Loc remains etched in memory as the eternal image of Vovinam’s founder.
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| Founder Nguyen Loc
(1912 – 1960) |
Born on May 24, 1912, in Huu Bang village, Thach That district (now part of Hanoi, Vietnam), Nguyen Loc was the eldest son of Mr. Nguyen Dinh Xuyen and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Hoa. His upbringing unfolded amidst the tragedy of colonization, against the backdrop of revolutionary movements and political parties spreading across the country. On one side, revolutionary scholars quietly mobilized and promoted the spirit of patriotism, urging the people onto the revolutionary path of national liberation. On the other side, colonial rulers employed various tricks to deceive the masses—using fame, fortune, and the guise of Western culture to lull the youth into luxury, licentiousness, and debauchery. This made it challenging for patriots to secure land for sowing the seeds of revolution and opposition to the ruling government.
Enlightened beyond prevailing trends, Nguyen Loc vehemently opposed colonial malice. However, he did not rush to endorse the blood-soaked policy of violent uprisings. While he did not deny revolutionary principles, he believed that achieving the National Revolution required nurturing revolutionary consciousness, resilience, and strong resolve in the youth. Courageous force, combined with a healthy, sturdy body capable of self-defense, formed the foundation.
Success in revolution is arduous, but protecting its achievements during the construction phase is even more challenging. Master Founder Nguyen Loc aimed to mold and train elite young individuals who possessed full ability, intelligence, strength, and, above all, the will to win. His guidance focused on developing Revolutionary Mind and Body, rather than merely engaging in activities proposed by other revolutionary organizations.
With great ambition, in addition to cultivating his education and morality, Masters Nguyen Loc made deliberate efforts to collect, learn, and practice various martial arts. He recognized that each martial art had its unique advantages. However, relying solely on one method would hinder achieving desired results, especially given the slender and small constitution of the Vietnamese people. In every battle, morale and honor played pivotal roles. Therefore, alongside martial arts skills and martial spirit, he aimed to bind his future disciples to the honor of the Fatherland. Vietnamese youth needed a method of self-defense that represented the indomitable spirit of their ancestors—a commitment to bring glory to the nation and the sect.
A Vovinam disciple, while gentle and courteous as an individual, would fight in the name of the nation and the sect with unwavering determination. Rather than risking humiliation and damaging the sect’s honor, they would either win gloriously or die gloriously. With this argument, Masters Nguyen Loc took traditional Vietnamese wrestling and martial arts as the core, drawing from the quintessence of martial arts worldwide to create his own sect—VOVINAM. His research was complete, and he secretly trained Vovinam for friends of the same age in 1938.
Almost a year later, in the fall of 1939, he introduced the first class of martial arts students to the public at the Hanoi Opera House. The performance was a resounding success. Dr. Dang Vu Hy, the current Head of the Sports and Physical Education Friendship Association, invited Mr. Nguyen Loc to collaborate and organize public martial arts classes for Hanoi’s youth. Accepting the invitation, the founder of Vovinam opened the first public martial arts class in the spring of 1940 at the Pedagogical School (Ecole Normal) in Hanoi. Subsequent martial arts classes followed, and Vovinam students at that time benefited from sophisticated and scientific training methods, guided by the sect’s brilliant national moral spirit and the direct influence of Master Nguyen Loc—an exemplar of power and indomitability.
In the fall of 1940, during a martial arts demonstration organized by the Sports and Physical Education Friendship Association, a French official named Ducoroy presided over the event. Ducoroy represented the colonial rulers, and as a result, Mr. Nguyen Loc made a significant decision. Instead of allowing his disciples to solemnly bow in the usual manner, he led them backstage to bow and worship in front of the Fatherland altar. Later, when Ducoroy invited Mr. Nguyen Loc to the stage to receive a medal, the master calmly accepted it. However, upon leaving the stage, he discreetly removed the medal and placed it in his pocket, continuing to direct the performance. These actions not only challenged the colonial authority but also deeply resonated with the national consciousness, especially among Vovinam disciples.
Since that pivotal moment, Vovinam consistently ignited public movements against the French among the masses. Although the Vovinam sect is not a political organization, it respects the civil rights of its disciples, allowing them to engage in politics as citizens. While the primary purpose of Vovinam is to build individuals based on martial arts and the spirit of martial discipline—not political activism or social work—the sect remains ready to collaborate with the government or patriotic organizations for national and social welfare. This cooperation serves the nation’s benefit without favoring any specific individual or group, aligning with Vovinam’s core mission of promoting martial arts and its indomitable spirit.
Master Nguyen Loc’s viewpoint led him to cooperate with the Tran Trong Kim government, allowing his disciples to participate in patriotic political activities. Vovinam actively engaged in organizing national holidays, such as the Hung King’s Anniversary and Hai Ba Trung Anniversary. Additionally, the sect contributed to social relief efforts during famines and participated in removing bronze statues at locations like Paul Bert and Canh Nong Park in Hanoi. Self-defense classes flourished at various institutions, including the Pedagogical School, Buoi School, Vietnam Hoc Xa, Au Tri Vien training ground, Septo Beach, and Nha Den Beach. Two special groups emerged: the “Suicide Fighters,” composed of young martial arts students with strong physiques and enthusiasm, and the “Future Heroes,” consisting of teenage martial artists under 18 years old. Furthermore, a mass martial arts class specializing in stick and machete techniques was established at Vietnam Hoc Xa, attracting tens of thousands of students and instilling self-esteem and martial spirit within the masses.
The admiration for Vovinam among the masses during that time was expressed through the slogan: “Not studying Vovinam is not being a patriot.” This patriotic spirit and national potential gradually emerged. In April 1945, batches of martial arts masters were dispatched nationwide to promote the Vovinam sect and equip young people with effective self-defense skills. When the nationwide resistance war against French colonialists erupted on December 19, 1946, Vovinam disciples enthusiastically joined the fight, demonstrating the fervor of patriotic citizens. Many Vovinam disciples heroically served their country, with some rising to become famous commanders during the early days of the nation’s resistance.
During the evacuation, martial arts master Nguyen Loc and his disciples established training classes for various military and civil service levels. These included martial arts classes for youth across Thach That district, officer classes at Tran Quoc Tuan Military School, militia and guerrilla training, and platoon leader classes at locations like Chue Luu, Thanh Huong, Dan Ha, and Dan Phu camps. After returning to Hanoi, they reopened martial arts classes for young people, revitalizing the Vovinam learning movement and rebuilding social life while instilling confidence in spiritual cultivation and physical training.
In 1951, collaborating with other prominent figures, Master Nguyen Loc founded the Vietnam Martial Group and enthusiastically revived the Vovinam learning movement. Mass martial arts classes were held at Hang Than schoolyard in Hanoi. Later, in August 1954, martial arts master Nguyen Loc and his family relocated to Saigon, accompanied by trusted disciples. Among them were five individuals who would later become martial arts masters: Le Sang, Phan Duong Binh, Nguyen Dan, Tran Duc Hop, and Ha Trong Thinh. He organized a martial arts class specifically for disciples from Hanoi, including future martial arts masters such as Bui Thien Nghia, Nguyen Van Thong, Le Trong Hiep, and Le Van Phuc.
The first martial arts school in Southern Vietnam was established at 51 Frères Louis Street. This location, also where Master Tran Huy Phong trained with Master Nguyen Loc, played a pivotal role. The school later moved to Aviateur Garot Street, known as Thu Khoa Huan dojo. It became the most important martial arts school associated with Master Nguyen Loc, attracting hundreds of students—many of whom would go on to become renowned martial arts masters.
In just six years (1954-1960) in the South, Master Nguyen Loc cultivated a valuable martial arts culture and trained a generation of skilled and idealistic young individuals. His vision extended beyond borders—to build a great Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao sect for the nation and humanity. Notable students from this period include Tran Huy Phong, Pham Huu Do, Nguyen Van Thu, Ngo Huu Lien, Tran The Phuong, Nguyen Van Nuoi (self-titled Phuc), and Nguyen Gia Tuan. The classes initially held at Thu Khoa Huan Street eventually moved to Nguyen Khac Nhu Street (District 1). Later, Master Nguyen Loc temporarily ceased teaching martial arts, focusing on research and the development of a philosophical system for Vovinam. He allowed his disciples to independently open dojos while serving as an advisor.
Master Nguyen Loc: A Visionary Martial Arts Founder
Master Nguyen Loc embodied a unique blend of seriousness and openness. His advocacy for cultural improvement and civilized living led him to reject rigid rituals and formalities. Instead, he encouraged his disciples to address him as “brother” and emphasized straightforward communication, liberal behavior, adventurous spirit, and diligent study. For him, martial arts formed the foundation—a courageous path that transcended mere obedience and hierarchical titles.
As the founder of Vovinam, Master Nguyen Loc aimed to cultivate an indomitable, patriotic, and socially useful youth. His innovative and scientific approach transformed Vovinam into a popular martial arts, fitness, and sports discipline accessible to all backgrounds. Unlike secretive or exclusive sects prevalent at the time, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao gained significant prestige.
Organizationally, Master Nguyen Loc favored simplicity and effectiveness over rigid hierarchies. During the sect’s formative years (1938-1960), Vovinam lacked a traditional sect leader. Instead, he acknowledged himself as the creator. His vision extended beyond personal ownership; he considered Vovinam a legacy of Vietnamese martial arts culture—a collective endeavor where all martial arts masters and students contributed like a big family.
In teaching, Master Nguyen Loc meticulously tailored his guidance to each student’s technical aptitude and cultural level. While he personally taught new moves, his assistants reviewed them in his absence. Disciples with education and leadership abilities received private guidance in areas such as society, politics, leadership, and psychology. He encouraged participation in personal and group activities beyond martial arts classes, ensuring that his students excelled not only in combat but also in literature and societal roles.
Between 1958 and 1959, as Master Nguyen Loc’s health declined, he allowed disciples like Le Sang, Tran Huy Phong, Nguyen Gia Tuan, Nguyen Van Nuoi, and Nguyen Van Thu to establish the Central Vovinam Training Center. This center, headquartered on Tran Hung Dao Avenue (District 5), had branches in Tran Khanh Du Street (Tan Dinh), behind An Quang Pagoda (District 10), Su Van Hanh Street, and Phan Dinh Phung Street. Master Le Sang, the oldest and most senior disciple, earned the title of “Grand Head Master”
On April 30, 1960, Master Nguyen Loc passed away in Saigon and was laid to rest at Mac Dinh Chi cemetery. Despite his young age of 48, he left behind an extraordinary legacy. His descendants continue to fulfill his cherished goal: building Vovinam into a great sect that reaches the masses, guided by a noble philosophy of life.
Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao: A Global Cultural Ambassador
Today, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao stands as a martial art that transcends borders, representing Vietnamese culture on the world stage. Its popularity knows no bounds—it welcomes practitioners of all backgrounds, regardless of skin color, race, nationality, religion, or political beliefs. The legacy of Master Nguyen Loc lives on through his dedicated disciples and the current generation of martial arts masters. Together, they continue the journey he initiated, ensuring that Vovinam remains not just a combat discipline but a way of life—a testament to Vietnam’s indomitable spirit and rich cultural heritage.