Tiếng ViệtFrom September 10 to 13, 2025, the annual meeting of the World Martial Arts Union (WoMAU) was held in Chungju, South Korea. Mr. Bach Ngoc Chien, Vice President of the World Vovinam Federation (WVVF), attended the conference. At the event, Vovinam left a strong impression with its digital transformation initiatives in martial arts training.
WoMAU and South Korea’s Soft Power
Founded in 2002, WoMAU was established with the mission of promoting peace and friendship among nations through traditional martial arts. The organization focuses on research, preservation, sharing of documents, organizing seminars, academic conferences, martial arts performances, and close cooperation with UNESCO and many other international organizations.
WoMAU is sponsored by the Chungju city government as part of its strategy to promote culture, tourism, and build a world-renowned “martial arts city.” The 33-hectare International Martial Arts Center in Chungju, equipped with arenas, training halls, a library, and research facilities, is a key highlight of this infrastructure. The World Martial Arts Festival – launched in 1998 – has also turned Chungju into an international gathering place for martial arts schools.
Interestingly, many WoMAU presidents have diplomatic backgrounds, including Mr. Chung Wha-tae, former Korean Ambassador to Laos. This reflects how South Korea has elevated martial arts—alongside K-pop, cinema, cuisine, and cosmetics—into an important tool of soft power.
Mr. Bach Ngoc Chien, Vice President of the World Vovinam Federation, spoke at the conference introducing digital technology solutions in Vovinam martial arts.
Vovinam’s Mark with Digital Transformation
As an active member, Vovinam presented at this year’s meeting its outstanding achievements in digital transformation, including a hybrid training model: online learning – in-person practice – automated testing. A highlight was the application of technologies such as the virtual master “BamBoy” and the “Vovinam Seeing” solution with motion capture technology, which digitizes martial arts techniques and supports the training process.
Speaking at the conference, Mr. Bach Ngoc Chien emphasized:
“AI and technology only play a supporting role, never replacing the role of masters and coaches. Martial arts are not merely combat skills, but also represent the culture and ideological values of each nation. Martial arts schools respect and complement one another, enriching the cultural map of humanity.”
He also noted that WoMAU and many national martial arts federations are currently facing financial and organizational challenges, requiring innovation to adapt and survive.
Delegates at the conference
Vietnam – An Emerging Martial Arts Power
In conclusion, President Chung Wha-tae expressed his deep impression of the remarkable development of Vovinam and Vietnamese martial arts, stressing:
“Soon, Vietnam will become the world’s martial arts powerhouse.”
Leadership Transition at WoMAU
This meeting also elected new leadership for the 2026–2029 term. Mr. Mohsen Mehralizadeh, former Vice President of Iran, was elected President of WoMAU. At the same time, delegates agreed that the next annual meeting will be held in Tehran, Iran.
Report & Photos: Vovinam Digital