Tiếng ViệtVovinam is be the most popular style of martial art in Vietnam, as well as around the world. On its 80th anniversary in late December, the Vietnam Vovinam Federation confirmed there were more than 2.5 million practising the martial art in 70 countries and territories.
Vovinam practitioners in Pakistan – Photo source: WVVF
Traditional martial arts have been developing for centuries in Vietnam, with hundreds of styles nationwide, including Nam Hong Son, Tay Son Binh Dinh and Vovinam. Vietnamese styles have been become popular around the world thanks to their typical characters and practicality.
“Vietnamese martial art has developed because of its diversity, beauty and practicality. It is favoured not only because of the performances but also its origin and unique techniques. In comparison to other martial arts such as karate of Japan and taekwondo of South Korea, the Vietnamese styles use principles to help the soft to beat the hard, the short beat the long and the weak beat the strong,” said master Thanh Phong of Thanh Phong Club in Hanoi.
Vovinam practitioners in Cameroon – Photo source: WVVF
“All moves are designed to enhance comfort during practice and performance. It is much better when you practise in harmony with nature. This helps strengthen your skills and moves,” Phong said.
Vovinam is the most popular style of martial art in Vietnam, as well as around the world. On its 80th anniversary in late December, the Vietnam Vovinam Federation confirmed there were more than 2.5 million practising the martial art in 70 countries and territories. The strong growth of the artform can be seen through the establishment of the world federation, as well as continental federations in Asia, Europe and Africa.
Master Nguyen Loc founded the martial art in 1936 and introduced it to the public two years later.
Master Nguyen Loc highlighted his so-called ‘revolution of mind’ to trainers, who are asked to always renew themselves and help others.
Vovinam practitioners in China – Photo source: WVVF
Vovinam involves the use of different body parts such as hands, elbows, legs and knees. Trainers also learn to use weapons, including swords, knives and fans. They also practise attacking and defensive skills.
Vovinam began to spread in 1970 and has developed in many countries with hundreds of schools in Poland, Belgium, Russia, France, and ASEAN members.
The first world championship was organised in 2009, marking a turning point in its history.
Mr. Mai Huu Tin, president of the World Vovinam Federation.
“I found that martial arts which are Olympic sports are easy to understand and practise. They also have beautiful moves. This is why they are popular all over the world. Vovinam needs to be improved following these trends so that it could be known widely, and in the near future it could be one of the official sports at official competitions,” said Mai Huu Tin, president of the Vietnam Vovinam Federation.
(Source: Vietnam News)