Martial Arts in Vietnam
Vietnam has a long history with China, during which China has heavily influenced the culture and traditions of the country (particularly in the North). Though there has always been a system of self defence and fighting in Vietnam, the popular martial arts of Vietnam today were most likely influenced by the martial arts of China.
Three popular martial arts styles of Vietnam include Vovinam Viet Vo Dao, Viet Vo Dao, and Quankido (also spelt Qwan ki do).
Vovinam Viet Vo Dao and Viet Vo Dao
Vovinam Viet Vo Dao and Viet Vo Dao were created by Nguyen Loc, a martial artist who developed them from his training in several types of styles. He opened a club in Hanoi in 1945 to teach the style, which has now become one of the most popular martial arts in the country.
The curriculum includes strikes using the hands, feet and elbows are used, as well as throwing, grappling, and techniques and movements on the ground. Some weapons are used, such as the sword and knife.
Ranking is signified by the colour of belt.
Quankido (Qwan ki do)
Pham Xuan Tong began to teach Quankido in France during the 1980s. It is now one of the most popular martial arts styles in France, and is recognized as a Vietnamese one despite being first taught in France. Techniques and movements are similar to Karate, though there are more jumps and acrobatics. The same as Vovinam Viet Vo Dao and Viet Vo Dao, ranking is signified by the colour of belt.
February 27th, 2007 at 9:36 am
this article is very interesting for self defense and martial arts training
September 14th, 2007 at 7:05 am
Looking for friends and martial arts contacts in Southeast Asia.
I have been in South East Asia for six years, studying martial arts and writing for magazines, such as Black Belt and Kung Fu magazine, about Asian martial arts. I have also published four books. You can see a bunch of these stories and some photos on my ringo site. I also wrote four books, available on amazon.com. The most famous one is “The Monk from Brooklyn,” about my experiences studying at the Shaolin Temple in China.
I started working as a martial arts consultant for History Channel now and have done two shows, Digging for the Truth and Human Weapon. Especially, I concentrate on Khmer martial arts, Bokator and Bradal serey. I have a web TV show now, called Martial Arts Odyssey. The Pilot episode is running on youtube. It was shot in Philippines. The next episodes, coming soon, were shot in Cambodia.
Now, I am in Vietnam for the first time, exploring Vietnamese martial arts and culture. And planning our Vietnam filming. Vietnam is exciting but the martial arts are a little hard to find. Everyone is more concerned with learning English and making money. So, if you have any contacts for me in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand, please let me know.
If you would like to watch my show on web TV? just click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3haZwrsY_oM
September 16th, 2007 at 7:16 am
Bokator and Vovinam Southeast Asian Martial Arts contacts
I am presently in Ho Chi Minh City looking for martial arts contacts. I am especially interested in finding out if there is any kickboxing in Vietnam, similar to the kickboxing in Cambodia, Thailand, and Lao.
I have been in South East Asia for six years, studying martial arts and writing for magazines, such as Black Belt and Kung Fu magazine, about Asian martial arts. I have also published four books. You can see a bunch of these stories and some photos on my ringo site. I also wrote four books, available on amazon.com. The most famous one is “The Monk from Brooklyn,” about my experiences studying at the Shaolin Temple in China.
I started working as a martial arts consultant for History Channel now and have done two shows, Digging for the Truth and Human Weapon. Especially, I concentrate on Khmer martial arts, Bokator and Bradal serey. I have a web TV show now, called Martial Arts Odyssey. The Pilot episode is running on youtube. It was shot in Philippines. The next episodes, coming soon, were shot in Cambodia.
Now, I am in Vietnam for the first time, exploring Vietnamese martial arts and culture. And planning our Vietnam filming. Vietnam is exciting but the martial arts are a little hard to find. Everyone is more concerned with learning English and making money. So, if you have any contacts for me in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand, please let me know.
If you would like to watch my show on web TV? just click on the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3haZwrsY_oM
Click here to see the trailer for the Khmer movie, about Bokator martial art: http://youtube.com/watch?v=617qPJPBSPM
July 28th, 2008 at 4:31 am
My husband and I are going to Vietnam on holiday and he really wanted to watch a fight. Where can I find out more about this?
Thanks
Helena and David