Character from the martial arts school

After their regular school hours, many students seek out martial arts schools to exercise, relieve stress, and improve themselves. On the training floor, these young martial artists learn how to strike, develop discipline, self-confidence, and the will to overcome difficulties.

On weekday afternoons, when the sun has softened, the provincial stadium, the Children's House, and the Provincial Cultural and Arts Center are bustling with martial arts classes for children. In the spacious, airy environment, Vovinam, Taekwondo, and Karate training sessions are lively. After a thorough warm-up with jogging, joint rotations, and stretching exercises, the students begin their main training. The decisive punches and kicks, along with the enthusiastic shouts, create an atmosphere full of energy and discipline.

Master Tu Hoang Long - President of the Provincial Vovinam Federation - corrects the movements of his students. Photo: CAM TU

At the provincial stadium, it's not difficult to spot young children enthusiastically practicing. While nimbly performing martial arts movements, Lu Thuy Duong (11 years old), a resident of Rach Gia ward and a Vovinam student for over 3 months, shared: “Since learning martial arts, I not only feel healthier and more flexible, but it has also brought me many new experiences. I've made many new friends, become more open, confident, and know how to cooperate well with teammates when working in a group.”

Besides improving physical fitness, martial arts also contribute to the formation of character and life skills for children. Master Tu Hoang Long - President of the Provincial Vovinam Federation and world-class Vovinam referee - said: “Learning martial arts helps children develop comprehensively both physically and mentally. Through exercises that build endurance, flexibility, and agility, children have healthy bodies, which helps reduce illness, increase resistance, and create healthy exercise habits. When practicing martial arts, children must patiently practice each movement, overcome difficulties and challenges to progress. This process fosters perseverance, self-confidence, and self-mastery.”

According to martial arts master Tu Hoang Long, Vovinam also instills in its students a spirit of respect for their teachers, humility, and respect for others. They are taught to use martial arts only to defend justice and for self-defense when necessary. Furthermore, learning tactics, situational awareness skills, and self-control helps them improve their thinking, understand their limits, and respect their opponents.

Currently, many parents introduce martial arts to their children from around the age of 6. However, according to instructors, the most suitable age to start learning martial arts is from 8 to 10 years old; while the period from 12 to 14 years old is considered the most favorable time to learn advanced techniques.

Modern martial arts classes are no longer focused on dogma or rigid training. Instead, the program is designed as a healthy playground, helping children relax after stressful school hours. Physical games and group competitions are integrated appropriately, creating interest and inspiring a spirit of training in young martial arts students.

Recognizing the practical benefits of martial arts for the holistic development of children, An Giang province is actively promoting the movement to introduce martial arts into schools. Master Tu Hoang Long assesses that the movement to introduce Vovinam into schools in the province is currently experiencing many favorable conditions. This summer, the Department of Education and Training, in coordination with the Provincial Vovinam Federation, organized a Vovinam martial arts training course for primary school physical education teachers and a Vovinam self-defense training course for secondary school physical education teachers. This is considered an important foundation for expanding Vovinam teaching in schools through various forms such as elective sports , morning and mid-morning exercises, or extracurricular clubs. Every year, Vovinam is also included in the competition program of the provincial student Vovinam tournament and the Phu Dong Sports Festival.

In recent years, many parents have confidently enrolled their children in martial arts training. Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Tam, a resident of Rach Gia ward whose child is attending a children's martial arts class, shared: "Initially, my goal was to help my child improve their physical fitness and reduce screen time. But after a few months of martial arts training, my child not only became more well-behaved but also developed self-discipline and a sense of responsibility in their studies. My child's progress makes me very happy, and I am certain that I made the right educational decision."

At the end of each training session, the children's faces light up with joy. This joy stems from successfully performing a difficult move, completing an exercise with teammates, or simply enjoying some physical activity after school. These innocent smiles are the most beautiful reward for teachers and parents in their journey of nurturing a healthy, confident, and compassionate generation.

CAM TU

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ban-linh-tu-vo-duong-a487641.html