Long Phuoc Ancient Pagoda: The secret of martial arts of famous Vietnamese generals

Long Phuoc ancient pagoda (Tuy Phuoc commune, Gia Lai) currently preserves the martial arts masterpieces of famous generals such as Dinh Tien Hoang, Ly Cong Uan, Tran Quang Khai, Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, Nguyen Lu, Bui Thi Xuan, Tran Quang Dieu...

At the ancient Long Phuoc pagoda, two rare martial arts manuals are being kept, revealing the quintessence of martial arts and tactics of famous Vietnamese generals, spanning more than 400 years of history of the Long Ho Khong Hong sect.

These are the Six Generals' Profound Military Strategy and the Tay Son Secret Book of Famous Generals' Grave Heroes' Campaign . Each set contains famous martial arts techniques, tactics, and military strategies from various dynasties.

Martial arts treasure at Long Phuoc ancient pagoda

According to Venerable Thich Van Nguyen, in charge of managing the Traditional Martial Arts Club of Long Phuoc Pagoda, the secret book "Luc tuong tang vuong pho minh binh thu chieu phap" was recorded by the founder of the Long Ho Khong Hong sect, Hu Minh (1518 - 1590).

This document records and synthesizes military tactics (military strategy) and more than 150 rare ancient martial arts lessons, including the martial arts masterpieces of famous Vietnamese generals: from Dong dia thuy tien of Dinh Tien Hoang, U linh thuong of Ly Cong Uan, Lieu kim quang thuong of Tran Quang Khai to Phong van kiem phap of Le Loi...

Martial arts area at Long Phuoc Pagoda

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The founder of the Long Ho Khong Hong sect, whose real name was Nguyen Minh Khoi, left Thang Long for the South at the age of 16, diligently searching for teachers to study Taoism and martial arts everywhere. After many years of research, in 1561, he began to compile his great knowledge into the book Luc Tuong Tang Vuong Pho Minh Binh Thu Chieu Phap , marking a turning point in the transmission of traditional Vietnamese martial arts.

Brief history of the founder of the Long Ho Khong Hong sect

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In the 18th century, general Nguyen Trung Nhu (1747 - 1803), the 8th generation head of the Long Ho Khong Hong sect, continued to develop this martial art. He followed the Tay Son trio, experienced many battles, then retired and compiled the Tay Son secret manual of famous generals , systematizing the legendary martial arts moves of famous generals of the time: Nghiem Thuong of Nguyen Hue, Hung Ke Quyen of Nguyen Lu, Song Phuong Kiem of Bui Thi Xuan, Loi Phong Tuy Hinh Kiem of Tran Quang Dieu...

These two secret manuals are both a treasure trove of martial arts and valuable documents on tactics, military strategy and the spirit of Vietnamese warriors. Initially circulated internally in Chinese and Nom characters, in the 20th century, the late 13th generation head of the sect, Nguyen Dong Hai (Hu Linh Tu), translated them into Vietnamese for convenient research and teaching. Since 1987, at Long Phuoc pagoda, he has opened classes and taught hundreds of martial arts exercises from these two secret manuals, continuing the brilliant flame of martial arts from his father.

The poem "Thunder Dragon Saber" by famous general Vo Van Dung in "Tay Son Secret Manual of Famous Generals' Grave of Heroic Techniques" has been compiled into Vietnamese.

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According to martial arts master Tran Duy Linh, Director of Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center, the two sets of books are not only the martial arts masterpieces of the Long Ho Khong Hong sect but also valuable documents of Binh Dinh martial arts. The center has collected and compiled unique martial arts exercises, included them in the training program for martial arts students and athletes, and invited martial arts masters from many sects to introduce and teach their own unique martial arts exercises, contributing to preserving and spreading the tradition of Binh Dinh traditional martial arts.

"Vietnam's Shaolin Temple"

Currently, Long Phuoc Pagoda martial arts school is recognized as one of the 6 typical martial arts clubs and schools of the province (along with Phi Long Vinh, Le Xuan Canh, Ly Xuan Hy, Ho Sung and Phan Tho martial arts schools) and is known as "Vietnam's Shaolin Temple".

During the International Festival of Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts held in the old Binh Dinh Province, most of the domestic and international martial arts masters and students participated in performances and exchanges at Long Phuoc Pagoda. Many foreign martial arts masters and students also came to the pagoda to learn and experience Vietnamese traditional martial arts.

Martial arts master Nguyen Thanh Vien (right) teaches martial arts to his students.

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According to martial arts master Nguyen Thanh Vien, coach of the Long Phuoc Pagoda Traditional Martial Arts Club, the pagoda is not only a martial arts center but also a famous tourist destination. Every year, thousands of domestic and foreign visitors come to visit and experience traditional martial arts, both to admire the peaceful space of the pagoda and to directly learn the essence of martial arts.

Long Phuoc ancient pagoda, with two rare secret manuals, is becoming an unmissable destination for those who want to explore the origins of Vietnamese martial arts, where the quintessence of history, culture and martial arts blend into one.

In the middle of the vast rice fields, the bell of Long Phuoc pagoda rings softly, echoing somewhere the martial spirit of our ancestors, like a bridge between religion and life, between martial arts and meditation.

Foreign tourists come to visit and experience weapons and martial arts at Long Phuoc Pagoda.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

In Gia Lai province, there are currently about 200 martial arts schools and traditional martial arts clubs. In recent years, the Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center has implemented the preservation and promotion of Binh Dinh traditional martial arts according to plan.

In particular, the contract for training regime 1.0 basic salary has been signed for 6 typical martial arts schools in the province, including: Chua Long Phuoc, Phi Long Vinh, Le Xuan Canh, Ly Xuan Hy, Phan Tho and Ho Sung. These are also martial arts schools serving tourism development.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chua-co-long-phuoc-bi-an-tuyet-hoc-vo-cong-cua-cac-danh-tuong-viet-nam-185251024225019431.htm