Long Phuoc Ancient Pagoda: A place preserving the essence of Vietnamese martial arts.

Nestled amidst the lush green rice fields of Tuy Phuoc commune (Gia Lai province), the ancient Long Phuoc pagoda stands peacefully, serving both as a venerable place of worship and as a source preserving the essence of the traditional martial arts of Tay Son - Binh Dinh.

A century-old temple nestled in a green field.

Located about 15 km from the coastal city of Quy Nhon, the ancient Long Phuoc Pagoda sits peacefully amidst lush green rice fields in Tan Thuan village, Tuy Phuoc commune (formerly part of Tuy Phuoc district, Binh Dinh province). The expansive space, surrounded by vast, fragrant rice paddies, brings a sense of tranquility to all who visit. The pagoda grounds harmoniously blend greenery, ancient architectural structures, and vibrant flowerbeds, creating a scene that is both simple and solemn.

The ancient Long Phuoc Pagoda is situated amidst rice fields, creating a peaceful scene.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

According to the Executive Board of the Gia Lai Provincial Buddhist Association, Long Phuoc Pagoda was built in 1802. Over more than 220 years of history, the pagoda has undergone several renovations but still retains its original rustic and serene charm. Around the pagoda, many majestic Buddha statues are skillfully arranged, creating a space that is both tranquil and close to the lives of the local people.

The temple is divided into several areas. These include the main hall, the bell tower, the ancestral hall dedicated to the abbots and deceased monks, two rows of buildings on the east and west sides for the monks' activities, a nine-story pagoda, and, notably, a martial arts hall nestled beneath ancient trees, preserving a long-standing tradition of martial arts.

The source of Vietnamese traditional martial arts.

What makes Long Phuoc ancient pagoda famous is its long-standing martial arts tradition. Since ancient times, monks have practiced martial arts to improve their health and preserve traditional martial arts techniques. In 1986, the pagoda established a Traditional Martial Arts Club, offering free martial arts classes to local residents.

Over more than 220 years, Long Phuoc Pagoda has undergone numerous renovations but still retains its original simple and rustic charm.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Martial arts master Nguyen Thanh Vien, coach of the Long Phuoc Pagoda Traditional Martial Arts Club, said: "Currently, the pagoda's Traditional Martial Arts Club has 5 masters and is teaching about 30 students. In addition to secret martial arts techniques, we also preserve and teach the use of 18 types of weapons. Teaching for free not only spreads passion but also selects promising talents for the provincial competition team."

Over the years, the Long Phuoc Pagoda martial arts school has produced hundreds of martial arts masters, many of whom have become famous names in the martial arts world, such as Nguyen Duc Thang with his "U Linh Thuong" form, Nguyen Van Canh with his "Tru Hon Kiem" form, Vo Van Tinh with his "Chan Loi Am Tien" form, Tran Duy Linh with his "Loi Long Dao" form, etc. In addition, many other martial arts masters who studied at the pagoda have opened their own martial arts schools and continue the mission of spreading the passion for traditional martial arts to young people.

The Long Phuoc Pagoda Traditional Martial Arts Club offers many free martial arts classes for local residents.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

In his youth, martial arts master Tran Duy Linh (Director of the Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center, now part of Gia Lai province) won numerous gold medals in various tournaments, contributing to bringing the beauty of Vietnamese traditional martial arts, especially Tay Son - Binh Dinh traditional martial arts, closer to the public both domestically and internationally.

With his reputation and experience, he was entrusted with the responsibility of training and performing alongside hundreds of athletes and performers at the International Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts Festivals held in Binh Dinh (formerly). Not stopping there, he also participated in choreographing and rehearsing martial arts performances for major events such as the commemoration of the Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da victory at the Quang Trung Museum, as well as many other Binh Dinh traditional martial arts programs.

Long Phuoc Pagoda still preserves and teaches the use of 18 types of weapons.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

Master Nguyen Van Canh, currently working at the Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center, also plays an important role in promoting Vietnamese traditional martial arts internationally. Every year, during the summer, he is often invited to France and Switzerland to provide professional guidance to martial arts masters, coaches, and students of the Son Long Quyen Thuat style, helping to spread the essence of Vietnamese martial arts to international friends.

Through its martial arts classes, the Long Phuoc Pagoda Traditional Martial Arts Club has selected many promising students for the Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center.

PHOTO: DUC NHAT

According to martial arts master Tran Duy Linh, Long Phuoc Pagoda is one of the cradles for training many martial artists and masters, many of whom later became coaches and participated in training at the Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts Center.

"Long Phuoc Pagoda also provides key athletes for the provincial traditional martial arts team. These martial artists have contributed significantly to local martial arts achievements. It can be affirmed that the Long Phuoc Pagoda Martial Arts Club is one of the most distinctive and important martial arts traditions in the province," emphasized martial arts master Tran Duy Linh. ( to be continued )

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chua-co-long-phuoc-noi-luu-giu-tinh-hoa-vo-hoc-viet-nam-18525102422152516.htm