Special martial arts class

What started as a short-term summer class turned into a source of spiritual support for hundreds of children over the course of nine years.

For the past nine years, Mr. Pham Duc Thai (District 3, Ho Chi Minh City) has quietly run a free martial arts class in the village square, not only improving the health but also shaping the character of hundreds of underprivileged children.

Every Saturday afternoon, the courtyard of Phu Thanh communal house (Xuan Hoa ward, Ho Chi Minh City) resounds with the resounding shouts and perfectly synchronized footsteps of children in pristine white martial arts uniforms. Quietly behind them, a man in his sixties attentively watches, occasionally correcting the movements of his students – this is Mr. Pham Duc Thai, the unpaid martial arts master, who dedicates his twilight years to shaping the minds of these young people.

Character building for children

He recounted that the martial arts class started in the summer of 2016 at the suggestion of his youngest daughter, a member of the Youth Union in Ward 4. "She said the children in the ward were pitiful; some lived with their grandparents, others were abandoned by their parents. Teaching martial arts combined with teaching manners and proper behavior..." Mr. Thai recalled.

What started as a short-term summer class turned into a source of spiritual support for hundreds of children over the course of nine years. Many of the children were initially rude, unruly, and prone to swearing, but over the years, thanks to the discipline and love of Teacher Thai, they gradually changed.

"I set the rules from the beginning: anyone who swears will be suspended from training for 3 months, and repeat offenders will be dismissed permanently. I want the kids to understand that wearing a martial arts uniform means carrying etiquette and respect with them," Mr. Thai stated emphatically.

From children who were once discriminated against because of their circumstances, many have become more polite and know how to apologize when they do something wrong after studying with him. Among hundreds of students, Mr. Thai always mentions Truong Tuan Tam (19 years old) - one of his first martial arts students. Tam was orphaned from a young age, lived with his grandmother, and was once a difficult boy. However, thanks to his teacher's guidance, he gradually changed, becoming a calm person who knows how to live for others. Currently, Tam is serving in the military , and whenever he has free time, he calls to check on Mr. Thai.

The class has survived through many difficulties. Initially, he single-handedly covered all expenses, from uniforms and training mats to electricity and water. Later, as the class gained wider recognition, parents with better financial means began sending small contributions, around 200,000 VND per month, just enough to cover operating costs. "For children in need, I don't accept a single penny for myself. I don't take anything for myself," he stated firmly.

Mr. Pham Le Minh, Secretary of the Youth Union of Ward 4, District 3 - who has been involved with the class from the beginning, said that initially, the ward's Youth Union wanted to create a simple playground for children during the summer. But thanks to Mr. Thai's dedication and passion, the martial arts class has not only survived but also developed over the years.

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Unlike typical martial arts classes, this place primarily welcomes children from disadvantaged backgrounds, orphans, those lacking family care, or those living with their grandparents. The class not only teaches self-defense but also instills discipline and manners in the children. Many children, after attending, have changed, becoming more sharing and positive in their lives.

Mr. Pham Duc Thai (far left) and martial arts students at Phu Thanh communal house.

"I will never abandon you, my children."

Not stopping at the village square, for the past two years, Mr. Thai has regularly gone to the Hy Vong School for the Deaf (Binh Chanh district) and the Truyen Tin Shelter (Tan Phu district) to open special martial arts classes for deaf and abandoned children.

"Teaching deaf children requires a lot of patience. I have to speak very slowly, use clear lip movements, and point out each action. One child who can hear with a hearing aid will relay the information to the others," he shared.

For Mr. Thai, teaching martial arts to deaf and mute children is also a way to protect them, especially girls, from dangerous situations. "Martial arts not only strengthens the body but also builds the mind. It's a spiritual armor for vulnerable children," he believes.

Now, the deaf students know how to shout, throw punches, and stand firmly in martial arts stances. Some children who were shy and hesitant at first now proactively hug their teacher every time they come to class.

Having pursued martial arts for over 40 years, Mr. Thai has come to realize that martial arts is not only for improving health, but also for teaching people to live virtuously. Success is not measured by belt rank, but by students knowing how to be respectful, considerate, grateful, and apologetic.

There were times when the village square was dilapidated and the class lacked funding, and he considered quitting. But then, remembering his promise, "I will not leave the village square," and the eager eyes of the children every Saturday afternoon, he continued teaching. "I have no money, no fame. I only have my health and my love. The children come to me because of that, and I cannot abandon them," he said.

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There are classrooms without blackboards or chalk, yet they are places where people are shaped. Mr. Thai's martial arts class is one such place.

Mr. Pham Duc Thai, one of 100 exemplary individuals, attended the "Acts of Kindness" program organized by Vietnam Television on April 16th in Hanoi . The program honors those who silently perform good deeds with profound humanitarian significance, spreading positivity throughout society. "Every person possesses compassion. Our lives become more beautiful and meaningful with empathy and sharing," Mr. Thai expressed.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/lop-day-vo-dac-biet-196250614205531242.htm