The "flame" of Vovinam always burns.

(QBĐT) - Over time, on the resilient land of Quang Binh , the martial art of Vovinam - Vietnamese martial arts - has been preserved and its value promoted. The movement to practice this national martial art has been strongly developed by many generations of practitioners. Keeping that "flame" burning is also a way to show gratitude to the origins of Vietnamese martial arts.

Vietnamese martial arts spirit

In early August, amidst the scorching summer heat, the atmosphere at the Provincial Police Gymnasium became even more heated as the 4th Quang Binh Provincial Vovinam Club Championship took place. Over 170 athletes from 12 clubs across the province gathered to compete. For those who love this martial art, this was a major event, providing an opportunity for martial arts masters, coaches, and students from all over to interact, meet, and learn from each other after a year of diligent training. Sweat on the mat mingled with smiles and joy. A spirit of martial arts radiated from every face. To achieve this strong connection, the Quang Binh Vovinam Federation has, over the years, played a leading role in promoting the movement and acting as a bridge between clubs throughout the province.

Founded in 1938 by martial arts master Nguyen Loc, Vovinam is the culmination of humanistic philosophy, chivalrous spirit, and a rich cultural foundation. Today, the Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao movement has developed widely both domestically and internationally , present in over 70 countries and territories with more than 2.5 million practitioners. Since the establishment of the World Vovinam Federation, the martial art has developed even more strongly with the creation of continental and regional federations. Notably, in November 2023, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list and is on track to be recognized as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Training session of the Vovinam students at the SOS Children's Village Vovinam Club in Dong Hoi.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Tuyen, Vice President and General Secretary of the Quang Binh Vovinam Federation, Vovinam-Vietnamese martial arts were introduced to Quang Binh in 1997 with the opening of the first class at the Quang Binh Children's House. This was the first building block in establishing the Vovinam training and competition movement in the locality. Over the past 27 years, Vovinam-Vietnamese martial arts has attracted a large number of participants from all walks of life and has become very popular. Over nearly three decades, thousands of students have been trained in martial arts philosophy, techniques, and strength. Many students have grown into useful citizens, continuing to train and educate future generations of Vovinam practitioners, developing the Vietnamese martial art movement.

The province currently has 17 Vovinam clubs, with nearly 500 students practicing. Each club is a close-knit, united community, full of responsibility. Every training session is an opportunity for students to rediscover their passion, cultivate patience, courage, and willpower to overcome any challenge. From remote mountainous areas to bustling city centers—where children and sports enthusiasts have many choices—the Vovinam training movement continues to thrive and endure.

Practice sports to preserve culture.

Although it was founded in the disadvantaged Tuyen Hoa region, Chau Hoa Vovinam Club has still affirmed its position in the province's Vovinam competition movement. In the recent 4th Quang Binh Provincial Vovinam Club Championship, Chau Hoa Vovinam Club excellently won first place overall, surpassing 11 other clubs. The club's students also won third place at the 2023 Central-Western Highlands Vovinam Championship. This is the "sweet reward" for days of diligent training under difficult conditions, amidst harsh sun and wind.

According to Master Truong Cong Dai, head of the Chau Hoa Vovinam Club, established four years ago, the club currently has nearly 30 students of all ages. What is particularly commendable is the students' passion, which transcends the economic difficulties of their families and hometowns. Master Dai explained that teaching martial arts is not simply about teaching forms and correcting movements; the instructors also impart martial philosophy, helping students understand the history and meaning of the forms, and the stories of their predecessors. Once exposed to and deeply understanding this cultural heritage, the students themselves become an inseparable part of the journey to preserve it.

A demonstration of Vovinam-Vietnamese martial arts.

To achieve this, Vovinam clubs in the province serve as both a bridge connecting the spirit of martial arts and a place to cultivate students' passion for this martial art. Vovinam is both a sport and a cultural treasure of the nation. Practicing Vovinam strengthens the body and willpower, but also contributes to preserving this long-standing cultural heritage.

Because of these positive meanings, Mr. Tu Duc Quyen (Nam Ly Ward, Dong Hoi City) decided to enroll his son in Vovinam among many other options. At 9 years old, Tu Le Quyen Anh has already been studying this martial art for over 4 years. What started as curiosity has now turned into a genuine passion. At the two recent provincial Vovinam club championships, Quyen Anh won three silver medals. Mr. Quyen said that this achievement has motivated and encouraged his son, further strengthening his determination to pursue this special passion. The time spent in rigorous training and the glorious moments of victory will be unforgettable memories for every student. But more than anything, it is the spiritual and physical values ​​that this martial art brings that are truly precious.

For Vovinam-Vietnamese martial arts, developing the sport and preserving the culture are not two separate tasks, but rather a journey that complements each other. Developing the sport also means working together to preserve the cultural values ​​that our ancestors have left for future generations. The journey of "keeping the flame" of Vovinam alive in Quang Binh will always be supported by those who cherish and value traditional values.

Bao Phuoc

Source: https://www.baoquangbinh.vn/the-thao/202408/ngon-lua-vovinam-luon-chay-2220372/