Born in Belgium but with Vietnamese spirit, when martial arts connects cultures across borders

Võ thuật kết nối văn hóa xuyên biên giới Việt Nam-Bỉ

Minister and President of the Brussels-Capital Region Rudi Vervoort delivered the opening speech at the event. (Photo: Yen Chi)

On the afternoon of March 31, at Ho Van space, Quoc Tu Giam, Hanoi, the event "Vietnam-Belgium harmony for health and sports " took place on the occasion of the State visit of the King and Queen of Belgium to Vietnam from March 31 to April 4.

The program was organized by the Belgian Embassy in Vietnam with the participation of Minister and Prime Minister of the Brussels Capital Region Rudi Vervoort, leaders of Hanoi city, Vice President of the World Federation of Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts Le Ngoc Quang, martial artist Huynh Chieu Duong, head coach Alain Goudsmet, along with the participation of martial artists from the Thuy Phap sect and the Hanoi Martial Arts Association.

One of the highlights of the event was the demonstration of Thuy Phap, a martial art inspired by water, combining softness and flexibility in every movement. Master Huynh Chieu Duong founded this school in Brussels, Belgium in 2002, turning Thuy Phap into not only a martial art but also a method of training, physical and mental recovery.

Martial artist Huynh Chieu Duong introduces the martial art of Thuy Phap. (Photo: Yen Chi)

Performances such as Linh Quy Kiem, Hong Ha Ao Anh Quyen, To Lich Kiem... brought the audience into poetic stories imbued with Vietnamese identity. Although born in Belgium, Thuy Phap fully embodied the spirit of Vietnamese martial arts, contributing to further tightening the cultural connection between the two countries. The performances by Vietnamese and Belgian martial artists demonstrated the harmony between strength and softness, while conveying the martial spirit as well as the value of cross-border cultural exchange.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister and President of the Brussels Capital Region Rudi Vervoort highlighted the role of the State visit of the King and Queen of Belgium in the relationship between the two countries and sent an inspirational message: “Sports and martial arts have the power to connect people, overcoming all boundaries of nationality, origin and belief”.

At the event “Vietnam-Belgium Harmony for Health and Sports”, the training cooperation program “Mental training techniques for Vietnamese coaches and athletes” between the prestigious academy from Brussels Mentally Fit and Hanoi University of Physical Education and Sports was announced.

Mentally Fit CEO Alain Goudsmet, who has experience as a mental coach for athletes and the Belgian Olympic Team, has shown his dedication in this cooperation with Vietnamese sports. He hopes to bring the best mental support to athletes, contributing to building a strong Vietnamese sports foundation.

This event is not only a simple sports exchange activity but also a symbol of friendship and close cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium.

The connection between martial arts, sports and health during the State visit to Vietnam by the King and Queen of Belgium once again affirmed the role of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral relations. With new cooperation initiatives, Vietnam and Belgium are opening up opportunities for deeper cooperation in the fields of sports and human development, towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Some photos at the event:

Impressive opening performance by martial artists from Hanoi Martial Arts Association. (Photo: Yen Chi)

Belgian student Brugidou Jérémie and his fellow students perform the To Lich Sword Water Technique. (Photo: Yen Chi)

WFVV recognized the International Water Law Organization as an official member. (Photo: Yen Chi)

Prime Minister Rudi Vervoort, Master Huynh Chieu Duong, and Vice President of the World Federation of Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts Le Ngoc Quang presented gifts and medals to Vietnamese and Belgian martial artists. (Photo: Yen Chi)

Prime Minister Rudi Vervoort presented an honorary cup to Mr. Le Ngoc Quang in gratitude for his contributions to preserving and promoting traditional Vietnamese martial arts. (Photo: Yen Chi)