Practice martial arts to protect the old forest

Faced with the growing challenges from the encroachment of forest resources and the recklessness of violators, the Forest Rangers and Forest Protection Force (FPS) in charge of the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve are making efforts to train their physical strength, courage and martial arts skills to protect the precious primeval forests of Ma Da, Hieu Liem, Vinh An - the green lungs of the Southeast region.

Practice martial arts in the jungle

In the middle of the octagonal house located in the grounds of the Reserve Headquarters (Ma Da Hamlet, Tri An Commune, Dong Nai Province), the atmosphere these days is more lively than usual. The shouts are decisive, the footsteps are strong, and the sounds of punches and kicks resound regularly. This place is becoming a martial arts training ground for 30 students who are specialized rangers and forest guards of the reserve.

Forest rangers and forest guards in charge of the Reserve practice martial arts.

The training course was directly instructed by senior martial artist Tong Phuoc Hien, Head of Hong Mi Dao Nhon Ma Thanh Hien sect (Tam Hiep ward, Bien Hoa city). Under his guidance, the students were introduced to the basic techniques of Boxing and Kickboxing - martial arts with high combat capabilities, suitable for responding to dangerous situations when performing tasks in the deep forest.

“The first time we practiced, many of us were still confused, our movements were stiff and not flexible. But everyone was enthusiastic and eager to practice, not afraid of sweat and collision. After each practice session, our spirit became stronger and we were more confident when patrolling the forest,” shared ranger Ha Chi Luc, Cay Gui Forest Ranger Station.

For those who regularly face danger, martial arts skills are a “soft weapon” that helps them protect themselves and their teammates. Mr. Cha A Tra, a full-time forest ranger, said: “Martial arts helps me become more confident and know how to respond appropriately when encountering reckless violators or sudden attacks.” This confidence becomes even more necessary when there have been many cases of forest rangers being assaulted and attacked while performing their duties.

In 2023, the incident in which two rangers of Forest Ranger Station No. 1 were attacked, tied up and beaten by a group of 11 people while patrolling Tri An Lake caused public outrage. Previously, in April 2020, at Cu Dinh Forest Ranger Station, a group of people with knives rushed in, threatened and injured the rangers on duty.

These incidents clearly show the level of danger and pressure that forest rangers face every day. “There are times when we are only a few people in the deep forest, far from residential areas, making communication difficult. If we encounter reckless subjects, if we do not have self-defense skills, danger can happen at any time,” Luc added.

Thin force, heavy task

According to Mr. Nguyen Hoang Hao - Director of Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve, the entire reserve currently has 231 officers, civil servants and workers, responsible for managing more than 100,000 hectares of forest and water surface. This is the largest special-use forest area in the Southeast region, including many rugged areas, complex terrain, stretching across many localities in Dong Nai province.

The work of protecting forests, wildlife and aquatic resources of Tri An Lake is increasingly difficult because violators use many sophisticated and daring tricks, ready to oppose law enforcement forces. This requires the team of forest rangers and forest guards to not only have political courage and legal knowledge but also good physical strength, a strong spirit and proficient martial arts skills to protect themselves and effectively handle real-life situations.

Mr. Do Cao Khoa, Vice President of the Dong Nai Province Boxing & Kickboxing Federation - who connects the Conservation Area with senior martial artists to train martial arts for the rangers, said: "Currently, most of the rangers have not been trained in martial arts, are thinly staffed, and are equipped with limited support tools. Meanwhile, they often have to work in deep forests, large lakes, and deserted areas, so when they encounter dangerous situations, most of them have to respond by themselves. Therefore, training martial arts for the rangers and specialized forest protection forces is extremely necessary."

Mr. Khoa also recommended that forest owners pay more attention to specialized martial arts training, maintain the spirit of martial arts and practice regularly in the force. “The reserve should soon establish a Forest Ranger Martial Arts Club, invite reputable coaches and martial arts masters to provide systematic instruction. Outstanding students can be selected to participate in local martial arts tournaments, both to practice and to spread the spirit of martial arts,” Mr. Khoa suggested.

Ma Da, Hieu Liem, Vinh An forests are not only natural resources but also historical memories, a place to preserve the rare ecosystem of the Southeast region. In the middle of that place, the forest rangers quietly patrol the forest every day, facing dangers to protect every inch of forest and stream. Practicing martial arts not only helps them become healthier and more courageous, but also demonstrates the spirit of discipline and determination of the "green warriors" in the middle of the forest, contributing to keeping the forests peaceful!

Source: https://cand.com.vn/doi-song/ren-luyen-vo-thuat-de-bao-ve-rung-gia-i786362/