Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung and two secretaries of the Vietnamese Embassy attend the Opening Ceremony of the International Vovinam Cup Grand Master Nguyen Van Chieu. Source: Laura Macchini/European Vovinam Viet Vo Dao Federation - EVVF

Nearly 100 athletes representing Vovinam Viet Vo Dao (Vietnamese martial art) Federations in Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Romania, Spain and Vietnam recently have attended the International Vovinam Cup 2022-Grand Master Nguyen Van Chieu held recently in Montichiari city, Italy, reported VNA Wednesday.

Speaking at the event, Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Duong Hai Hung applauded the World Vovinam Federation for its great effort in popularising Vietnamese martial art to the world over the years and Vovinam Federation of Italy for hosting the tournament.

Vovinam has been developed for 86 years and spread widely to the world with more than two million people practicing in more than 60 countries, he said.

German team. Source: Laura Macchini/European Vovinam Viet Vo Dao Federation - EVVF

Luca, Marzochi, chairman of Vovinam Federation of Italy, said Vovinam was introduced in the country nearly 30 years ago, drawing the attention of a lot of Italians as it’s easy to practice.

In recent years, despite a hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the federation has strived to popularise Vovinam among young people, especially in schools, through promotional activities, he said, adding that through practicing, they have a better understanding of Vietnam's cultural traditions.

A martial arts festival dedicated to Grandmaster Luu Van Trong of Binh Dinh Group’s Sa Long Cuong sect was also held in Italy’s Novara city on December 11.

The Sa Long Cuong sect is one of the traditional martial arts of Vietnam, which was founded in 1964 based on the traditional Binh Dinh martial arts that were handed down during the reign of King Quang Trung.

The sect has been taught in many countries, including Italy, Canada, France, and the United States. Trong has made a lot of contributions to introduce and expand the Vietnamese martial art in Italy.

Vovinam is practiced with and without weapons. It is based on the principle of combining ‘hard’ and ‘soft’. It is not only about the training the body, but also the mind. Photo: VNA

Vovinam is the most popular style of martial art in Vietnam, as well as around the world. The Vietnam Vovinam Federation confirmed there were more than 2.5 million practicing the martial art in 70 countries and territories. The strong growth of the art form can be seen through the establishment of the world federation, as well as continental federations in Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Vovinam (Viet Vo Dao) involves the use of different body parts such as hands, elbows, legs, and knees. Trainers also learn to use weapons, including swords, knives, and fans. They also practice attacking and defensive skills.

The first world championship was organized in 2009, marking a turning point in its history.

In April, the International Qwankido Federation, a member of the Vietnam Vovinam (traditional martial arts) Federation (VVF), hosted the first ever world championship for teenagers in Padova city in the Veneto region of Italy.

The event attracted the participation of 500 athletes from the arts clubs in 35 countries worldwide.

Many masters and athletes expressed their desire to study more deeply about Vietnamese history and culture, learn the Vietnamese language and visit the Southeast Asian nation.

According to Pham Xuan Tong, the federation founder, the Vietnamese traditional martial arts have developed strongly in Europe, especially in Italy in recent years.

The International Qwankido Federation has been established in 1981 in Milan, Italy, and became a member of the VVF in 1990.

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