Vovinam

Vietnam’s Traditional Martial Art of Resilience and Self-Defense

Vovinam Viet Vo Dao is a traditional martial art of Vietnam, founded by Grand Master Nguyen Loc in 1936. It was created with a strong desire to empower the Vietnamese people with effective self-defense skills during their struggle against French colonial rule, playing a significant role in the nation’s fight for independence.

Origins and Philosophy

Vovinam integrates the rich heritage of traditional Vietnamese martial arts with global martial arts techniques, making it a unique and powerful discipline.

• It is famous for its high-flying kicks, neck-clamping techniques, and dynamic, fluid movements that combine offense, defense, and agility.
• The philosophy of Vovinam emphasizes not only physical strength but also mental discipline, resilience, and self-improvement, aligning closely with the values of national pride and determination.

Global Reach and Influence

Today, Vovinam has expanded far beyond Vietnam’s borders:

• More than 2 million students practice Vovinam across the world, with schools and federations established in many countries and territories.
• In 2011, Vovinam was officially included in the competitive program at the 26th SEA Games in Indonesia, cementing its status as a recognized competitive martial art.

Vovinam as a Cultural Link

Vovinam stands as a proud symbol of Vietnam’s cultural identity and resilience.
It reflects the spirit of self-reliance, discipline, and unity — values that deeply resonate with the Vietnamese people.
Furthermore, it plays a role in fostering mutual cultural appreciation in bilateral relations, especially in the context of India-Vietnam ties, where traditional martial arts serve as a bridge of shared heritage and mutual respect.

Commemoration in Philately

In a landmark tribute to the cultural connection between India and Vietnam, the Department of Posts has issued a Joint Commemorative Postage Stamp featuring Vovinam alongside India’s traditional martial art, Kalaripayattu.
This stamp celebrates not only the 50th anniversary of India-Vietnam diplomatic relations but also the deep cultural, social, and political bonds between the two nations.
Vovinam’s depiction on the commemorative stamp highlights the importance of traditional martial arts as a symbol of national identity, resilience, and global friendship.