On May 24, 1912, Nguyen Loc was born to Nguyen Dinh Xuyen and Nguyen Thi Hoa
as the oldest of the 5 brothers and sisters (Nguyen Thi Thai, Nguyen Dan, Nguyen
Ngo, and Nguyen Thi Bich Ha). His father's family had settled in Huu Bang Village,
Thach That County, Son Tay Province, North Vietnam, for generations. Later, his
family moves to Hanoi. When Nguyen Loc starts going to school, his father askes
an old master to teach Nguyen Loc the traditional martial arts and wrestling techniques
for health and self-defense reasons.
Nguyen Loc grows up in the period which Vietnam is still under the French colonial
rule. At that time, young men either are seduced by the French into the lusty
lives or join the revolutionary war against the French. Master Nguyen Loc believes
that the only way to free Vietnam from the colonial rule is to train the Vietnamese
young men to have a strong, invincible will for liberty and independence. That
would must be produced by a strong body and a rational mind. Therefore, he begin
his missions to train the Vietnamese youth to have a moral and invincible spirit:
"Live, Help others live, and Live for others."
Carrying on that belief, he diligently practices and researched many Vietnamese
traditional martial arts as well as many foreign martial arts. He also examines
tirelessly many archives about Philosophy, Literature, History,... even Anatomy
and Medicine. In addition, he always attends many tournaments and competitions
or discusses martial arts with many famous masters. After his research, he founds
a new discipline of martial arts, which he names "VOVINAM", understood as the
"MARTIAL ARTS OF VIETNAM."
In the fall of 1938, he begins to teach Vovinam to several friends. During
this time, he continues to research and improves Vovinam's techniques. In 1940,
He and his disciples demonstrates publicly for the first time in the Great Theater
of Hanoi. The demonstration is very successful and attracted many spectators.
After the demonstration, he is invited by Doctor Dang Vu Hy, President of the
Sport Friendship Association to teach Vovinam. The first Vovinam lessons began
in the spring of 1940 in the Hanoi University of Education (E'cole Normal).
Many Vovinam disciples in the period of 1938-1940 often tell of the tale of
the "invincible spirit" of Founder Nguyen Loc. In the first demonstration, there
is a high ranking French offical, Colonel Maurice Ducoroy, attending. Because
Col. Maurice Ducoroy, who represents the French colonial rule, is sitting in the
audience, Founder Nguyen Loc doesn't let his disciples to bow to the audience.
Instead he takes his disciples to the backstage to bow to the ancestor's altar.
During the demonstration, Dr. Dang Vu Hy invites Founder Nguyen Loc to Durocoy's
seat so Ducoroy could award him a medal. Knowing that he could not refuse, Founder
Nguyen Loc has to accept. But when he returns to the stage, he calmly puts the
medal into his pocket. His conduct has touched the patriotic feelings of the audience,
espescially his disciples.
Since then, Vovinam always leads the demonstrations against the French and
its rule, including the demonstration in the University of Hanoi and the Ministry
of Agriculture. Consequently, French closes all the Vovinam classes and prohibits
Founder from teaching Vovinam. This is a challenging period for Vovinam during
its early time. However, Founder still seretly teaches many loyal disciples at
home, and continues to lead many public demonstrations.
Soon later, Vovinam cooperates with many patrioting organization to host many
events commemorating King Hung (first King of Vietnam), Two Queens Trung as well
as many charitable events... At the same time, many self-defense classes have
opened and recruit tens of thousands of disciples. The enthusiasm for Vovinam
in the public is indicated by the slogans: "Vietnamese practice Vietnamese
martial arts", "Not a Vovinam disciple, not a Vietnamese patriot"...
At this time, since the independence war is necessary, many Vovinam techniques
are very simple but practical. The training focuses on the endurance, speed, and
strength. Most of the training sessions last about 3 months. In April 1945, many
Vovinam instructors are sent to remote places to promote Vovinam.
After winning World War II, France returns to Vietnam in 1946 to reclaim its
former colony. On December 19, 1946, the war against France breaks out in North
Vietnam. Founder Nguyen Loc leads his disciples to join the war. Some disciples
become famous and courageous commanders while some have fallen for the freedom
of Vietnam. When Viet Minh (the predecessor of the Vietnamese Communist Party)
begins to consolidate their power by recruiting non-communist Vietnamese and murdering
those who refuse, Founder Nguyen Loc immediately halts all his involvements with
Viet Minh and urges his disciples to leave the Viet Minh. Knowing that, Viet Minh
orders the capture of Founder Nguyen Loc with the purpose to force Vovinam disciples
to join the Viet Minh. Upon the dangerous situation: being wanted by both the
Viet Minh and the French, Founder Nguyen Loc tell his disciples to return to their
hometowns to wait for an opportunity. He then takes the remaining disciples back
to his hometown, Huu Bang village. In his hometown, he helps organize the young
men into militias as well as train the new militias in combative techniques. He
also assigns instructors to the Military Academy of Tran Quoc Tuan. After his
responsibilities are fullfilled, he then continues his journey and train the Militia
Officers of villages of Che Luu, Am Thuong, Thanh Huong, Dan Ha, Dan Phu along
the way... In March 1948, He comes to The Catholic District of Phat Diem and assigns
instructors to train Jesuit Militias under Chief Commander Tran Thien.
In August 1948, He returns to Hanoi and opens many Vovinam classes for the
young men and women. In 1951, He works with many dignitaries to found the Vietnamese
Martial Artist Federation which offers many martial art classes for the public
in the schoolyard of Hang Than, Hanoi.
In July 20, 1954, the Geneva Treaty divides Vietnam into two countries: the
North Communist and the South Nationalist. This event poses a great challenge
to Vovinam in general and the Founder in particular. If Founder decides to stay
in the North, Vovinam would be falling into the hand of the Communists. If He
decides to head to the South, many disciples would leave their families and hometowns
behind, and Vovinam would lose many able disciples who decides to stay. On the
other hand, the South is still a unknown land, and the Founder would risk losing
everything he builds from 1938 and would start from scratch; and no one really
knows what is awaiting.
Finally, Founder Nguyen Loc decides to migrate to the South and start Vovinam
once again under unfavorable conditions. In July 1954, Founder and loyal disciples
arrive in Saigon, and open new Vovinam school here. Soon later, Vovinam is invited
to train the South Vietnamese police in Saigon and Thu Duc.
In the middle of 1954, Founder fall sick and has to take a break from teaching.
He authorizes the oldest disciple, Master Le Sang to take over the Vovinam classes
temporarily. Although Founder is not physically teaching Vovinam, He is still
doing researches, and analyzing Vovinam techniques as well as essential archives
in order to refine Vovinam. Founder still looks after the disciples who are following
his mission.
Relying on the Founder's teachings upon the Mind-Body Revolution, Master Le
Sang systemizes the martial arts' techniques and finalizes the philosophical knowledge,
missions, policies... Master Le Sang also gathers many disciples of the early
classes to help develop Vovinam. Among the disciples are the two most active,
Masters Tran Huy Phong and Nguyen Van Thu.
In 1958, Master Le Sang is elected to be the General Secretary of the Vietnamese
Martial Arts Federation; he holds this position until 1968. During this time,
he researches many traditional Vietnamese martial arts to revise Vovinam's techniques
and originate the "one develops into three" method.
While the progress of Vovinam discipline has just begun and there are still
many tasks to overcome, Founder Nguyen Loc unexpectedly passes away on April 29,
1960 (April 4, 1960, year of the Rat, according to Lunar Calendar). Before passing
away, Founder Nguyen Loc appoints his most senior disciple, Le Sang, to continue
his missions. Founder Nguyen Loc is then buried in the Mac Dinh Chi cemetery,
Saigon. Then on every April 4 (lunar calendar), all the disciples gather in front
of his tomb to pay respect to him.
On 11-11-1960, since Master Pham Loi of Judo participates in the coupe led
by General Nguyen Chanh Thi, the Ngo administration prohibits many martial art
disciplines, including Vovinam from functioning. All the training centers are
banned. All the masters either disperses or are drafted into the army. In general,
Vovinam almost disappears due to lack of leadership. However, despite of the hardships,
Master Tran Huy Phong still continues the missions set forth by the Founder. He
secretly trains many disciples in schools where he teach such as Thang Long, Ho
Vu, St. Thomas. Therefore, he has created a task force of young, courageous instructors
who become the foundation of Vovinam in the future.
On November 1, 1963, the Ngo Dinh Diem administration has fallen after a coup
led by the military. Then a military government is established, and the ban of
martial arts is annulled. All martial art disciplines are no longer being restricted,
and starts to appear. In 1964, all the leading Vovinam Masters has met and formed
the new discipline of martial arts. "VIET VO DAO" ("THE PHILOSOPHY OF VIETNAMESE
MARTIAL ARTS") is added to become "VOVINAM-VIET VO DAO." The Council of Vovinam-Viet
Vo Dao is also formed.
The Council of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao has two structures:
- Training Commission directed by Grand Master Le Sang is responsible to develop
the training curriculum and to certify masters and instructors
- Viet Vo Dao Youth Association led by Master Tran Huy Phong is responsible
for youth and social activities
The hierarchy of the Council of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao:
- Grand Master: Master Le Sang
- Assistant Grand Master and Director of Planning Commission: Master Tran
Huy Phong
- General Secretary: Master Phan Quynh
- Treasurer: Master Nguyen Van Cuong
- Director of Public Relation Commission: Master Phung Manh Chu
- Director of General Management Commission: Master Nguyen Van Thu
- Director of Justice Commission: Master Ngo Huu Lien
- Director of Ceremony Commission: Master Tran Ban Que
- Director of the Treasury Commission: Master NguyenVan Thong
- Training Commission: Master Tran Huy Phong (Director), Nguyen Van Thu, Tran
Duc Hop, NguyenVan Thong, Tran The Phuong
The Council of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao also establishes the rank hierarchy and
uniforms as well as a training curiculum according to the rank
The ranks of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao is as follow:
- White Belt: Grand Master Le Sang
- Red Belt:
- Red Belt II: Master Tran Huy Phong
- Red Belt I: Masters Nguyen Van Thu
- Yellow-Stripe Red Belt: Masters Nguyen Van Thong, Tran Duc Hop, Phung
Manh Chu, Tran Ban Que, Phan Quynh, Ngo Huu Lien, Nguyen Van Cuong, Tran The
Phužng
- Yellow Belt:
- Yellow Belt II: Senior Instructors Trinh Ngoc Minh, Cao Van Cat
- Yellow Belt I: Instructors Nguyen Duc Quynh Ky, Nguyen Van Le, Lien Quoc,
To Cam Minh
- Yellow Belt: Assistant Instructor Nguyen Van Thai
The first training center is opened in 61 Vinh Vien (Eternal) Street, Saigon;
then numerous training centers are also opened in Saigon such as Tran Hung Dao,
Hoa Lu... The philosophical knowledge is also researched and published
In 1965, Master Phung Manh Chu, Director of Public Relations Committee, is
successful in bringing Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao to the "New School Deal" program of
the Education Department. The program starts first in four public high schools:
Chu Van An, Petrus Truong Vinh Ky, Trung Vuong, and Gia Long; then followed by
other pulic shools such as Nguyen Trai, Vo Truong Toan, Le Van Duyet, Tran Luc,
Ho Ngoc Can, Mac Dinh Chi... as well as private schools in Saigon - Gia Dinh.
During this time, the new training curiculum is developed from Self-Defense to
Master levels. The philosophical knowledge of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao is also taught
during class.
Because of his good public relations and communication skills, Master Manh
Hoang manages to secure two large centers for Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao from 1965 to
April 1975. Those are the Hoa Lu stadium (later named the Youth Training Center
by Master Tran Huy Phong), 2 Bis Dinh Tien Hoang street, and the Lam Son stadium,
Tran Binh Trong street, behind the Petrus Truong Vinh Ky high school
Since the number of students practicing Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao increases rapidly
after a short period of time, hundreds of classes are opened and admit thousands
of students in Saigon and provinces. There is a serious need for instructors.
Many masters and instructors have to teach 10-11 hours a day, seven days a week;
even the third-degree blue belt students are required to teach. Finally, because
of high demand and low supply, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao have to refuse to open new
classes
In early 1966, Master Manh Hoang persuades the National Police Department to
allow Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao to be taught for the police officers. First many instructor-training
classes are initiated in the National Police Headquarter, and the newly instructors
are sent to the regional police departments to start Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao there.
Even Grand Master Le Sang and the masters like Nguyen Van Thong, Phan Quynh, Trinh
Ngoc Minh, Le Cong Danh, Tran Van Be... teach these classes. In the same time,
Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao collects a financial grant from the police funds
In 1966, South Korea persuades the Central Military Command of the Republic
of Vietnam to allow Taekwondo to be taught solely in the army. Upon hearing that
decision, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao declares that this is a shame to the Vietnamese
matial arts of more than 4000 years. On the National Sorrow Day, July 20, 1966,
Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao organizes a vigil attended by thousands of disciples in the
Plant-Animal Park (Thao Cam Vien), Saigon to protest the army's use of foreign
martial arts. This vigil, widely supported by the media, touches the Vietnamese
nationwide. Even the Military Intelligence Agency and the Presidental Political
Bureau starts to investigate this event and the organizers. Even master Manh Hoang,
Tran Huy Phong, Phan Quynh... are personally interrogated by Colonel Thang, Director
of the Military Intelligence Agency. However, because of the persistence and the
just cause, the Central Military Command issues a second order to allow Vovinam,
Judo and Taekwondo to be taught in the military
In early 1967, Master Manh Hoang convinces Lieutenant Colonel Thuy of the Military
Police of the III Corps to open many training sessions for the Military Police
in Bien Hoa
In late 1967, Master Manh Hoang passes away unexpectedly because of advanced
diabetes. Only 29, Master Manh Hoang makes many great contributions to the growth
of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao in the 60s
From 1968, Vovinamization of Armed Forces is initiated in the Central Military
Command, the 18th Army Division, the Military Police of the III Corps, the Air
Force and Naval Academy of Nha Trang, the IV Corps, the IV Reinforcement Corps,
the 16th Armor Division, the 81th Airborne Brigade, the 21st Army Division, the
9th Army Division Academy, the Navy of Long Xuyen, the Navy of Binh Thuy, the
3rd Army Division... In the same year, Vovinamization of Rural Development Officials
is initiated with the participation of tens of thousands of Rural Development
Officials in Saigon and other provinces and villages
In early 1968, during the Tet Offensive event, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao helps many
victims of war in Saigon. This touches the hearts of many people
In 1968, the Chief Instruction Commission is established in 30 Tran Hoang Quan
Street, Saigon, together with the formation of Viet Vo Dao Association and Viet
Vo Dao Youth Association. The Grand Master also appointed Master Tran Huy Phong
as head of Viet Vo Dao Youth Association
After that, many masters and instructors are sent to many provinces to promote
Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao: Trinh Ngoc Minh (Nha Trang), Tran Tan Vu (Phu Yen), Ngo Kim
Tuyen (Binh Duong), Nguyen Van Chieu (Quy Nhon), Nguyen Van Nhan and Nguyen Van
Sen (Can Tho), Tran Van My (Hau Giang), Duong Minh Nhon (Kien Giang), Nguyen Ton
Khoa (An Giang), Nguyen Van Vang (Vinh Long), Nguyen Van it (My Tho)..
Soon later, the Eastern Instruction Comission is established in the province
of Long Khanh under Master Tran Duc Hop and Central Instruction Commision is established
in the province of Khanh Hoa under Master Trinh Ngoc Minh. In 1969, the Western
Instruction Commission is established in the province of Long Xuyen (then moved
to Can Tho) under Master Nguyen Van Nhan. In 1970, the Northwestern Instruction
Commission is established in the province of Binh Duonng under Master Ngo Kim
Tuyen
Every year, on the occassion of the Commemorating Day of the late Founder,
many masters everywhere return to Saigon to attend the Commemorating Ceremony
as well as attend the special training sesssions and promotion examinations. This
creates a good tradition within Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao. The Grand Master and many
high-level masters frequently visit many provinces, cities, and towns to support
and examine the progress of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao nationwide. Beside martial arts
training and character building, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao also encourages its disciples
to participate in many community and social services
In early 1970, Master Tran Huy Phong establishes the Community Village of Viet
Vo Dao in Tan Tao village, Binh Chanh disctrict, Gia Dinh province with 3 kilometer
square area. The project creates more than 1000 residence unit to be sold to the
disciples and friends. Besides, he and some friends form the Viet Vo Dao Agricultural
Plant to harvest the agricultural produce for the village. After April 30, 1975,
the Vietnamese Communist regime tich thu this property and changes it into the
New Economic Zone of Duong Minh Xuan
In late 1970, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao and many cultural, religious, and political
organizations as well as many celebrities to found the Steering Committee for
the Establishing of King Hung's Altar, and finally the altar is placed in the
Hoa Lu Center. Every year, the National Founder's Ceremony, attended by the President,
legislators, government officials as well as many organizations and citizens lasts
for many days
In 1973, the Vovinamization of National Officials is initiated with many training
sessions in Chi Linh Center, Vung Tau
In 1974, a group of Vietnamese masters in France requests permission to join
Vovinam because they like the ideals of Vovinam. As a result, the Grand Master
and the Council of Vovinam approve their request and entrust them to form Vovinam-Viet
Vo Dao Federation of France. The first Executive Committe includes Prof. Phan
Hoang (President), Pham Xuan Tong, Nguyen Dan, Phu, Hoang Nam, Nguyen Trung Hoa,
Bui Van Thinh, Tran Phuoc Tastayre. The Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao Federation of France
is also responsible for promoting Vovinam in Europe
Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao also follows many exchange students such as Tran Nguyen
Dao, Nguyen Thi Hue, Tran Dai Chieu, Duong Quan Viet, Ha Chi Thanh... to France,
Italy, Germany, Switzerland..
In July 1974, the Grand Master appoints Master Tran Huy Phong as head of the
Chief Instruction Commission and Master Nguyen Van Thong as the new head of the
Viet Vo Dao Youth Association
On April 30, 1975, Saigon fell, and South Vietnam came under the rule of the
Communist North Vietnam. Since early May 1975, seeing the fall of South Vietnam,
Grand Master officially proposed the blueprint to bring Vovinam overseas because
he feared that the 50-year achievement of Vovinam would be destroyed
Having many opportunities to leave Vietnam, the Grand Master and other senior
masters are willing to stay in order to face the new challenges endangering Vovinam-Viet
Vo Dao. On May 27, 1975, the Grand Master was detained; and shortly after Master
Tran Huy Phong was also detained. While in prison, Grand Master Le Sang secretly
appointed Master Tran Huy Phong to be the next Grand Master in case Grand Master
Le Sang passed away in prison. During this period, Vovinam was almost disbanded;
the other Masters either were imprisoned or halted teaching. Some escaped overseas
to the United States, Europe, Africa, and Austraulia
In 1976, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao is present in Houston, Texas (U.S.A.) in the training
centers directed by instructors Nguyen Quan and Nguyen Chinh
On December 15, 1978, the Vietnamese regime allows Masters Nguyen Van Ky and
Do Van Phuong to open a Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao's training center in District 8 (Saigon)
after 3-year ban. Since this time, many other training centers are re-opened in
other provinces such as Can Tho, Nha Trang, Binh Dinh..
In June 1980, Vovinam is invited to train the Southern Martial Arts Research
of the Security Agency of the Interior Ministry (Vietnam)
In Germany, senior master Nguyen Van Nhan and other masters (of the former
Western Instruction Commission) are assigned to promote Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao in
Europe. Every year, the Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao Federation of Europe holds many special
training sessions during the summer and winter. Vovinam Europe is noted for its
valuable publications such as Forward, the Light, the Fire of Our Generations,
Green Bamboo...
Also in 1980, instructors Ly Hoang Cat Long and Do Anh Tuan begin to establish
the foundation of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao in Washington D.C. (U.S.A.)
Late 1980, Master Tran Huy Phong is released, but still under house arrest.
In 1981, senior instructor Nguyen Minh Hai arrives in San Jose, California
(U.S.A.), and opens classes for many Vietnamese youth nearby. Until 1983, instructor
Nguyen Thi Cam Binh opens a new branch with the assistance of instructor Tran
Binh from South Carolina (U.S.A.)
In July 1981, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao is present in Boston, Massachusetts (U.S.A.)
with instructor Tran My Duc. The Vo Dao Training Center is located within the
YMCA Center which attracts many Vietnamese as well as local residents
In 1982, Master Nguyen Tien Hoa arrives in the United States, and is assigned
to promote Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao in Los Angeles, California with Master Duong Viet
Hung. A year later, Master Nguyen Tien Hoa departs for York, Pennsylvania, bearing
the responsibility to promote Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao. Year after year, Vovinam-Viet
Vo Dao Pensylvania contributes many valuable human and financial resouses to the
Vietnamese community here
In August 1983, the Mac Dinh Chi cemetery is dissolved by the Vietnamese regime.
Master Tran Huy Phong as well as some masters, instructors, disciples as well
as one of the daughters of the late Founder collect and return his remains to
the Altar Hall of Vovinam Viet Vo Dao (King Hung Training Center), 31 Su Van Hanh
street, Disctrict 10, Saigon until now
On May 1985, the 25th Commemorating Ceremony in tribute of the late Founder
is held in San Jose (California). Numerous masters, instructors, and disciples
gather here to bow to the photo of the late Founder to honor his priceless effort
and vow to contribute to the betterment of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao
In 1986, Senior Master Tran Van Be is sent to lead Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao in the
United States. He and Instructor Ly Hoang Cat Long settle in Chicago, Illinois.
Since then many special training sessions are held in Chicago for many masters
and instructors from different states within the United States
On September 14, 1986, the Australian Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao Conferrence is organized
by Masters Le Cong Danh, Tran Huy Quyen, Nguyen Van Thong, Le Linh Thao, Le Quang,
Diep Khoi, Do Chanh Tam... at the Springvale Community Center (Victoria). The
success of the conferrence marks the achievements of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao in Australia.
In 1988, the Grand Master is released from labor camp. He returns to Saigon
to lead Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao through its darkest time
In Vietnam, in 1989, the Viet Vo Dao Association of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly
known as Saigon before 1975) was founded with Master Nguyen Van Chieu as President.
As Vovinam became popular again in Vietnam, Vovinam disciples were allowed to
compete in the Technical Tournament of the Third Region in 1990. Then Master Nguyen
Van Chieu and Nguyen Anh Dung are invited to the northern provinces such as Quang
Binh, Thanh Hoa, Ha Noi, Hoa Binh, Lai Chau, Yen Bai, Lang Son, Phu Tho... to
promote Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao here
In 1990, the Grand Master instructs Master Nguyen Dan (younger brother of Founder
Nguyen Loc) and Master Ly Phuc Thai to host the International Vovinam-Viet Vo
Dao Conference from June 30 to July 1, 1990 in California, U.S.A. This conference
is attended by many masters and instructors representing Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao from
different countries. During the conference, the International Vovinam-Viet Vo
Dao Federation is founded with the Executive Committe as followed
- Master Nguyen Dan, President
- Master Ly Phuc Thai, Director for America's affairs
- Master Le Cong Danh, Director for Australia's affairs
- Master Ha Kim Khanh, Director for Europe's affairs (in additions, the President
of Vovinam Europe is Master Duong Quang Viet)
- Master Nguyen Ngoc My, Director for Africa's affairs
In 1992, 178 Vovinam athletes participated in the first National Vovinam Tournament
(from December 4 to 6, 1992) in Vietnam
On December 3, 1993, Master Tran Huy Phong is successful in completing one
of his childhood's dreams: founds the college of martial arts and philosophy (the
first in 7 centuries). Master Tran Huy Phong and other professors found the King
Hung University with 3 departments: Information Technology, Medicine, and Mind-Body
Education. Master Trang Huy Phong is the director as well as the professor of
Mind-Body Education department which will train Vovinam's instructors and research
new techniques
In 1991, Master Nguyen Anh Dung is officially sent to Russia to promote Vovinam-Viet
Vo Dao here as well as the Easter European countries. After a short period of
time, a workshop is opened to train new Vovinam's assistant instructors in Minsk,
Russia. After the workshop, many new assistant instructors return to their hometowns
to start new training centers
On April 29, 1994, the Vietnamese regime establishes the Viet Vo Dao Commission
to control Vovinam, and assigns a government official (who is not a Vovinam disciple)
as the Commissioner. Because of this matter, all Vovinam Federations overseas
declares that they would not comply to the puppet Viet Vo Dao Commission. Also
in 1994, the Viet-Vo-Dao Commission bans all the "unauthorized" Vovinam training
centers in Vietnam, including Master Tran Huy Phong's training centers. It also
prohibits Master Tran Huy Phong from teaching Vovinam
In 1996, being encouraged by Master Tran Huy Phong, Master Tran Nguyen Dao
hosted the Second International Conference of Masters on August 16 and 17, 1996,
in Paris, France. The Conference decided to form the Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao World
Federation; Master Ngo Huu Lien was elected to be the President and Master Nguyen
Van Cuong was the General Secretary of the World Council of Masters
In September 1996, a young man named Patricl Level arrived in Vietnam to practice
Vovinam in the 8th District Center with Master Nguyen Van Chieu. Then he returned
to Canari, Spain, to promote Vovinam there. On February 10, 1997, Patrick Level
founded the Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao Federation of Spain with himself as President
and Sergio Mora Hernandez as General Secretary. On April 1997, Master Nguyen Van
Chieu arrived in Canari to open workshops for the new instructors
In December 1996, the Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao demonstration team from Vietnam attends
the annual 2nd World Cultural Festival and Games in Thailand. Their performance
is praised by the audience as well as their competition counterparts
On February 16, 1997, the California Council of Masters and Instructors met
and formed the Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao Federation of California with Master Nguyen
Van Dong as President
On December 13, 1997, Master Tran Huy Phong passed away because of Kaler's
Disease (cancer of the bone marrow). His priceless contributions to Vovinam were
remembered by all disciples. He was a significant figure of the Vietnamese youth
and cultural movement in the late 20th century
On July 20, 1998, Vietnam hosted the First International Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao
Tournament in Phan Dinh Phung Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation
of 4 countries: Vietnam, France, Italy, and Spain
On May 30, 1999, the first Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao Championship of North America
is held in the Roosevelt Community Center, San Jose, California with the participation
of more than 40 athletes from California, Washington, and Vancouver B.C. (Canada).
On August 25, 1999, Master Nguyen Thi Cam Binh of San Jose, California, is
promoted to First Degree Red Belt by the Grand Master himself after the belt promotion
examination in the Altar Hall. Master Nguyen Thi Cam Binh becomes the first woman
promoted to the rank of the Senior Masters of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao
And the history of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao still continues...
A - C