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Vovinam

What is Vovinam?

Vovinam, also known as Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo, is a Vietnamese martial art that was founded by Nguyễn Lộc in 1938. It incorporates a wide range of techniques, including striking, grappling, throws, and joint locks. Vovinam also includes the use of traditional Vietnamese weapons.

The martial art emphasizes both physical and mental development, promoting self-discipline, respect, and self-improvement. Practitioners train to develop strength, flexibility, and agility, as well as to cultivate a sense of harmony and balance in their lives.

Vovinam is practiced worldwide and has a structured ranking system, with different colored belts indicating the practitioner's level of proficiency. It is often performed in demonstrations and competitions, showcasing its dynamic and diverse techniques.

Related Article: Introduction to Vovinam

I have seen far by seeing through the lens of Jiu Jitsu. I have exchanged a great deal of physical health for these insights, and these were trades worth making. My efforts were worth the return. I have sacrificed much in the name of this craft. Not for trophies or belts or prestige. For these fall away like dust. I pursued this art so fervently because it was not actually Jiu Jitsu I pursued. It was myself.
Chris Matakas

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Other Glossary terms

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Mixed Martial Arts
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full-contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques and skills from a mixture of other combat sports to be used in competition.
M
Metsubushi
Metsubushi, often translated as "eye closers" or "eye blinders," are tools or techniques used in traditional Japanese martial arts, particularly ninjutsu, to temporarily blind or disorient an opponent.
M
Uechi-Ryu
Uechi-Ryu is a traditional style of Okinawan karate founded by Kanbun Uechi in the early 20th century.
U
Pull-up Bars
Pull-up bars are pieces of exercise equipment designed to help individuals perform pull-ups and other upper body exercises.
P
Shaolin Monks
Shaolin monks are Buddhist monks associated with the Shaolin Temple, a historic monastery located in the Henan province of China.
S
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that emphasizes head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques.
T
Horse Stance
The Horse Stance, also known as "Kiba Dachi" in Japanese, is a fundamental stance used in many martial arts, including American Kenpo.
H
Katame-Waza
Katame-Waza refers to the grappling or groundwork techniques in Judo.
K
Dōzukuri
Dōzukuri is an essential step in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery.
D
Battojutsu
Battojutsu, also known as Iaijutsu, is a traditional Japanese martial art focused on the technique of drawing and cutting with a katana (Japanese sword) in a single fluid motion.
B
Qwan Ki Do
Qwan Ki Do is a Vietnamese martial art that combines various techniques and philosophies from traditional Vietnamese and Chinese martial arts.
Q
Choice Reaction Time (CRT)
Choice Reaction Time (CRT) is a measure of the time it takes for an individual to respond to one of several stimuli by selecting the appropriate response from multiple options.
C
Jogo do Pau
Jogo do Pau is a traditional Portuguese martial art that involves the use of a wooden staff, typically around 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet) in length.
J
Daoshu
Daoshu (刀术), also known as Broadsword Technique or Swordsmanship, is a traditional Chinese martial art focused on the use of the dao (刀), a single-edged Chinese broadsword.
D
Bogu
Bogu is the protective armor worn by practitioners of Kendo during training and competition.
B
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