Combat pit official logo black
Back to Glossary
Home
Search
Martial Arts Culture and History
Gear and Equipment
Personalities
Skill Development
Mind and Body Connection
Weapons and Traditional Tools
Martial arts map
Complete blog posts directory
Contact

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

Some martial arts are very popular—real crowd-pleasers—because they look good and have smooth techniques. But beware. They are like wine that has been watered down. A diluted wine is not real wine, not good wine—hardly the genuine article. Some martial arts don’t look as good, but you know they have a kick, a tang, a genuine taste. They are like olives; the taste may be strong and bittersweet, but the flavor lasts. You cultivate a taste for them. No one ever developed a taste for diluted wine.
Bruce Lee

Check out the latest blogs

See all articles

Other Glossary terms

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Passive Flexibility
Passive flexibility, also known as static-passive flexibility, refers to the ability to hold a stretch using an external force or support, such as your own body weight, a partner, or a prop, without active engagement of the muscles being stretched.
P
Kyū
In the context of Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery, Kyū (級) refers to the ranking system used to measure the proficiency and skill level of practitioners.
K
Mantis Boxing
Mantis Boxing, also known as Praying Mantis Kung Fu, is a traditional Chinese martial art that mimics the movements of the praying mantis insect.
M
Clinching
Clinching is a technique used in various combat sports, such as boxing, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts (MMA), and wrestling.
C
Q
Q
Centerline Theory
Centerline Theory is a fundamental concept in Wing Chun, as well as in other martial arts, that emphasizes the importance of controlling the central axis of the body during combat.
C
Nanquan
Nanquan (南拳), also known as Southern Fist, is a style of Chinese martial arts originating from the southern regions of China.
N
Taijutsu
Taijutsu is a Japanese martial arts term that literally means "body technique" or "body skill" and refers to combat skills or martial art systems that primarily use body movements without weapons
T
Muay Boran
Muay Boran is an ancient martial art from Thailand, known as the predecessor of modern Muay Thai. It encompasses a wide array of techniques used for both self-defense and combat, with an emphasis on striking, clinching, and grappling.
M
Fudoshin
Fudoshin represents a state of mental equanimity in martial arts. It embodies unwavering focus and composure, even in challenging situations. Practitioners cultivate this "immovable mind" through rigorous training and discipline.
F
Yudaoshi
Yudaoshi is an important stage in the practice of Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery, and it typically follows Zanshin.
Y
Mandinga
"Mandinga" is a multifaceted concept that encompasses elements of trickery, charm, magic, and the ability to captivate or deceive an opponent.
M
Shuangdao
Shuangdao (双刀), also known as Double Broadsword, is a traditional Chinese martial art that involves the use of two dao (刀), which are single-edged broadswords.
S
Suri-ashi
Suri-ashi is a fundamental footwork technique used in various Japanese martial arts, including Kendo, Iaido, and Aikido. The term "suri-ashi" translates to "sliding feet" or "gliding step."
S
Krabong
In the context of the traditional Thai martial art Krabi Krabong, "krabong" refers to a staff or long wooden stick used as a weapon.
K
No Items Found