Vovinam has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. (Photo: VOV)

Vovinam was first created in Hanoi in 1938 by Master Nguyen Loc (1912 – 1960), to provide practitioners with efficient self-defense after a short period of study.

The first Vovinam school overseas was established in Houston, USA, in 1976. Since then, Vovinam schools have been established in more than 70 countries and territories around the globe, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Poland, Spain, and Switzerland. With more than 2.5 million martial artists, the schools contributes to introducing Vietnamese culture to international communities.

Vovinam has been practiced throughout Southeast Asia and an official event at 4 SEA Games. 

From November 22 to 30, the seventh world vovinam championship is scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City. So far, more than 650 athletes, coaches, and referees from 35 countries and territories have registered to take part in the event, with strong competitors from China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Iran, France, and Thailand set to face off at the tournament.

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