1964, Viet Vo Daowas added to the name. Viet Vo Daomeans “the phi-
losophy of Vietnamese martial arts.” Even though the system is called Vov-
inam-Viet Vo Dao, many Vietnamese still know the martial arts system
simply as Vovinam.
Vovinam was not widely known throughout the world until after
1975, when South Vietnam fell to the Communist forces. As a result, many
of the instructors fled from Communism and opened up schools abroad,
which led to the dissemination of the art in the latter half of the 1970s.
Unlike the traditional forms of many Chinese combatives, Nguyen
Loc originated techniques that are simple and practical. Thus, the forms
are readily understandable by any student and can be used immediately.
There are no ambiguities or hidden techniques in the forms. The forms are
built on exercises that students learn before the forms are actually taught.
The students are taught ten exercises that teach specific attack or defense
techniques for that rank level. For example, the following comprises one of
the basic combination exercises:
- Step forward with the left foot into a lunging stance. Execute an inward
to outward horizontal strike to the opponent’s neck with the bottom edge
of the left hand. Punch with the right fist to solar plexus. Execute a left
open-hand parry to the right shoulder. - Step forward with right foot into a lunging stance. Execute an outward to
inward elbow strike 45 degrees downward. Execute a left open-hand slap
to the right elbow.
Once the students understand the movements of the exercises, they are then
taught the forms that combine those ten exercises. Overall, the movements
are very practical and linear in nature, similar to karate. However, the
movements incorporate more suppleness and relaxed movements than tra-
ditional karate.
As Vovinam began to grow in the early 1960s, it maintained its eclec-
ticism, as the instructors combined other useful techniques from a variety
of martial art systems. The one aspect that makes Vovinam stand apart
from other systems is the special leg techniques. There are many high-fly-
ing kicks and scissors takedowns in which the practitioner uses both legs
to grasp and trip the opponent. The “flying scissors” techniques are the
most recognizable of the Vovinam tactics. Tradition holds that these ma-
neuvers were developed in the thirteenth century as a means to allow Viet-
namese foot soldiers to attack Mongol cavalrymen. The student begins by
practicing leg techniques starting at the height of the leg. As the student
advances, the level gets higher until the student reaches the neck and face.
Many of these techniques are very dangerous, and thus the student must
know how to control them. In addition, students must master falling and
Vovinam/Viet Vo Dao 655