Vietnamese Martial Art Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao Gains Traction as cultural Bridge in Europe
Paris, France – November 17, 2025 – The 2025 Tran Huy Phong Championship, recently concluded in France, underscored the growing influence of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao as a powerful cultural ambassador for Vietnam in Europe. The event showcased the martial art’s increasing popularity and its role in fostering understanding of Vietnamese culture amongst international communities.
Approximately 25 clubs across France participated in the competition,with a meaningful majority of practitioners being local to France,Belgium,and other European nations,according to Master Tran Nguyen Dao,president of the Martial Arts Masters Council. this demonstrates a widening embrace of Vietnamese traditions within the region.
“Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao is not just a martial art, but a part of Vietnamese culture and embodies the humanistic philosophy of ’live for yourself, live for all,'” emphasized Dinh Ngoc Duc, director of the French Vietnamese Cultural Center, at the opening ceremony. he further stated the art serves as a vital tool for public relations, promoting Vietnam’s image, people, and culture internationally.
Vietnamese Ambassador to France, Dinh Toan Thang, extended his congratulations and acknowledged the dedication of the Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao community in France and Europe in spreading Vietnamese culture.
As 1975, Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao has flourished in France under the guidance of prominent masters including Tran Nguyen Dao, Ba Hien, Daniel Blume, Philippe Micheaux, Aldo Sforza, and angela Nago. This legacy continues with a new generation of masters expanding the art’s reach and solidifying its position as a popular sport and cultural practice.
Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao distinguishes itself through its blend of physical techniques - encompassing health exercises, self-defense, and weapon training with knives, canes, and wooden blocks – and a profound life philosophy.
“This martial art is rich in techniques and philosophical values, and is an art that promotes altruism and helps cultivate the soul,” shared Master Harman Magali, a practitioner of over 25 years.
The art’s impact extends to younger generations,as exemplified by Mahdi Alexandre,22,who has practiced as age 7.Alexandre, a European competition runner-up, expressed a lifelong dream of visiting Vietnam, “the home of my martial arts,” despite battling asthma.
Dinh Ngoc Duc affirmed a continued commitment to promoting cultural activities, including Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao, to deepen international understanding of Vietnam’s “rich emotions, humanity and martial arts.”
The 2025 championship confirmed Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao’s success as a strong cultural bridge between Vietnam and the international community, particularly in France and Europe.
source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/vovinam-viet-vo-dao-tro-thanh-su-gia-van-hoa-tai-chau-au-20251117085422415.htm**
