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The origin of Vietnam Martial Arts can be traced back to the the establishment of the country itself. Evolved as a means of self-defense from the attacks of neighboring countries and tribes, the martial arts of Vietnam included styles like Vovinam and Kim ke.
The first National Martial Arts School of Vietnam was opened in 1253 in the royal court. Along with combats and tactics of martial arts, the school also taught war strategies and weather forecasts. Tran Quoc Toan, the champion of the first martial arts tournament of Vietnam achieved the status of a national hero.
The experts of Vietnam martial arts mostly originate from the Binh Dinh province of Central Highlands. The martial arts experts of Binh Dinh, Quang Trung and Bui Thi Xuan, are famous for their skills. Various martial arts schools of Vietnam established in the past still serve as centers of training of Vietnam martial arts.
The categorization of the martial arts of Vietnam was done by Grand Master Nguyen Loc in 1946. The martial arts of Vietnam were named Vovinam by the Grand Master. The name was changed to Viet vo dao by his heir, Le Van Sang.
The significant schools of Vietnam martial arts are the Vovinam, the Vo Binh Dinh and the Kim ke. Several styles of martial arts have also developed in Vietnam that are influenced by other martial arts. These Sino-Vietnamese styles include Bach My Phai, Thieu Lam, etc.
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