International Competitors Shine at the Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts Championship
The 15th National Championship of Traditional Martial Arts Clubs took place in Quy Nhon City, Gia Lai Province from July 26 to August 5, 2026. This prestigious event attracted a large number of Vietnamese athletes and also saw notable participation from international clubs, particularly from Morocco, France, and Russia. The opening ceremony was held on the evening of July 28 at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square, drawing nearly 900 participants, including team leaders, coaches, athletes, and judges representing 33 provinces, cities, and international associations. This reflects not only the rising professionalism within traditional martial arts but also fosters international exchange and collaboration.
Organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Sports, the Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts Federation, and the Culture, Sports and Tourism Department of Gia Lai Province, the tournament serves as the premier event in the national system of traditional martial arts clubs. It acts as a significant forum for international exchanges, emphasizing the importance of assessing training and coaching quality while discovering and nurturing future talent in the field. This championship is crucial for the professional development and sustainable evolution of Vietnam's traditional martial arts.
A Milestone for International Participation
This year's championship marks a historic milestone, showcasing the first official participation of traditional martial arts clubs from countries such as Morocco, Russia, and France. The presence of these international delegations not only elevates the significance and quality of the championship but also broadens opportunities for professional exchange and collaboration. This initiative significantly contributes to promoting Vietnam's image, its people, and its rich cultural heritage through the lens of traditional martial arts.
The competition is structured into three age categories: 17-40 years, 41-50 years, and 51-60 years, offering martial arts masters, trainers, and athletes from various generations a chance to compete, connect, and share experiences. This format plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the unique values of traditional Vietnamese martial arts.
Participants engage in two main categories: martial arts performances and sparring. The performances include prescribed forms, freestyle forms, and sparring, comprising a total of 348 matches, of which 229 are sparring battles. With its extensive scope and diverse competition categories, this championship is expected to vividly showcase the professionalism and developmental trajectory of traditional Vietnamese martial arts.
Not merely a competitive event, this tournament serves as an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of local training and coaching practices, thereby contributing to the preservation and promotion of traditional values within Vietnamese martial arts. Additionally, it lays the groundwork for identifying and fostering future athletes, preparing the team for participation in the upcoming 10th National Sports Games in November 2026 and the World Championships and Youth Championships of Vietnamese traditional martial arts, scheduled to be held in Italy from September 30 to October 5, 2026.
As reported by vietnam.vn.
