At FPT University, Vovinam is not just a mandatory physical education subject, but also a bridge that conveys national cultural values to the younger generation through many meaningful activities.
Vovinam (Vietnamese Martial Art) is a Vietnamese martial art that combines flexibility and strength in harmony. Founded by Master Nguyen Loc in 1936 and officially recognized in 1938, Vovinam is not only aimed at physical training but also emphasizes the development of the spirit, encouraging practitioners to continuously improve themselves and become individuals with strong ideals, ethics, and willpower.
In 2023, Vovinam was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, becoming a source of pride for Vietnamese martial arts.
Vovinam Program at FPT University
FPT University is one of the pioneering institutions to incorporate Vovinam into the regular physical education curriculum. The Vovinam curriculum here is built around three core elements: martial power, martial arts techniques, and martial ethics. Among them, the element of “martial ethics” is emphasized throughout the learning process. Students are not only taught techniques such as forms, sparring, and self-defense but are also introduced to profound philosophies about respect for teachers, compassion, and perseverance through lessons.
The Vovinam instructors at FPT University are experienced masters, many of whom are former athletes who have won Gold Medals at the SEA Games, Southeast Asian Vovinam Championships, and other international competitions.
FPT University is one of the pioneering institutions to incorporate Vovinam into the regular physical education curriculum
Vovinam is a physical education subject that all students at FPT University are required to complete. Upon entering their first year, students don the traditional green martial arts uniform, participate in the Vovinam induction ceremony, and practice basic forms. These martial arts lessons not only help improve health and boost confidence but also equip students with self-defense skills, making them more resilient in life.
Spreading the Vovinam Spirit to the Youth
In addition to teaching, FPT University also organizes many activities to promote and spread the spirit of Vovinam within the student community and introduce national cultural values to international friends.
One of the prominent activities is the “FPT Edu Khoi Nguon Vo Viet” tournament. This is a nationwide martial arts competition that attracts nearly 4,000 students from across the FPT Education system each year. The competition features a variety of events, including individual forms, demonstration performances, martial arts music, and sparring. As of 2025, “FPT Edu Khoi Nguon Vo Viet” has completed three seasons and continues to receive greater investment in terms of scale and prizes.
In addition, the “Viet Vo Tranh Hung – Đoat Coc Vuong” tournament is an annual event for young martial arts enthusiasts. This is a platform for youth to showcase their talent in form demonstrations and sparring. The tournament emphasizes the spirit of martial honor and the deep cultural values of Vovinam, helping students develop comprehensively in both physical and mental aspects.
Especially noteworthy is the project “Bringing Traditional Musical Instruments and Vovinam to High Schools,” a standout initiative aimed at spreading traditional culture in general and the essence of Vietnamese martial arts in particular to high school students. Through performances and interactive activities, the project has planted the seeds of love for national culture while encouraging young people to engage with this martial art.
FPT University has brought Vovinam closer to high school students
In addition, lessons on martial ethics – such as the spirit of respecting teachers, perseverance, and unity – play a key role in shaping students’ character and fostering a positive mindset. These values are not only beneficial in the academic environment but also serve as a foundation for students as they step into life, becoming global citizens who preserve and honor their cultural identity.