Martial arts of the Mong ethnic group

In the past, the Mong martial arts were only handed down to sons on the paternal side of the family but now they have been introduced in Hanoi and are drawing lot of attention from the younger generation. 

Tran Viet Linh, who has a great passion for the martial arts, is credited with bringing this form of martial arts to the capital.

When he first saw Giang A Sinh, a member of the 12^th generation of the Mong Giang family in Lao Cai province, practicing martial arts, he came up with the idea to popularize and preserve the traditions. 

Martial arts master Tran Viet Linh (white belt) instructing his students

A handcuffing technique

Performing a dangerous attack

Attacking the rival’s eyes

Meditating after practice

Although he was passionate about this form of martial arts, Linh found it very difficult to find someone who would teach him.

According to the ancient rules of Mong martial arts, only sons on the paternal side of a family were trained. No one outside the family had ever been taught the art form.

However, Linh was still determined to learn it. He tried to get close to Giang A Sinh whenever he practiced so he could learn from him.

Moved by his strong will, Giang A Sinh agreed to accept Linh as his disciple.

After a long time practicing, Linh returned to Hanoi and established the first Mong martial arts club, Bac Viet, at the University of Civil Engineering where he was studying.

The club in Hanoi has so far attracted about 500 people, mostly students and children.

Kicking technique

Practising martial arts at the Linh Dam Communal House in Hanoi

A young master (red belt) at the Bac Viet Martial Arts School

The Mong people tend to have small bodies so their martial arts consist of flexible attack styles and movements.

This form of martial arts focuses on attacking, using the hands to grasp and pinion the opponent’s arms and joints.

As there are so many difficult attack techniques, Linh had to modify some movements and wrote them into a curriculum to promote the art in the community.

He also wrote another course for females because their strength and bodies are different from men. 

Linh says the philosophy of his school is “Modesty-Righteousness-Intelligence-Courage-Tolerance”.

Based on this motto, the students at his school are taught how to improve their physical strength as well as their personal behaviour.

Linh also says that he learned quietness from Giang A Sinh and the Mong martial arts, how to look towards peace and wake up the senses of each person.

“If I had not been introduced to Linh beforehand, I would not believe that a 25 year-old student could become the master of a martial arts school,” Sinh says.

“What surprised me most is that, although he is very young, Linh thoroughly understands the deepest part of martial arts – they are not about lethal strength, but rather morality based on "truth, goodness and beauty,” Sinh confides.