At the event, representatives from martial arts groups, cultural management agencies, and local schools presented, discussed, and shared insights on traditional martial arts, martial arts in education, and the necessity of integrating martial arts into the school curriculum as an official subject.
In his presentation, Nguyen Van Dung, a martial arts master, emphasized that martial arts help young people cultivate discipline, morality, and personal integrity. It teaches self-awareness and respect for others while equipping them with essential self-defence skills.
Nowadays, many dojos have currently expanded their training beyond traditional spaces, incorporating outdoor excursions and nature-based training sessions on a monthly or quarterly basis. These activities help instill discipline, foster a love for nature, and encourage environmental consciousness among young practitioners. Additionally, several dojos have taken on social responsibility by organizing book donation drives for rural schools, offering scholarships, and funding school construction in remote areas.
Le Thanh Phong, a journalist, speaking at the seminar
Ms. Le Thi Ly Na, Principal of Le Loi Primary School shared that her school has been offering martial arts as an elective subject since 2015. This initiative later expanded into skill-building and sports clubs, including martial arts. “It’s very happy as the students absolutely love martial arts,” she said.
At its peak, the school’s martial arts club had over 100 students. To support this growing interest, the school hired additional martial arts instructors. Currently, two martial arts clubs are to operate at the school, with more than 70 students actively participating. The Principal also discussed the challenges of implementing martial arts in schools and proposed solutions to make it a standardized subject in the national curriculum.
The journalist Le Thanh Phong highlighted concerns about the younger generation’s increasing exposure to technology, exam stress, and social media pressures, which have led to rising cases of mental health disorders among students. Teachers, too, face immense pressure, while parents, driven by academic achievement, unintentionally push their children into stressful situations. “We must save our children. Let them grow and develop naturally. Each child will have their own path to happiness,” he urged. He emphasized that martial arts should be recognized as an essential subject in strengthening both the physical and mental well-being of students.
The seminar, enriched by passionate contributions from martial arts masters and researchers, further clarified the role and significance of martial arts in educating young generations, including patriotism and national pride through Vietnam’s long-standing martial traditions. Moreover, it serves as a source of motivation for young people to maintain good health and enhance their physical fitness.