POST64 April 2026 -
HISTORY OF VIETVODAO-
Texts and Pictures-
KHAI MON Quyen
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VIETCHIDAO Post 64, April 2026 Grand
Master Phan Hoang A NOTE ON THE HISTORY OF VIETVODAO Part 1- The Creation of Vietvodao |
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The Creation of Vietvodao The birth of Vietvodao traces back to two historic
gatherings held in Limoges, France, in 1972 and 1973:
The Convention of Limoges (1972) The Convention of Limoges took place over Easter
weekend, from April 1 to April 2, 1972, on the campus of the University of
Limoges. It was organized by Master Phan Hoang, with the support of his
disciples from the Nghia Long Institute, notably Phi-Long Petersen and Karen
Khiem-Long, whose dedication was instrumental to the event’s success. At that time, Vietnamese martial arts were practiced
across France and parts of Europe under many different names—Vo, Vo Ta, Vo
Lam, Thieu-Lam Vo, Thai-Son-Lam, Kung-Fu, Thanh-Long, Han-Bai, Quan-Ky,
Vietnamese Boxing, and Vo Viet-Nam. Despite their shared roots, these schools
operated independently. A growing need emerged to unify these traditions
under a common structure, establish shared objectives, and harmonize
technical programs. This vision brought together around thirty
participants under the guidance of their respective masters. Among them were
seven founding masters:
Discussions began on the evening of April 1 and
continued into the morning of April 2. Taking advantage of the pleasant
weather, the participants spent the afternoon outdoors near the Pont du
Dognon. At this stage, the unified discipline had not yet
been named. However, an important milestone was reached: each master
demonstrated techniques or quyens from their respective styles. This session
marked the beginning of a technical synthesis that would later form the
foundation of the Vietvodao training program. By the end of the convention, all masters
unanimously agreed on the creation of a unified federation. Master Phan Hoang
was elected to lead this initiative and establish the necessary
organizational structure. Before parting, all participants committed to
reconvening the following year. A shared sense of purpose had taken root—an
invisible bond uniting the seven masters in a noble mission.
The Proclamation of Vietvodao (1973) After a year of preparation and coordination, the
group reunited in Limoges on the weekend of March 31 to April 1, 1973. The
participants arrived with determination, ready to bring their vision to life. Discussions resumed on key issues regarding the
organization and future of the federation. The most significant decision
concerned the name of the new discipline. After careful deliberation, the
name Vietvodao was chosen. Its full designation, Vietvodao Quoc-Te,
emphasizes its international scope. Thus, on April 1, 1973, in Limoges, the Fédération
Française de Vietvodao was officially established. In the years that
followed, Vietvodao expanded beyond France and gained recognition in other
countries. On the morning of April 1, the masters gathered at
Mount Gargan for meditation and reflection, strengthening their sense of
unity and shared purpose. Later that day, near the Pont de la Gabie, they
held a solemn Ket-Nghia ceremony, swearing an oath of brotherhood: "With Heaven and Earth as witnesses, we take
the Oath of Fraternity..." In order of age—from Master Nguyen Dan Phu, the
eldest, to Master Pham Xuan Tong, the youngest—the seven masters took this
oath. Each bore a martial name ending in “Long,” meaning “Dragon.” Together,
they became known as the Seven Founding Dragons of Vietvodao. As Founding President, Master Phan Hoang formally
proclaimed the birth of Vietvodao and the establishment of its first national
federation. Growth and Recognition In the two years following its creation, several
additional masters joined the movement:
The early years of Vietvodao were marked by intense
effort and determination. Building the organization required perseverance,
and its founders worked tirelessly to secure its place and legitimacy. Their efforts were rewarded on March 31, 1978, when
Vietvodao received official recognition from the French government through an
Agrément issued by the Secretariat of State for Youth and Sports. (to be continued on Part 2)
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VIETCHIDAO Post 64, April 2026 Grand
Master Phan Hoang A NOTE ON
THE HISTORY OF VIETVODAO Part 2- The Evolution of Vietvodao
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The Evolution of Vietvodao The International Way After successfully establishing Vietvodao in France,
Master Phan Hoang entrusted the leadership of the Fédération Française de
Vietvodao to its newly elected president, Master Gérard Nguyen, in 1981. This
transition allowed him to fully dedicate himself to the international
development of Vietvodao and to deepening and renewing its philosophical
foundations. In January 1983, he embarked on a year-long journey
around the world. This voyage—both martial and spiritual—became a defining
moment in his path. Through this experience, Master Phan Hoang undertook a
profound re-examination of the concept of martial arts. He concluded that
Vietvodao should remain rooted in the classical martial tradition, faithfully
preserving the legacy of the Seven Founding Masters. At the same time, a new perspective emerged. Beyond
tradition, he envisioned a modern evolution—one that would move toward
harmony, beauty, and relevance in the context of the 21st century. Vietvodao,
he realized, could serve as a foundation from which new disciplines could
grow, each adapted to the diverse aspirations and needs of practitioners. In January 1984, Master Phan Hoang left France to
settle in Montreal, Canada, where his family later joined him. As a
university professor deeply engaged in research, he expanded his exploration
of the “martial arts phenomenon” into new intellectual and practical
dimensions. From reflection, he moved into creation, developing several disciplines
rooted in Vietvodao yet oriented toward new horizons. The Voviet Way Voviet represents a refined and cultural evolution
of Vietvodao. It is defined as a martial art that emphasizes the beauty,
depth, and expressive quality of movement. Its quyen are designed to
elevate the practitioner, nurturing both dignity and inner development. The Voviet training programs are adaptable, evolving
with the environment and the needs of students. Its five core quyen
are deeply rooted in the richness of Vietnamese millennial culture. Among
them, the fifth quyen, Tam Phap, stands as a remarkable
treasure within the martial arts world. Voviet responds to those who seek the benefits of
martial practice without the emphasis on combat. It is particularly suited
for individuals who wish to build confidence, cultivate discipline, and grow
without fostering aggression. The Way of Viettaichi Viettaichi originates from Vietvodao, yet it is not
a martial art in the traditional sense. Its movements are characterized by
grace, fluidity, and aesthetic refinement, reflecting the noble spirit of the
practitioner. With a rich program of approximately thirty quyen,
Viettaichi offers a wide range of practice possibilities. Among them, Tinh
Mat stands out as a living study of the twelve meridians and vital points
of acupuncture. Viettaichi is considered an external Way, focusing
on the harmonious development of the individual within society. It appeals to
those who are drawn to the elegance of Vietnamese movement but prefer to
avoid the rigidity of traditional martial training. Its aim is to cultivate
health, balance, and joy in everyday life. In contrast, Vietkhiphap is
regarded as an internal Way.
The Way of Vietkhiphap Vietkhiphap finds its roots in the internal
practices of Vietvodao—teachings that were rarely included in public training
programs before the mid-1970s. It is a discipline dedicated to the
cultivation of inner energy and self-mastery. Its four fundamental quyen symbolize the
connection between human beings and nature through the cycle of the four
seasons. Complementing these are five breathing methods, the result of
extensive research, forming a structured system of eighteen exercises. Vietkhiphap is intended for those who seek depth in
internal training, enhanced health, emotional balance, and a profound sense
of well-being. It represents a path toward harmony with nature and oneself.
In essence, Vietkhiphap can be described as the Way of stillness and inner
peace. The Way of Vietchidao Vietchidao represents the synthesis and refinement
of the most essential techniques drawn from the eight disciplines founded by
Master Phan Hoang. It embodies the core values and philosophy underlying
these arts. It is important to distinguish between Vietchi and
Vietchidao: Vietchi refers to the international organization that coordinates
and supports affiliated associations across different countries, while
Vietchidao designates the discipline itself—an expression of the fundamental
principles and spirit of the art.
Conclusion Over fifty years (1973-2026) Master Phan Hoang has
transmitted to his disciples more than 108 quyen, along with numerous
exercises and extensive writings on the Way, strategy, longevity practices,
anti-aging methods, and personal development. Today, around the world there are about two thousand
black-belts -a new generation of masters, teachers and black belts- who
continue to expand and enrich this legacy, opening new paths for the future
of these disciplines. The Vietchi Institute has already published numerous
works, with many more to come, preserving and extending the teachings of
Master Phan Hoang. Within this large and growing family, every
practitioner—beginner or advanced—has a role to play. Each contributes, in
their own way, to the collective progress and the living evolution of the
art. BE STRONG, BE HELPFUL Phan Hoang
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VIETCHIDAO
Post 64, April 2026 A NOTE ON
THE HISTORY OF VIETVODAO Part 3- About Grand Master Charles Phan Hoang
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About Grand Master Charles Phan Hoang, Ph.D. Grand Master Charles Phan Hoang, Ph.D., is a
visionary leader and pioneering figure in Vietnamese martial arts. Born in
Vietnam in 1936 and later becoming a Canadian citizen, he served as a full
professor at the Université du Québec à Montréal in Montreal, Canada, where
he distinguished himself through both academic excellence and cultural
contribution.
In 1972, in France, he founded Vietvodao
International, laying the foundation for a global movement dedicated to the
preservation and evolution of Vietnamese martial traditions. A true
innovator, Grand Master Phan Hoang went on to create several unique
disciplines, including Voviet, Viettaichi, Vietkhiphap, Vietchikiem, Chi-Vat,
and Vietchidao.
Among these, Vietchidao stands as his most profound
legacy—a dynamic, holistic discipline that unites body and mind. Rooted in
personal growth, inner balance, and harmony, Vietchidao offers a path toward
self-mastery and well-being.
Over decades of dedication, Grand Master Phan Hoang
has trained and inspired more than a thousand black belts, instructors, and
highly respected martial arts masters worldwide, leaving an enduring impact
on generations of practitioners.
Motto: Be strong, be helpful, and be happy. ( Vietchidao Post 64, April 2026)
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