Saturday, October 31, 2026

POST 71 Nov2026 The HOANH SON form

   

 

    POST 71 Nov2026 

   The HOANH SON form

 

 

 

 

 

    HOÀNH SƠN Quyen (SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN)

(Blog Vietchidao, Post 71, November 2026)

 

 

 

In this Post 71, you will discover all nine sections of this important martial arts form, HOÀNH SƠN Quyen (Southern Mountain). The form can be performed in two distinct ways: gently and slowly, with fluid movements, or dynamically, with sharp, decisive techniques.  Prominently the martial arts form is connected to the following historical legend.

 

Historical Background

During the latter part of the 16th century, Vietnam was in a state of political turmoil. The King Mạc, Lord Trịnh, and Lord Nguyễn were engaged in a struggle for power and control over the country.

Against this turbulent historical background, a remarkable scholar and master emerged: NGUYỄN BỈNH KHIÊM (1491–1581). He was respected as a teacher and adviser by all three rival factions. A prolific writer, he is particularly remembered for his work Sấm Trạng Trình, a collection of writings and prophecies.

Some regard this work as a source of strategic wisdom and political advice, while others consider it the Vietnamese equivalent of the prophecies of Nostradamus. To this day, Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm is also venerated as an Immortal in the Cao Đài religion.

The Story and the Legend

NGUYỄN HOÀNG was a talented military commander serving under Lord TRỊNH KIỂM, who was also his brother-in-law. Lord Trịnh Kiểm, however, feared that Nguyễn Hoàng might eventually challenge his authority. He therefore waited for an opportunity to eliminate this potential rival.

Realizing that his life was in danger, Nguyễn Hoàng sought the advice of Master Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm.

During their meeting, the master remained silent. Instead, he pointed his forefinger towards the south, beyond the mountains. He then moved his finger three times before stopping and drawing a horizontal line.

Nguyễn Hoàng understood the symbolic message: he should travel far to the south and seek refuge beyond the Hoành Sơn mountain range, where he could establish a safe base for himself and his family.

But what should he do once he arrived there?

Once again, the master said nothing. He simply handed Nguyễn Hoàng a book and gestured for him to leave.

Following his master's advice, Nguyễn Hoàng travelled south with his family and a number of loyal followers. He carefully applied the knowledge and strategic principles contained in the book. In time, he established himself as Lord Nguyễn, laying the foundations for a powerful political dynasty in southern Vietnam.

Generations later, one of his descendants, King GIA LONG, founded the Nguyễn Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

The Master's Advice

According to popular oral tradition, Master Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm's advice was expressed in the following famous saying:

“Hoành Sơn nhất đái, vạn đại dung thân.”

“One stretch of mountain can provide shelter and security for countless generations.”

The saying refers to the strategic importance of the Hoành Sơn mountain range as a natural refuge and a place from which Nguyễn Hoàng could build a lasting legacy.

It is also believed that the original manuscript of the master's book is still preserved in a pagoda, somewhere in Vietnam

(Blog Vietchidao, Post 71, November 2026)

 













HOÀNH SƠN   (Thiệu/Poem guideline)

 

00.Lễ (Việt-Chí-Đạo  HOÀNH SƠN Quyền) /Salute

01.Thành tâm nhất-thiết /Sincerity/ Sincérité

02.Thanh tịnh quang môn /Purity /Pureté

03.Thỉnh sư chí cẩn /Ask the Master /Question au Maître

04.Hoành-sơn nhất đái /Mountain chain/ Chaîne de montagne

05.Viễn kiến vô ngại /Vision /Vision

06.Nguyệt ảnh thâm tuyền  /Moonlight /Claire de lune

07.Lão-tùng cội mộc /Old pine /Vieux pin

08.Cổ tùng cao sơn  /Sequoia /Sequoia

09.Trác ngọc sơn lâm  /Jade in mountain/ Jade de la montagne

10.Trấn thủ an-bài  /Govern in peace /Maintenir la paix

11.Cao điểu quảng trường  /Sky bird / Oiseau du ciel

12a.Việt điểu quần cư  (a)  /Calling of birds /Appel des oiseaux

12b. Việt điểu quần cư (b) /         -id-                    -id-

13Anh điểu xuất thế  / Emerging birds/ Oiseau émergent

14.Xà công hiêp tâm /Snake contribution / Contribution du sepent

15.Hổ sư mãnh lực /Tiger Master’s Power/ Puissance du Maître Tigre

16.Lão hổ truyền quyết /Old tigers’secrets /Secrets du Vieux Tigre

17.Quảng đại tâm an /Generous heart /Coeur généreux

18.Vạn sự tâm chủ. /Mind over all /Esprit au-dessus de tout.

z.Lễ /Closing /Salutation

   (updated 06 September 2014)

=========================================  

COMMENTS FOR THE THREE SETS ( Number 01 to number 06)

It is foolish to teach those who do not want to learn and it is criminal to transfer knowledge to those who would use it against humanity. Therefore, the priority should be given to those who come forward asking for knowledge -with sincerity and honesty, and with good intension of learning. So with observation -of the stances, the gestures, the behaviour, the mind- a master could see how deep, how sincere a new comer is.

 

Hoành-sơn nhất đái is a high chain of mountain in central Vietnam which makes the pass difficult. So the first required quality for those who want to learn Hoanh-Son Quyen is the willingness to overcome difficulty, to be determined, and to be persistent. In other words, at first step, Hoanh-Son aims to train the learner in this way.

 

Viễn kiến vô ngại . Successful and happy people are those who develop vision at any situation, they are trained to foresee and to be determined. They will quietly opt for the best solution. 

 

Nguyệt ảnh thâm tuyền.  In a night of full moon, looking up to the sky, people can see a beautiful moon; and they see only one moon. But the wise observer, looking down to a river, can see many moons reflected through thousands of waves. The water, for not having rigid form, can provide surprising power. The mind of a wise learner is beautiful like a moon and deep like water; moving slowly but surely. /.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

HOANH SON movement 13a

    

 

 

(Email from Master Tue-Viet

To Master Paola Binh-Lam, 20 October 2026)

 

Hi Paola,

… I have double-checked the videos and confirmed that the Thủ Ấn (hand seal performed with both hands) shown in your picture of movement 13a is Tuệ Giác Ấn, symbolizing a brilliant mind and lucidity.

 

Regarding to this movement, I would like to share my personal symbolic interpretation of this sequence, based on my recollection of GM’s oral teaching when we practised this Quyền at the Yết Kiêu Club a few years ago, and it is personally viewed in the context of the Vietnamese refugee experience.

 

Movement 12. Việt Điểu Quần Cư — Vietnamese Birds Gather Together

This movement symbolizes Vietnamese refugees arriving in new lands and gathering together. United by their shared origins, experiences, and hopes, they support one another, build communities, and preserve their cultural identity.

13a. Tuệ Giác Ấn — The Lucidity

The hand seal symbolizes a brilliant mind, lucidity, and clarity of understanding. In my personal interpretation, it represents the wisdom and clear vision needed to overcome adversity, adapt to a new environment, and recognize opportunities. For Vietnamese refugees arriving in a new land, it symbolizes the ability to rise above past hardships, discover new possibilities, and build a better future through resilience, vision and wise decisions.

13b. Anh Điểu Xuất Thế — The Noble Birds Emerge into the World

This movement symbolizes the emergence of noble individuals from within the Vietnamese community. Through resilience, courage, wisdom, and perseverance, these individuals develop their potential and contribute to their new homeland and the wider world.

Together, these three elements express a meaningful progression: gathering together, developing lucidity and wisdom, and emerging into the world.

 

I hope this interpretation helps you better understand of Tuệ Giác Ấn in Hoành Sơn Quyền.

Best, 

Tue Viet

 

  

 

 

 

 

HOANH SON movement 18b

    

 

 

(Email from Master Tue-Viet

To Master Paola Binh-Lam, 19 October 2026)

 

Hi Paola,

It was a pleasure to see you teaching Hoang Son Quyen in Poland.

Regarding your question, the name of the final movement is Vạn Sự Tâm Chủ – Mind above all.

The meaning of each word is as follows:

  • Vạn Sự: Ten thousand things, meaning all things or myriad things.
  • Tâm: Mind or heart-mind.
  • Chủ: Master or ruler.

Literally, the phrase means the mind is the master of all things, emphasizing the mind's role in guiding and controlling our actions.

The Thủ Ấn (Hand Seal) associated with this final movement is called Ngọc Trản Ấn, which conveys the idea of having strong support.

You can find an illustration of this hand seal on page 116 of the book Sư Lộ Kỳ Môn Quyền.

I hope this answers your question!

All the best,

Tue Viet

 

Note: the previous movement (#17) is named Quảng Đại Tâm An - Generous Mind/ Heart is also related to the last movement.

 

 






             END POST 71   NOVEMBER 2026



POST 71 Nov2026 The HOANH SON form

          POST 71 Nov2026     The HOANH SON form                HOÀNH SƠN Quyen (SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN) (Bl...