Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts have traveled a long and turbulent road, shaped by thousands of years of war, resistance, and cultural resilience. From the era of the Hùng Kings (2879 B.C.) to modern times, martial arts have played a vital role in protecting the nation and preserving Vietnamese identity through foreign invasions and internal strife.

Rooted in the need for self-defense, early forms of combat involved punching, kicking, grappling, and the use of weapons like spears, swords, and bows—developed to fend off wild animals and human threats. These skills formed the foundation of a martial tradition passed down through generations, adapting to new challenges while keeping its core values intact.

Throughout history, especially during times of foreign occupation, traditional martial arts faced efforts to suppress them. Yet they survived—transmitted in secret, branching into countless regional styles and schools across the country. They embody not just combat skill, but the character, intelligence, and enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Studying their history means engaging with a vast cultural legacy—one that continues to challenge and inspire martial artists, historians, and scholars in search of Vietnam’s living heritage.