At Nhơn Bình Secondary School in East Quy Nhơn Ward, the courtyard fills each evening with the rhythmic sounds of martial arts practice as 90 students gather for training under Master Nguyễn Minh Giang (born 1990), a physical education teacher and head of the school’s traditional martial arts club.
Giang, who studied under senior master Trần Duy Linh, Director of the Bình Định Traditional Martial Arts Center, founded the club in 2015 with approval from the school. Since then, it has flourished, producing numerous young athletes who have achieved success at provincial and national competitions.
At the Bình Định Traditional Martial Arts Tournament for Martial Arts Schools, competing for the Hoàng đế Quang Trung Cup, the club secured third place overall in the forms category in both 2024 and 2025.
Club members who joined the provincial team went on to win two gold and two silver medals at the National Youth Traditional Martial Arts Championships during the same years.
Student Phạm Đoàn Hải Yến (class 9A7) said, “Practicing martial arts has made me healthier, more confident, and proud to help preserve my homeland’s traditional martial arts.”
Beyond the school, Master Giang also offers free classes for 26 children at the SOS Children’s Village in Quy Nhơn, aiming to build strength, resilience, and moral character among students while fostering love for national culture.
Another key contributor to the movement is teacher Lê Công Kiên (born 1992), founder of the Lê Lợi Secondary School Traditional Martial Arts Club (20 Nguyễn Trãi, Quy Nhơn Ward), established in 2021. The club holds free training sessions three evenings per week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with nearly 40 students regularly attending.
Despite initial challenges, Kiên managed to secure resources for uniforms and training equipment, with additional support from accomplished coaches at the Bình Định Traditional Martial Arts Center. He said, “Learning traditional martial arts is not just about skills but also about moral values. I hope this spirit continues to grow among students across the province.”
At Nguyễn Khuyến Primary School (1107 Hùng Vương Street, Quy Nhơn Bắc Ward), former national-level athlete Phạm Thị Hằng (born 1996) has been teaching since 2021. Her classes, held every evening, attract many young learners eager to practice and perform.
Drawing from her own competitive experience, where she earned multiple national medals in the forms category, Hằng uses engaging teaching methods to inspire her students. Many have gone on to win awards at district and provincial tournaments.
“Seeing my students confidently perform at cultural and sports events motivates me to keep teaching,” she said. “Through martial arts, I hope they develop both physical strength and a deeper appreciation for Bình Định’s cultural heritage.”
As these dedicated masters and teachers continue their mission, traditional martial arts are not only being preserved but also reignited, instilling discipline, pride, and cultural identity in a new generation of Vietnamese students.