Lê Xuân Trung, born in 1995 in Diêu Trì quarter, Tuy Phước commune, discovered his passion for Vovinam while in ninth grade. His interest in the martial art eventually led him to study Vovinam coaching at Ho Chi Minh City University of Sports.
After graduating in 2017, Trung worked with several martial arts clubs in Ho Chi Minh City and took on additional jobs to support himself. Despite having career opportunities in the city, he chose to return to his hometown in 2022 and establish the Minh Tâm Vovinam Club.
The club began with just 15 students. From its founding in 2022 until the end of 2023, all training sessions were offered free of charge. Trung personally covered the costs of equipment and training materials to ensure local children could access martial arts instruction.
As enrollment increased and facility requirements expanded, the club introduced a monthly tuition fee of 150,000 VND (about US$6) per student in 2024 to maintain long-term operations.
The Minh Tâm Vovinam Club now operates at two locations in Tuy Phước Bắc commune, Phước Quang Primary School No. 2 and the Phước Hưng Cultural House, and attracts around 150 regular trainees. Approximately 50 students from disadvantaged families receive full tuition waivers.
Trung said his goal extends beyond teaching martial arts techniques.
“I returned home to teach martial arts not only to fulfill my passion, but also to contribute to the development of Vovinam in my hometown. The greatest happiness is seeing the students grow each day, becoming healthier, more confident, and more responsible,” he said.
During training sessions, Trung closely monitors students and corrects their movements, while emphasizing discipline, ethics, compassion and kindness.
Many students have benefited from the program. Nguyễn Hà Thảo Chi, an eighth-grade student at Phước Quang Secondary School in Tuy Phước Bắc, has received a tuition waiver for the past two years.
“I really love Vovinam, but my family is in a difficult situation. Thanks to coach Trung’s support, I can pursue my passion. Learning martial arts has made me healthier, taught me self-defense, and helped me make friends with similar interests,” she said.
Parents have also expressed support for the club’s approach. Đoàn Thị Liễu, a resident of Lương Quang hamlet in Tuy Phước Bắc, said both of her children attend Trung’s classes.
“He is very enthusiastic and responsible in teaching his students. I hope my children not only improve their health but also learn discipline, respect, and the will to strive,” she said.
Beyond regular training, the club provides students with opportunities to perform at local cultural and sporting events, including programs organized by the Provincial Youth Activity Center and the opening ceremony of the East Quy Nhơn Ward Sports Festival.
Most performances are offered free of charge as part of efforts to promote sports and physical activity within the community. The club is also preparing athletes to compete at the 4th Central and Central Highlands Vovinam Championship, scheduled for August 2026.
In addition to martial arts instruction, the Minh Tâm Vovinam Club regularly organizes charitable activities, including donations of books and school supplies to disadvantaged students at Phước Quang Primary School No. 2, Mid-Autumn Festival gifts for underprivileged children, and the “Best Martial Arts Moment” photo contest aimed at encouraging participation in the sport.
Trần Thị Mỹ Diệp, Head of the Department of Culture and Society under the People’s Committee of Tuy Phước Bắc Commune, described Trung as a positive example of community service.
“Dedicated coach Lê Xuân Trung is a shining example of community service. His contributions have helped boost the local sports movement and deserve recognition and replication to help build a healthy environment for the younger generation,” she said.