Vietnamese Martial Arts Born in Europe
- HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — During a state visit by the Belgian King and Queen, the "Vietnam-belgian Health and Sports Harmony" event showcased a unique Vietnamese martial art known...
- The highlight of the evening was a demonstration of Thuy phap, a traditional Vietnamese martial art founded in Brussels, Belgium, by Huynh Chieu Duong.
- According to martial artist Huynh Chieu Duong,"Thuy is water.
Vietnamese Martial Art ‘Thuy Phap‘ Featured During Belgian Royal Visit
Table of Contents
- Vietnamese Martial Art ‘Thuy Phap’ Featured During Belgian Royal Visit
- Thuy Phap: Exploring the Vietnamese Martial Art of Water
- What is Thuy Phap?
- What are the Core Principles of Thuy Phap?
- How Does the Beliefs of Thuy Phap Translate into Practice?
- Who Founded Thuy Phap and Where Did It Originate?
- What are the Potential Health Benefits of Practicing Thuy Phap?
- Do Practitioners of Thuy Phap Use Weapons?
- How Did Thuy Phap Gain Recognition in Europe?
- What Symbolism is Associated with the Name ”Thuy Phap”?
- Did the Hanoi Performance Include Cultural Elements?
- What is the Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts World Federation (WFVV) and What Role Does it Play?
- What Makes Thuy Phap Unique Compared to Other Martial Arts?
- Where Can I Learn more About Thuy Phap?
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — During a state visit by the Belgian King and Queen, the “Vietnam-belgian Health and Sports Harmony” event showcased a unique Vietnamese martial art known as Thuy Phap. The event took place March 31, 2025, at Hanoi Lakeside.
The Essence of thuy Phap
The highlight of the evening was a demonstration of Thuy phap, a traditional Vietnamese martial art founded in Brussels, Belgium, by Huynh Chieu Duong. Thuy Phap, meaning “Water Method,” emphasizes soft, flowing movements inspired by the properties of water.
According to martial artist Huynh Chieu Duong,”Thuy is water. It embodies the softness and gentleness of water. Thuy Phap is a Vietnamese martial art that embraces all the characteristics and advantages of water.”
Origins and Philosophy
Chieu Duong, a martial artist, established thuy Phap in 2002, drawing upon his early training in Vietnamese martial arts.After moving to belgium for work in 2000, he began teaching classes, attracting a diverse group of students.
The art’s principles are rooted in health training, preservation, and self-defense, prioritizing non-violence. Practitioners aim to redirect an opponent’s force or escape a hazardous situation without inflicting injury.
Health Benefits and Cultural Exchange
Thuy Phap’s emphasis on balanced movements and fluid transitions is believed to promote circulation and balance the body’s systems. Its gentle nature makes it notably suitable for older adults, improving alertness and overall well-being.
The martial art’s integration of Vietnamese and Belgian elements represents a unique cultural exchange,blending strength and flexibility.
European Recognition
Thuy Phap has gained popularity in Belgium, with its introduction into high school curricula in 2004-2005. This marked the frist time a Vietnamese martial art was incorporated into a European sports program.
Longtime practitioners, such as Jean Philip Crev Kure and his wife Dang tukuyan, who began practicing in 2012, participated in the Hanoi performance.
Weapons and Symbolism
Thuy Phap incorporates traditional Vietnamese weapons, including whips, knives, blades, and fans, utilizing soft and flexible training methods.
The name “Thuy Phap” itself evokes the image of a river, symbolizing gentleness and adaptability.
The performance in Hanoi also included a segment inspired by the legend of King Le Loi and the sacred turtle, reflecting Vietnamese history and culture.
Official Recognition
During the event, the Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts World federation (WFVV) recognized the International Water Act (Thuy Phap) as an official member.
Thuy Phap: Exploring the Vietnamese Martial Art of Water
During a state visit by the Belgian King and Queen to Hanoi, Vietnam, a unique martial art called Thuy Phap took center stage. This article explores the art, its origins, and its meaning, providing you wiht everything you need to know.
What is Thuy Phap?
Thuy Phap, meaning “Water Method,” is a traditional Vietnamese martial art founded by martial artist Huynh Chieu duong. It emphasizes soft, flowing movements inspired by the properties of water.
What are the Core Principles of Thuy Phap?
The core principles of Thuy Phap revolve around:
- Fluidity: Practitioners aim to move like water, adapting to the opponent’s movements.
- Gentleness: The art emphasizes the softness and gentleness of water rather then brute force.
- Self-Defense: Techniques focus on redirecting an opponent’s force or escaping perilous situations without inflicting harm.
- Health and Preservation: Thuy Phap incorporates movements which aims to promote the well-being and balance of the body, by balancing the body’s systems
How Does the Beliefs of Thuy Phap Translate into Practice?
Thuy Phap seeks to use to use a non violent approach to martial art.By redirecting the force of an opponent, or by avoiding harm altogether are the goals of the practice.
Who Founded Thuy Phap and Where Did It Originate?
Thuy Phap was founded in 2002 by Huynh Chieu duong. It originated in Brussels, Belgium, where Duong began teaching after moving there for work in 2000. He drew upon his early training in Vietnamese martial arts.
What are the Potential Health Benefits of Practicing Thuy Phap?
Thuy Phap’s gentle and flowing movements are believed to provide several health benefits:
- Improved Circulation: Movements aim to promote blood flow.
- balance: The training may enhance the body’s balance.
- Overall Well-being: The movements may increase alertness. Suitable even for older adults.
Do Practitioners of Thuy Phap Use Weapons?
Yes, Thuy Phap incorporates traditional Vietnamese weapons, including:
- Whips
- Knives and Blades
- Fans
These weapons are used with soft, flexible training methods, continuing the water-inspired philosophy.
How Did Thuy Phap Gain Recognition in Europe?
thuy Phap gained noteworthy recognition in Europe, by being introduced into high school curricula in Belgium in 2004-2005. This was the first time a vietnamese martial art was introduced into a European sports program.
What Symbolism is Associated with the Name ”Thuy Phap”?
“Thuy Phap” directly translates to “Water Method.” The name itself evokes the image of a river, symbolizing gentleness, fluidity, and adaptability, which are central to the martial art’s philosophy.
Did the Hanoi Performance Include Cultural Elements?
Yes, elements of Vietnamese history and culture were incorporated into the demonstration in Hanoi. A segment was inspired by the legend of king Le Loi and the sacred turtle.
What is the Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts World Federation (WFVV) and What Role Does it Play?
The vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts World Federation (WFVV) is a governing body that promotes and recognizes various traditional martial arts styles. During the event in hanoi, the WFVV recognized thuy Phap as an official member of its institution.
What Makes Thuy Phap Unique Compared to Other Martial Arts?
Thuy phap distinguishes itself through key features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Philosophy | Focuses on the principles of water – fluidity, gentleness, and adaptability.Non-violent approach to defense. |
| technique | Emphasizes soft, flowing movements and redirecting an opponent’s force, which is unique compared to more “hard” styles. |
| Historical Context | A blend of Vietnamese martial arts and a Belgium-based origin. |
Where Can I Learn more About Thuy Phap?
The best way to learn more would be to search videos online or resources dedicated to martial arts.Be sure to differentiate the correct information from unverified information, and to find reputable sources for the information.
Thuy Phap stands as testament to the power of cultural exchange through martial arts.by embracing the gentleness and strength of water, it offers a unique path to self-defense, health, and cultural understanding.