Have you ever wondered what distinguishes traditional Vietnamese martial arts schools from one another? What inspires a young martial artist to establish their own school, imbued with personal style and unique philosophy? Join “Du Lịch Khắp Thế Gian” (Discovery Around The World) as we uncover the inspiring story of female martial artist Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam and her journey in founding Uy Long Phái, a school where the essence of traditional martial arts is blended with relentless innovation.
The story of martial artist Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam is not just a journey of rigorous training to reach the pinnacle of martial arts. It’s also a testament to passion, perseverance, and the aspiration to preserve and develop traditional cultural values. From a 13-year-old girl who unexpectedly stepped onto the martial arts path to becoming the youngest female master in Northern Vietnam, the founder of Uy Long Phái, and the acting General Secretary of the Hai Phong Traditional Martial Arts Federation, her life is filled with ups and downs, yet always resonates with the song of her love for martial arts.
Uy Long Phái: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Founded in 2009, Uy Long Phái is not merely the result of diligent training but also the culmination of profound experiences and contemplations on martial arts and life. The name Uy Long itself holds special meaning, combining the name of Master Thanh Tam’s son and her year of birth, signifying the close bond between family and her martial arts career.
The uniqueness of Uy Long Phái lies in its distinct philosophy and strategy system. Alongside traditional weapons, the school also utilizes everyday items like thin cloths, chairs, tables, hoes, shovels, umbrellas, and more, transforming them into formidable weapons.
Uy Long Phái students practicing with hoes and shovels, unique weapons of the school.
Master Thanh Tam shares, “Every martial art has its own unique points, evolved from basic stances, essence, and core techniques… Uy Long’s distinctiveness lies in its specialization in weaponry. Uy Long’s forms are unique in the world.”
A Journey of Martial Arts Exploration and Development
To build and develop Uy Long Phái, Master Thanh Tam has constantly learned, honed her knowledge, and gained experience. She traveled extensively from North to South Vietnam, visiting various schools, interacting with masters, and participating in numerous martial arts festivals both domestically and internationally.
Particularly, her trips to Shaolin Temple, the “North Star of Martial Arts” in China, left a deep impression on her. Witnessing the rigorous training, determined spirit, and systematic management of Shaolin martial artists, Master Thanh Tam became even more determined to build Uy Long Phái into a strong school with its own identity.
Female martial artist Thanh Tam and Martial Artist Tran Chung, Head of Mai Thanh Son Martial Arts School (Hanoi), sharing and learning martial arts experiences together.
The knowledge and experiences gained from Shaolin Temple helped Master Thanh Tam shape and develop Uy Long Phái in a more professional and systematic direction.
Overcoming Challenges, Achieving Success
On the path of building and developing Uy Long Phái, Master Thanh Tam has faced countless difficulties and challenges. From recruiting students, establishing the school’s philosophy, to finding training locations and funding, everything rested on the shoulders of this petite woman.
However, with passion, perseverance, and especially the support from her family, Master Thanh Tam has gradually overcome all obstacles, leading Uy Long Phái to grow stronger.
Female martial artist Thanh Tam with her family, a solid support system helping her pursue her passion for martial arts.
The achievements Uy Long Phái has attained in recent years are clear evidence of the efforts and dedication of Master Thanh Tam and her students. In 2011, Uy Long Phái was officially recognized by the Vietnam Martial Arts Federation, marking a significant milestone in the school’s development.
Participating in the World Invitational Hula Festival: A Golden Opportunity to Experience Unique Culture
Although the original article doesn’t directly mention “How to participate in the World Invitational Hula Festival,” we can connect it to the spirit of cultural exchange, learning, and exploring new things, similar to Master Thanh Tam’s journey to Shaolin Temple.
The World Invitational Hula Festival is a unique cultural event where you can admire traditional Hula performances, learn about the history and meaning of this dance, and interact with Hawaii culture enthusiasts from around the world.
So, how can you participate in this special festival?
- Seek Official Information: Visit the official website of the World Invitational Hula Festival to grasp detailed information about the time, location, program, ticket prices, and other regulations.
- Register to Participate: If you want to participate in performances or special activities, register in advance according to the instructions on the website.
- Prepare Costumes: If you want to immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere, prepare traditional Hawaiian attire or comfortable clothing suitable for the weather.
- Learn About Hula Culture: For a more meaningful experience, learn about the history, meaning, and basic Hula dances beforehand.
- Book Flights and Accommodation: Plan early and book flights and accommodation in advance to get the best prices and ensure availability during the festival.
- Join Hula Classes: If possible, join Hula classes to better understand this dance and be able to perform basic movements yourself.
- Interact and Connect: Don’t hesitate to interact with other participants, share your passion for culture, and learn new things.
Participating in the World Invitational Hula Festival is not only an opportunity to enjoy art but also a chance to broaden your horizons, connect with the world, and experience unique cultural values.
Conclusion
The story of martial artist Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam and her journey to develop Uy Long Phái is an endless source of inspiration for those passionate about martial arts and eager to preserve and promote traditional cultural values. Like the journey of exploring new cultures, participating in unique festivals like the World Invitational Hula Festival will bring you memorable experiences and valuable lessons. Open your heart to new things, learn and connect with the world around you, to make life richer and more meaningful.
If you have the opportunity to visit Hai Phong, don’t forget to visit Uy Long Phái to witness unique martial arts performances and feel the martial spirit of the Vietnamese people.