Philosophy of Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo
Ten Vovinam principles (10 điều tâm niệm)
Vovinam students train both body and mind. The ten principles below guide how practitioners live, learn and use their skills.
- Train hard to reach a high level of martial arts so that you can serve people and humanity.
- Be loyal to the ideals and teachings of Vovinam and help educate the younger generation.
- Be united in mind and heart, respect seniors and care for fellow students.
- Respect discipline, keep your word and protect the honour of a martial arts practitioner.
- Respect other martial arts, use your skills only for self‑defence and to protect justice.
- Study diligently, strengthen your mind and enrich your thinking and behaviour.
- Live simply, honestly and with integrity in all situations.
- Build strong willpower, overcome fear and resist violence.
- Be thoughtful and careful in your decisions, and act with perseverance.
- Be confident, self‑controlled, modest and generous.
Meaning of the Vovinam logo
The traditional Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo emblem has a yellow shield‑like shape that is square at the top and rounded at the bottom. This form symbolises the harmony between hardness and softness.
Inside the shape, the word “Vovinam” is written in red above the words “Việt Võ Đạo” in blue, showing both the Vietnamese roots of the art and its global spirit. Beneath the text is a red‑and‑blue yin‑yang circle, reflecting balance and the principle of using both hard and soft movements. Many versions of the logo also include the map of Việt Nam, reminding students to remember their origins wherever they train in the world.
Meaning of belt and uniform colours
Vovinam students usually wear blue uniforms with coloured belts that show their level of experience and responsibility.
- Blue belt (Lam đai): the colour of sky and hope. The student is beginning their martial arts journey and is opening their mind to Vovinam philosophy.
- Yellow belt (Hoàng đai): the colour of earth. The techniques and values of martial arts have become more stable and rooted in the student’s daily life.
- Red belt (Hồng đai): the colour of fire and blood. It represents energy, leadership and the responsibility to guide others.
- White belt (Bạch đai): the colour of bone. It is reserved for senior masters whose life is completely dedicated to the art.
At Vovinam Hung Vuong, students are encouraged to take care of their uniform and belt as a sign of respect for their teachers, training partners and the traditions of Việt Võ Đạo.