Vovinam history
On May 24, 1912, Nguyen Loc was born to Nguyen Dinh Xuyen and Nguyen Thi Hoa as the oldest of the 5 brothers and sisters (Nguyen Thi Thai, Nguyen Dan, Nguyen Ngo, and Nguyen Thi Bich Ha). His father's family had settled in Huu Bang Village, Thach That County, Son Tay Province, North Vietnam, for generations. Later, his family moves to Hanoi. When Nguyen Loc starts going to school, his father askes an old master to teach Nguyen Loc the traditional martial arts and wrestling techniques for health and self-defense reasons... Click here for a comprehensive history of Vovinam. 

 Organization history
For more than twenty-five years, VOVINAM and its incredible system of skills and philosophies have, for the most part, taught among Vietnamese American communities.  This happened for a number of reasons; however, we believe that all Americans regardless of creeds, or backgrounds, are entitled to all the benefits that VOVINAM can bring to enrich their lives.  VOVINAM enjoys huge popularity throughout Europe, Africa and Asia because its values and beliefs transcend ethnic, religious and cultural boundaries.  It's time for VOVINAM to rise to its rightful place in the United States.  

With this belief, Master Linh Thai - one of the youngest master level disciples promoted in the United States by Grand Master - LE SANG -found the American Vovinam Institute, which subsequently incorporated as a non-profit sport federation called Vovinam-VietVoDao, USA (United States Vovinam Federation or UVF) to meet the organizational needs of Vovinam here in the United States.  UVF has risen to prominence in the national and world stage to become a recognized member of the Vovinam-VietVoDao Intercontinental Association (www.vovinam-vietvodao.net), and the World Vovinam Federation (WVF - headquarters in Vietnam). 

UVF is the only organization in the US to effectively combine developmental assets model and Vovinam leadership development models in its ENGLISH curriculum based programs.  Its creative approach earned local, national and international recognitions and supports.      

Testimonials

“VOVINAM's innovative crime prevention methods are an invaluable resource in our community.  Through the instruction of martial arts, its staff encourage leadership, integrity, courage, and compassion in our youth and offer an exciting and healthy alternative to crime.” City of Seattle Mayor Greg Nickles

"I commend the American Vovinam Institute for its strong commitment to youth, its active involvement in cultural events ... and its generous support of social service and community program."  Washington State Governor Gary Locke

 "Hi Master Linh!  Thank you for all the FANTASTIC work you're doing with Kevin and your Vovinam kids.... It was a GREAT experience for Kevin, and Garth and I so appreciated seeing Kevin doing his first Vovinam performance.... you can also imagine how surprised and delighted we were to see him kick a board and break it!!!  Thanks for keeping up the good work out of the generosity of your heart."  Annette Silverdale