Created in the 1980’s by “Ngô Xuân Bính” is a Southeast Asian martial art form known as Nhat Nam. This “traditional” martial art form is said to have originated from Vietnam. Apparently, this form of combat is said to have existed in the country during the thirteenth and fourteenth century. Furthermore, this combat form was officially formalized as a system in the city of Hanoi in the year 1983. In addition, this martial art form was publically mentioned by Ngô Xuân Bính in his book which is titled “Nhat Nam can ban”.

a. History/origin of Nhat Nam:

According to the cultural history of Vietnam, the Nhat Nam was developed by a grandmaster known as Ngô Xuân Bính, who learnt martial art forms from his father and other renowned masters in the country. It was thus using knowledge he acquired over the years that he combined elements belonging to several martial art forms to create a unique system of combat known as Nhat Nam. Furthermore, it was in the year 1983 that Nhat Nam was officially declared as a martial art system in the city of Hanoi.

b. Weapon used in the Nhat Nam:

The weapons mainly used in this combat form include the sword, knife, and staff.

c. Technique involved in the Nhat Nam and training availability:

In terms of technique, the Nhat Nam is basically based on the “physiological and motoring” features of the human body which is then used to create training methods. So the basic focus in this combat is to dodge, approach, or deceive an opponent. Furthermore, moves such as kicking, punching, and grappling are used in this martial art form. As for training centers/schools, there are few available around world for these “traditional” combat form especially in countries such as Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

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