Grand Master’s Speech
during the 47th Commemoration of
Vovinam - Việt Võ Đạo Founding Master (1960 – 2007)
honored at Altar Hall – Vietnam on May 30, 2007

Dear beloved Vovinam - Việt Võ Đạo disciples,

Every year, at the beginning of April of the lunar calendar, Vovinam - Việt Võ Đạo disciples gather from all corners of the world to commemorate in unity the Founding Master’s contribution, and to reflect upon the martial arts discipline we all practice. Not just reflecting on the special technical angles of this modern martial arts, but we also reflect to understand thoroughly the depth of its philosophies – underpinning by Eastern traditions, tempered by Vietnamese heritage, surviving peaks and valleys of historical national and international changes. This is Vovinam - Việt Võ Đạo Discipline.

We all know, that all physical things in this world are dependent upon the cycles of the universe and that also dictates life and death cycles of all living things. Our Discipline since its creation by Founding Master has also gone through many ups and down of national history, and now has flourished demonstrating its suitability with the needs of the global citizens on the road of “LIFE.” Thus, besides from facing the challenges of our nation, we must also continue to introduce and promote the greatness of this martial arts discipline to the global community.

To do that, besides from the strengths of each Master, Instructor, our Discipline must possess a strong organization, with sensible structures, so that everyone can have the opportunities to contribute all of his/her ability, fulfilling the evermore important mission of our Discipline, and thus the desire of Founding Master. It is the principle of mutual listening, mutual respect, sharing and complimenting each other strengths and weaknesses that I want each and everyone of my students to constantly practice and demonstrate in order to serve effectively for our Discipline, and for society.

Only one more year, and we will commemorate 70th anniversary of our Discipline (1938-2008). As I’ve addressed before, since the birth of our Discipline, Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo has overcome many obstacles and trials to survive and prosper. Currently, facing the needs of modern society, besides the techniques to enhance the physical health, our Discipline must be able not just to contribute to our country and the world the principles and values of community engagement uniquely identified and championed by our martial arts philosophies, but we must also demonstrate leadership in bringing ethical reasoning applicable to the business of citizenship and global humanity in every professional and community facets.

On this commemorative occasion, we also celebrate the Vovinam disciples who have passed away. Although they are no longer with us, their invaluable contributions continue to live and flourish in all of us through the martial arts activities of our discipline. We honor their past achievements and contributions on this noble path to develop and promote the Discipline.
Let us pray that the spirit of Founding Master as witness, will continue to brightly shine the path for all of us to follow and to lead a life that is worthy of being a disciple of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo.

Sincerely yours,
Grand Master Le-Sang