The festival saw presence of 500 competitors from 35 international delegations and 21 nationwide local delegations. This was the first time various sects of Vietnamese martial arts from abroad had gathered together in spirit of brotherhood at the highly praised “land of martial arts”. Photo by Dao Tien Dat

Drums at open ceremony of the festival. Photo by Dao Tien Dat

Female martial arts instructor Ho Hoa Hue (holding yellow commemorative flag) and Vietnamese-Belgian martial arts followers. Photo by Dao Tien Dat

Martial arts instructor Huynh Thanh Phong (Chief instructor of Kien An International sect, Federation of International Martial Arts Development performed Qi Gong brick shattering with hand at Quy Nhon sporting hall. Photo by Dao Tien Dat

More long-term plan of shifting traditional martial arts to national martial arts as a international competitive sport is wish and concern of millions of fans. Participation of delegates from abroad and from all over the country to workshop on traditional martial arts - part of the festival’s activities turned the event into “Dien Hong Meeting” with aim to hear voices, suggestion and good ideas for setting up a path to development of Vietnamese traditional martial arts. Photo by Le Cuong