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Master Phi Long Vinh performs Ngoc Tran (jade cup) Fists. Photo H.T |
The Master Phi Long Vinh performed Ngoc Tran (jade cup) Fists in Europe. It is considered as one of fists which are representative of Binh Dinh martial arts.
The "jade cup" found
Noone knows the origin of Ngoc Tran Fists. However, legend has it that Ngoc Tran Fists belonged to An Vinh school of martial arts. Researchers found it in the family annals of Truong clan in Phu My District when studying the origin and unique features of Binh Dinh traditional martial arts.
The ancestor of Truong clan named Truong Duc Thuong had settled in Ngach mountainous area (My Hiep Commune of Phu My District) in the early of the 17th century (1605) before moving to Phu Thien hamlet (My Hoa Commune of Phu My District). The Truong clan had many Masters like Truong Duc Giai, Truong Duc Lan, and Truong Trach. It was Giai who wrote the book on martial arts which is still passed from generation to generation.
Finding Ngoc Tran Fists, researchers can be aware of the consistent feature of Yin and Yang in the Fists and correct mistakes previously caused.
"Jade cup on silver tray" – ancients' implication
Ngoc Tran is jade cup. There are many explanations for the Fists and its introduction. "It seemes that there exists a long-lasting connection between martial arts and the cup of wine. A commander used to be offered a cup of royal wine before going to the battlefield. Back with victory, he was also offered another cup," said Master Nguyen Anh Dung.
With different point of view, Master Ho Buu related the jade cup to a silver tray. He explained that Ngoc Tran Fists begin with the sentence "Jade cup and silver tray, reaching right and left"; meanwhile, these two items are present on ancestral altars in all Vietnamese people's houses.
How can the jade cup and silver tray reach right and left? The sentence implies that our ancestors made every effort to found the country, so martial arts learners must be grateful to all and try their utmost to protect the homeland.
The practice of Ngoc Tran Fists is now popularized in Binh Dinh. It includes hard and soft techniques and powerful and fast postures. Master Phi Long Vinh, whose real family name is Truong, can perform Ngoc Tran Fists on a mat with the width of 1.2 meters. He learned martial arts from his father, Master Truong Van Can and his uncle, Master Truong Ninh since he was a child.
At the third national conference on traditional martial arts held in HCM City from April 15-26, 1995, Ngoc Tran Fists was accepted as one of the main contents of all traditional martial arts schools nationwide.
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