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Martial arts students practise martial arts at Hung Khanh pagoda. Photo M.T |
When the summer comes, hundreds of students have gone to Hung Khanh pagoda located in the lower course of the Con River to learn martial arts. They’ve been instructed to practice Tay Son martial arts. More importantly, they are taught about human behaviour and how to become good citizens.
When the sun sets, martial arts students were all present in the courtyard of the pagoda. Master Dong Hai took time to instruct them to practice martial arts. “Many parents nationwide sent their children to Binh Dinh to learn traditional martial arts,” he said. “I only assist Masters in teaching them.”
Finding teacher to learn martial arts
Dong Hai had become a monk for 20 years before returning to secular life in Vinh Phu village, Nhon Thanh commune. At present, he spends time offering medical treatment to poor villagers.
His wish is that he could continue translating the whole ancient book on martial arts entitled Luc tuong tang vuong pho minh binh thu chieu phap, aiming to teach its techniques to martial arts students.
Under his instruction, students were focusing on special techniques of Hung ke (fighting cock) fists, Lao ho thuong son (Tiger goes to the mountain) or practicing skills in using rods and swords.
Tran Ngoc Nam and Le Van Phuc, studying the 10th grade in HCM City, have learnt martial arts in pagoda during three summer holidays.
“Our fathers went with us in the first year, but we’ve ourselves come here in the following summer holidays,” Nam said. “Now I feel more confident when living far from home.”
Pham Van Chien and Pham Van Dai, living in Vung Tau city, have also practiced martial arts in the pagoda for three courses. “Our parents were born in Binh Dinh, but they have to work far from home,” Chien said. Coming there, we could learn traditional martial arts from Masters Nguyen Van Canh, Vo Van Tinh, and Nguyen Duc Thang, he added.
One letter per week
Le Van Tan, living in Nha Trang city, has been a martial arts students in two summer holidays. He is often praised for his improvement.
Practicing martial arts helps him have a healthy body. “When learning martial arts in the first month, I always felt tired,” he said. “I was giving up learning martial arts, but decided to continue when seeing Masters’ austere life and patience.”
Tan’s improvement in martial arts showed how hard he’s practiced. “Overcome ourselves and keep confident, that is what my Master always says,” said Tan. “I used to use mobile phone, but now I don’t use, aiming to focus on training.”
When he didn’t phone home, he was advised to write to his parents. At present, he’s written one letter every week.
Tan said he presented his family a jar of soy sauce when his father visited him there. “My mother missed me a lot when reading my letters, but they are proud of my improvement,” Tan smiled.
The first lesson is to teach martial arts student how to be patient, Master Dong Hai said. They couldn’t learn martial arts without patience.
“What I teach them is just to help fire them with boundless enthusiasm which will go with them in the whole life,” Hai said.
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