Press release on the results of the

10th World Congress of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo

Hammamet - Tunisia - 09/2024  

 

Dear Masters and Leaders, 

We are pleased to announce the results of the 10th World Congress : 

• Agenda :

-         25/09/2024: International Masters course.

-         26/09/2024: Masters' grade examinations and thesis defenses.

-         27/09/2024: World Congress of Masters and General Assembly of the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo.

-         28/09/2024: Results of the 10th World Congress, belt award ceremony and demonstrations. 

• Congress venue :

EL MOURADI Hotel Conference Hall.

Hammamet City, Tunisia. 

• Organizing Committee

Tunisian Association of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo and International Technical Board on delegation of the World Federation.

 

Dear masters and leaders, 

Following the decision to stop the organization of the Congress in Houston - USA by the Federation Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo of Texas for internal reasons, and after studying the candidacies of several member countries who proposed an alternative solution, the 10th World Masters Congress was finally able to take place in Hammamet city, Tunisia. 

Examination of grades and defense of masters’ theses

 See photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XZbLaY5muP5oocQp9 

• The international grade exam for the 4th Dang level.

This exam takes place on September 26, 2024 and recorded the participation of 6 candidates distributed as follows: 

-    2 candidates from Texas, USA.

-    3 candidates from France.

-    1 candidate from Germany.

 Members of the jury composed: 

-      Grandmaster Trần Nguyên Đạo, President of the jury.

-      Master Nguyễn Văn Kính (USA).

-      Master Huỳnh Hữu Quí (Belgum).

-      Master Nguyễn Bá Dương (USA).

-      Master BLOUME Daniel (France). 

The tests are composed of the following subjects: 

-          Ngọc Trản Quyền and questions on the martial knowledge of the test.

-          Nhật Nguyệt Đại Đao Quyền Pháp and questions on the martial knowledge of the test.

-          12 Techniques of Mộc Bản.

-          Song Luyện 4. (See video: https://youtu.be/HanD5Srwr3E)

-          Song Luyện Vật 3. 

Results: See page : “Results of the 10th World Congress belt presentation ceremony and demonstrations”. 

• Defense of master's theses.

This defense session takes place on September 26, 2024. Composition of the international jury is composed as follows : 

President of the jury	Grandmaster Trần Nguyên Đạo.
Members of the international jury of Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao	-      Grandmaster Nguyễn Tiến Hội. -      Grandmaster NGUYEN The Thierry. -      Master Hà Kim Khánh. (The above judges will be alternated if one of the masters has to assume the role of thesis director).
Thesis directors	Trần Nguyên Đạo, Nguyễn Tiến Hội¸ NGUYEN The Thierry, Hà Kim Khánh, MIESCH Philippe, TRAN Antonella.
Secretary of the these	Master GEURRIB Mai.
Controllers	Master Lê Đoàn (USA). Master NGUYEN T.K. Kevin (USA). Master TRAN Antonella (France). Master SENE Abdoulaye (Senegal). Master NASSOURI Moussa (Burkina-Faso). Master MIETHE Didier (Vietnam). (The above judges will be alternated if one of the masters has to assume the role of thesis director).

 

• Candidates for the 1st degree Red Belt level (5th Dang International).
  • See video:https://youtu.be/Cq3Hi5VAKOg 

Master SADIO Cisse (F) Senegal	Thesis subject: « Vovinam-Viet Vo Dao in a feminine space». Thesis director : Master TRAN Antonella.
Master KRAUSE Simone (F) Germany	Thesis subject: « Physical and psychological recruitment of children and adolescents after the Corona period ». Thesis director : Master Nguyễn Tiến Hội.
Master BADIANE Alloune Badara Senegal	Thesis subject: « Study of the practice of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo among adults and seniors». Thesis director : Master MIESCH Philippe.

 See video: https://youtu.be/mUdlrXmkv4w

• Candidates for the 2nd degree Red Belt level (6th Dang International) 

Master Phạm Công Hoà Swiss	Thesis subject: « Pronunciation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo technical terms» Thesis director : Master Trần Nguyên Đạo
Master KA Maham Senegal	Thesis subject: « Application of Chien Luoc in the combat techniques of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo » Thesis director : Master NGUYEN The Thierry

 See video:https://youtu.be/zIpSMjeJPn0

 

Thesis defense without passing a grade 

Teacher WIRBATZ Stefan Germany

Thesis topic: « From the original Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo to the development in Germany and Vietnam ». Thesis director : Master Nguyễn Tiến Hội.

 

• Results: See page : “Results of the 10th World Congress belt presentation ceremony and demonstrations”. 

 

World Congress of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo Masters

• See photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/QmHeSrHxhkKV1b8x6 

Participants : 42 masters present and 111 masters represented, out of a total of 212 active masters. 

Master Hà Kim Khánh, Secretary General of the World Council of Masters, opened the World Congress by welcoming the participants, then proposed the general agenda.

Then he invites: 

-         Grandmaster Trần Nguyên Đạo (President of the World Council of Masters), Nguyễn Tiến Hội (President of the Supreme Council of Masters) and NGUYEN The Thierry (President of the World Federation) to ensure the Presidency Committee of the congress. 

-         Masters GUERRIB Mai (President of the French Federation) and NGUYEN T.K Kevin (President of the Texas Federation) to ensure the Secretariat of the Presidency of the congress. 

Master Trần Nguyên Đạo, President of the congress, gave his opening speech (See: Annex 1 : Opening Speech by the President of the World Council of Masters), then recalled the principles and functioning of the congress. 

• The following decisions were adopted : 

1.Master Hà Kim Khánh presented the list of 13 masters who had passed their national grades in their respective countries between the 9th and 10th World Congresses. Their grades are now recognized internationally and they become official members of the World Council of Masters :

• See Video: https://youtu.be/RMYwtHXlcZ4

 

Master	Country	Rank to recognize	Exam date	Proposed by Master
MIHAESCU Iulian	Canada	5th Dang	02-07-2023	Nguyễn Hữu Tô Đồng
NGUYEN Nathan	Canada	5th Dang	02-07-2023	Nguyễn Hữu Tô Đồng
ZONGO David	Canada	4th Dang	02-07-2023	Nguyễn Hữu Tô Đồng
LAMY Alexandre	France	4th Dang	13-05-2023	MIESCH Philippe
Vũ Thùy Linh (F)	Vietnam	4th Dang	17-08-2024	Trần Nguyên Đạo
Huỳnh Khắc Kiệt	Vietnam	4th Dang	17-08-2024	Trần Nguyên Đạo
Ngô Minh Hiền (F)	Vietnam	4th Dang	17-08-2024	Trần Nguyên Đạo
Lưu Thị Hà Trang (F)	Vietnam	4th Dang	17-08-2024	Trần Nguyên Đạo
Nguyễn Thành Phỉ	Vietnam	4th Dang	17-08-2024	Trần Nguyên Đạo
Kiều Văn Viên	Vietnam	4th Dang	17-08-2024	Trần Nguyên Đạo
NESTEROV Stanislav	Russie	4th Dang	10-08-2024	Trần Nguyên Đạo
NGUYEN Dam Thuc Doan (F)	Texas	4th Dang	01-10-2022	Võ Trung
HO Ky Chinh	Texas	4th Dang	01-10-2022	Võ Trung

 

2.Master Hà Kim Khánh also presents to the World Congress the list of masters who have not yet been active with our organization and who are now applying for membership of the World Federation and the World Council of Masters. 

Master	Country	Rank	Proposed by Master
Thái Nhật Lĩnh (Linh Thai)	Seattle - USA	4th Dang	Trần Nguyên Đạo
Nguyễn Xuân Biên	Vietnam	4th Dang	Trần Nguyên Đạo

  

3.Master Khánh then presented his moral report on activities between the 9th and 10th World Congresses, which was approved by all Congress members

• See Video: https://youtu.be/RDyrJOGAKBE
• See Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/LMPH_FYDb3o 

• Election of new members of the Executive Committee of the World Council of Masters for the period 2024-2028. 

In accordance with the Rules of Procedure, the current Executive Committee of the World Council of Masters ends its term in 2024. An election is to be held to constitute the new Executive Committee of the World Council of Masters for the 2024-2028 term. 

9 masters are candidates and one proposed master has confirmed his candidacy orally. 

In all, there are 10 masters standing for election to the Executive Committee, which must be made up of a maximum of 7 members. 

To vote, each master present has 1 vote. He can also represent absent masters who have delegated their power to him, with a maximum of 5 proxies. 

The 7 masters with the most votes will be elected to the Executive Committee of the World Council of Masters. 

Here are the voting results : 

Number	Candidate
1	BUI Khac Hung Dustin (Texas - USA)	27
2	Nguyễn Bá Dương (Ouest USA)	106
3	MIESCH Philippe (France)	102
4	BLOUME Daniel (France)	119
5	NASSOURI Moussa (Burkina Faso)	103
6	APPIAH George (Germany)	125
7	Phạm Công Hòa (Suisse)	67
8	Hà Kim Khánh (Mondial)	127
9	Huỳnh Hữu Quý (Belgique)	85
10	MBONGOLO Mbella Guillaume (Belgique)	54

  

• New Executive Committee of the World Council of Masters for the 2024-2028 term, in order of the highest number of votes obtained : 

1-     Master Hà Kim Khánh.

2-     Master APPIAH George.

3-     Master BLOUME Daniel.

4-     Master Nguyễn Bá Dương.

5-     Master NASSOURI Moussa.

6-     Master MIESCH Philippe.

7-     Master Huỳnh Hữu Quý. 

Then, the 7 leading members met to unanimously elect : 

Master Hà Kim Khánh as Secretary General of the World Council of Masters.

His mission is to direct all activities of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo in the technical, educational and philosophical fields on a global scale. 

They also agreed to invite : 

• Grandmaster Trần Nguyên Đạo as President of the World Council of Masters. This position, which replaces the Patriarch function of yesteryear, has the mission of protecting unity and harmony, defending the code of honor and universal values of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo.
• Grandmaster Nguyễn Tiến Hội as President of the Supreme Council of Masters, a body representing the values of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo on an ethical, moral and spiritual level. Its mission is to maintain the traditions and principles of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo. 

General Assembly of the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo

 See photos : https://photos.app.goo.gl/eRKtGifwmiivmNLZ7

 

The General Assembly of the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo begins with the welcoming speech of Grandmaster NGUYEN The Thierry, the current President

(see: Annex 2: Opening speech by the President of the World Federation) 

• Participants
  • The presidents of the National Federations members, present or represented: Germany, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Spain, France, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Russia, Senegal, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, North-East USA, Texas USA, West USA. 

• The 7 new elected Executive members of the World Council of Masters and its president. 

• Opening of the General Assembly : 

As an introduction, Master Trần Nguyên Đạo recalled the operating principles of the General Assembly and introduced the participants.

• See video: https://youtu.be/CQJ0S0KCm_I 

Master NGUYEN The Thierry, on behalf of the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo, presented the moral report including the activities and finances of the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo for the period 2022-2024 and submitted to the vote for approval to all leaders and masters present or with proxy, authorized to vote.

 

Each president of a national federation has 1 vote. There are 14 countries present and 2 excused with proxy out of a total of 24, therefore 16 votes.

Each elected member of the Executive Committee of the World Council of Masters has 1 vote, therefore 7 votes.

In total, there are 16 + 7 = 23 votes.

 

Between the 9th and 10th World Congress, the World Federation received the membership of 3 new members: Tunisia (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2023) and IVS Vietnam (2023). The membership of these 3 members is formalized during this General Assembly. 

• Decisions voted :

Masters' contributions for a 4-year term : The members voted (17 votes for, 4 against and 2 abstention) for a contribution of €40/term for masters. The contribution of €2/year for practitioners of all levels remains unchanged. 

• Election of the new President of the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo for the period 2024-2028. 

Master NGUYEN The Thierry is unanimously re-elected as President of the World Federation. 

Results of the 10th World Congress Belt ceremony and demonstrations

 On Saturday, September 28, 2024, the official results of the 10th World Congress of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo are proclaimed in front of all masters, federal leaders and guests. 

• See photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/qUE6av92suj9ESKh7 

After the democratic votes in each instance, here is the list of new members of the Executive Committee of the World Council of Masters and the Executive Board of the World Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo Federation : 

• New Supreme Council of Masters for the 2024-2028 term : 

President	Grandmaster Nguyễn Tiến Hội
Members	All Supreme White Belt Masters

 

• New Executive Committee of the World Council of Masters for the 2024-2028 term

President	Grandmaster Trần Nguyên Đạo
Secretary General	Master Hà Kim Khánh
Members	Masters : APPIAH George (Germany), BLOUME Daniel (France), Nguyễn Bá Dương (California - USA), NASSOURI Moussa (Burkina-Faso), MIESCH Philippe (France), Huỳnh Hữu Quý (Belgium)

• See video: https://youtu.be/tiBW37xNmL4
• See video: https://youtu.be/xuzBvW3W4qk

 

• New Executive Board of the World Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo Federation for the 2024-2028 term : 

President	Grandmaster NGUYEN The Thierry
Secretary General	Master Phùng Trọng Kiệt
Treasurer	Master BLOUME Daniel

• See video: https://youtu.be/GwhAOj_63pk 

• Results of the examination of grades and defense of thesis of international masters 

On the occasion of the 10th World Congress in 2024 in Hammamet city, Tunisia, the following masters passed the technical examination of grades : 

• Red Belt Level (4th international dang black belt) 

1-     Master HAMMAN Magali (F) – France.

2-     Master BUI Minh Duc Danny – Texas, USA.

3-     Master ZAHOUT Abderrazak – France.

4-     Master Lê Quang Vinh – Texas, USA.

5-     Master WIRBATZ Stefan – Germany.

6-     Master CHANUSSOT Thomas – France.

• See video: https://youtu.be/TRjsxveEfpI 

The following masters have successfully defended their thesis : 

• Level Red Belt 1st Degree (5th international dang black belt) 

1-     Master KRAUSE Simone (F) - Germany

2-     Master SADIO Cisse (F) - Senegal

3-     Master BADIANE Alloune Badara – Senegal

• See video: https://youtu.be/Mge4sz9GhmU 

• Level Red Belt 2nd Degree (6th international dang black belt) 

1-     Master KA Maham - Senegal

2-     Master Phạm Công Hòa – Switzerland

• See video: https://youtu.be/gRgiAQMnKxA 

• Award of grade for development needs 

In application of article 6 of the International Convention of Grades, for the development needs of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo in Tunisia, Mr. Ridha Ben Akermi Badraoui, President of the Tunisian Association of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo, is promoted to the grade of Red Belt 

• Promotions of international masters 

Rewarded for their exceptional contribution in the development of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo, the following masters are promoted to the next grade : 

• Red Belt Level (4th international dang black belt) 

1.Master DOUMBIA Dramane - Mali 

• Level Red Belt 1st Degree (5th international dang black belt) 

1.Master Lâm Thọ - Texas - USA

2.Master LAM Pascal - Texas - USA 

• 3rd Degree Red Belt Level (7th international dang black belt) 

1-     Master Lê Đoàn - Texas – USA.

2-     Master NGUYEN T.K. Kevin - Texas – USA.

3-     Master GEURRIB Amar – France.

4-     Master TRAN Antonella (F) – France. 

• The demonstrations
  • Counter-Attack Demonstration:https://youtu.be/motQBtRfNE4
  • Đại Đao Demonstration:https://youtu.be/X4yOubVTO-g
  • Long Baton Demonstration:https://youtu.be/Op3cl-Ix2dI 

In view of the success of the 10th World Congress, on behalf of the World Council of Masters and the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo, we extend our sincere thanks to all the masters and leaders for your participation. 

We also congratulate the masters newly promoted to the higher grade. 

Looking forward to seeing you again soon, we wish you good health and good continuation in the Way of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo. (see: Annex 3: Closing speech of the Secretary General of the World Council of Masters). 

 

Paris October 11, 2024 

Secretary General of the World Council of Masters of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo

Master Hà Kim Khánh

 

 President of the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo

Grandmaster NGUYEN The Thierry

Annex 1

 

Opening speech by the President

of the World Council of Masters

Tunisia September 27, 2024 

See video: https://youtu.be/DuJkgjutxI8

See video: https://youtu.be/uomreYMNXP8 

Dear Sr. Masters, Masters and Federation Leaders. 

On behalf of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo, I would like to welcome you to the 10th Congress of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo here in the city of Hammamet city, Tunisia. 

Yes! This Congress marks the 10^th time that we have been organizing the World Congress. The key points are to debate, to discuss, to propose and to lead to the brighter future of our Martial Art. 

Since the 1st Congress, in 1996 in Paris, we have initially created the two key institutions, which are the World Federation and the World Council of Masters. At that time, there were only 6 countries, as the original members, the founding of those two institutions. As of today, after 28 years, we have now more than twenty countries; this, therefore, does form a more extensive structure that serves as a solid foundation for our international organization. 

Although our organization is still very modest, in comparing to other martial arts worldwide. However, we should be proud that we have built our international organization without any help from any outside sources. We are completely self-determination both financially and politically, without any support from any institution or any country, including the country where Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo was originated from. 

We have built ourselves a common house from each piece of stone, with our own strength, with our own manpower and of course with our own manner. All such independent capabilities are the results from the strong will of our leadership masters. This is how we are brought up at this position today. An institution which gets stronger every day, an institution which is capable of organizing its 6th World Cup in 2022 in Paris, the big event which takes place at a four-year interval as International Olympic Games does. And the most current and obvious proof we see is today, September 27, 2024; we are opening the 10th congress in this room, in Tunisia, a very young country in route of expanding Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo and a country which has just established its Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo in 2022. Should those be the icons proving what I have said?

Dear Masters and Leaders, 

Surely you have noticed that this 10th Congress has something different in comparing to all the previous congresses? Yes! It is obvious, if we look around closely, we see no elder senior masters, the direct disciples of the Founder being present in this room! 

It is true that since the creation of our international structure in 1996, there has always been the presence of one of the senior grandmasters to give the opening speech and to be chairman of the congress. But today there is no longer such case. Due to aging taking into consideration and just like everybody else, our senior grandmasters finally got retired and give ways to younger generation. 

Another most clear-cut distinction is that, at the pass away of the Founder, the late Grandmaster Nguyen Loc in 1960, the four direct disciples became the succeeders. They were: The late Grandmaster Le Sang, the late grandmaster Tran Huy Phong, the late Grandmaster Nguyen Dan and Grand Master Nguyen Van Cuong. Today, the Grand Master who assumes the function of the President of the World Council of Masters, whom, formerly, we called Patriarch, does not come from the generation of the direct disciples of the founding master. 

Dear Sr. Masters, Masters, National and Federation Leaders, 

Those are the clear distinctions of this 10^th congress. I call a "Change in Continuity", a change in harmony without disruption for the proper and better functioning of our institution. 

I invite all masters to continue to follow this path of change so that the development of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo becomes better and better. The changes are not limited to the function of the President of the World Council of Masters but also at all levels and positions, not only in the committees of the World Council of Masters, but also in the various responsibilities of the World Federation. 

But I also know that many of you are not yet ready today to take responsibility at the international level because you are quite involved at the national level. But please think about it and set yourself a goal at the next congress. To make this happens; prepare yourself with skills by participating in various positions at the international level when the lead masters have need of you and your support. 

May our strengths and our wills be united for a great success of the 10th Congress.

Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo Forever. 

President of the World Council of Masters

Grandmaster Trần Nguyên Đạo

Annex 2

 

Opening speech by the

President of the World Federation

Tunisia September 27, 2024

• See video: https://youtu.be/t08wnyUu9UY

Dear Masters, Dear leaders of the member Federations, 

On behalf of the world federation, 

I send you my greetings and welcome you to this 10th world congress and the general assembly of the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo, in this magnificent site of the El Mouradi Hotel in Hammamet, Tunisia. 

Thanks to Mr. Ridha Ben Akermi Badraoui, President of the Tunisian Association of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo, and his team, for their organizational work.

 Dear Masters, Dear leaders of the member Federations, 

Here we are again gathered for this great event in order to continue our noble mission which is to develop and promote Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo in accordance with the principles and orientations of our Founding Master. 

To be in phase in its evolution, Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo needs readjustments, changes that are necessary for it. 

The World Congress is an exceptional moment for you to make your contributions, vote on decisions... and elect the new President in order to make improvements to our Federation. 

I wish you all a good general assembly. May lucidity, perseverance, tolerance and generosity accompany you during this working session.

 

President of the World Federation of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo

Grandmaster NGUYEN The Thierry

Annex 3

Closing speech of the Secretary General of the World Council of Masters

Tunisia, September 28, 2024

(See video: https://youtu.be/Zx0_jPklcXY)

My dear masters, leaders and high-ranking members of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo, 

You have elected me to the supreme position of Secretary General of the World Council of Masters for a new term of 4 years. Very touched by your votes, I would like to thank you warmly for your confidence. 

Aware of the responsibility that falls to me, I undertake to do everything possible to meet your expectations along the way of the Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo ideal. 

This way that we are all following is still very long and strewn with pitfalls. But what characterizes the human being is his courage to take on the most difficult challenges. It is this desire to succeed, to surpass oneself, to be useful to others that has always accompanied me in life. 

I would like to thank all our hosts for your support in making the 10th World Congress of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo a great success. 

Thanks also to all the masters, leaders and high-ranking members for your participation, which has greatly contributed to our success on the way of developing our Martial Art for many years. I would like to emphasize the importance of each person present here in Hammamet city, Tunisia, for the 10^th World Congress of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo. 

The Tunisian Association of Vovinam-Việt Võ Đạo is still very young. Despite this, under the leadership of its president, Mr. Ridha Ben Akermi Badraoui, it has risen to the challenge by organizing this major gathering of global scope. 

I sincerely hope that in the near future, Tunisian practitioners will have their place in international sports competitions such as African Cups and World Cups. I would like to point out to you in passing that, following the 6^th World Cup in Paris in 2022, the next World Cup will probably take place in Germany in 2026.

So, get ready athletes.

Thank you again to everyone for your passion and dedication.

Secretary General of the World Council of Masters.

Master Hà Kim Khánh