The martial arts of Vietnam : an overview of history and styles

**The first English-language book to detail the combat systems and martial culture of a land shaped by centuries of conflict.** __The Martial Arts of Vietnam__ presents an engaging overview of the evolution of Vietnamese martial arts from 2,000 BCE until today. We will look at the mythical origins of the Vietnamese people and the impact that invasions from neighboring countries had on the martial culture of Vietnam. We will discover how kings and governments promoted and, in some cases, crushed martial traditions; alongside how Vietnams' unusual geography both protected and exposed martial styles and lineages. This work offers stunning photography, era timelines, and regional maps that allow for an engaging adventure through Vietnam's northern, central, and southern regions, all in search of events and catalysts that shaped its martial history through the ages. When we arrive at modern Vietnams' martial arts society, we meet with many teachers from the northern, central, and southern regions who, through courageous efforts, are attempting to codify and preserve their unique combat systems for the benefit of all martial artists. We explore the ethnic minority martial arts, Sino-Vietnamese and Chinese martial arts, as well as various imported and foreign systems and how they are positioned in relation to modern Vietnam's martial arts practices. __The Martial Arts of Vietnam lifts the veil of secrecy long surrounding this socialist state to reveal its combat systems and their thousand years of evolution.__ The first English-language book to look in detail at the systems, styles and histories of Vietnamese martial arts and their related practices, based on first hand sources. Interviews with masters, students and academic research have all been drawn upon to provide the most detailed and up-to-date work written on the history, culture and martial arts practices of Vietnam. The book features images taken on location, as well as maps and timelines detailing important historical events and points of intrest, a listing of the martial arts schools and styles discussed in the book, and a glossary of imnportant Vietnamese terms for readers to refer to.--Publisher