Our Mission

Is to promote martial arts practices and philosophies as a sport and a way of life, to engage in character development, and to empower members toward social change.

ABOUT USCORE VALUES:• Courage• Commitment• Compassion• CommunityPROGRAM OBJECTIVES: • Physical Development• Character Development• Leadership Development• Cultural Competency

Development

Previously known as the American Vovinam Institute, Vovinam USA has incorporated as a 501C3 organization in 2007. As the governing body of Vovinam martial arts in the United States, Vovinam USA currently has five training locations throughout the country: New York, Charlotte, Sacramento, Bellevue & Seattle. Vovinam USA is a member of the World Vovinam Federation, the international governing body of the sport of Vovinam, headquarters in Vietnam, since 1938.

Physical Development

Curriculum-based programs with a balanced “life-choice approach” to develop and enhance agility, muscular, skeletal and cardiovascular fitness through the practice of Vovinam martial arts. Programs and classes are inter-generational and non-discriminatory.

• Curriculum: Using belt colors and ranks • Life-choice: Challenge members to “choose” a

lifetime commitment to healthy lifestyle through the teachings of martial arts

CurriculumLight Blue Ranks

• One year of participation• Three (3) tests total• Emphasizing ethics over technical requirements

Dark Blue Ranks• Up to two years of participation• Testing of each rank is every 6 months• Emphasizing a balance between ethics & technical

requirements

Black/Gold Ranks

• One year for Black belt• Two ỳears for each gold rank• Testing is done annually – After Gold belt first stripe,

individual will be evaluated for instructor certification (requires knowledge of the entire curriculum and must attend a separate instructor course)

Character Development

• Apply and integrate traditional and modern approaches to important life-skills, such as: Self-respect, self-discipline, moral courage, selfless service, self-confidence, compassion and commitment to social justice

• Apply principles of Developmental Assets Model, which are based on identifying and strengthening positive traits and assets of the individuals, and empower them toward constructive outcomes

• Promote active communications

Leadership Development

• Lateral & relational stages of leadership development: Exercise leadership skills through all levels of the curriculum

• Promote sportmanship and develop effective conflict resolution skills by challenging the participant’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills, team-work, motivational skills and leadership-by-example approach with increased responsibilities

• The displays of these skills are culminating in various organizational and community events to help evaluate and validate the participant’s learning that can benefit the individual, the community and the organization

Cultural Competency Development

• Integrated and comprehensive education with practical experience to understand and appreciate the values of cultural diversity and competency.

• Members will have opportunities to challenge their beliefs and have meaningful dialogues involving topics of diversity, cultural sensitivity, cultural identity, biases, and cultural maturity

www.vovinamusa.org