A Brief History


Tinh Vo Dao / Vietnamese Combat Natural Boxing is both traditional and modern fighting arts, founded by Sifu Quoc L. Tran on August 28, 1999. It is a system that combined techniques from different styles and techniques of his own. Tinh Vo Dao is a Vietnamese name literally translated, the word, “Tinh” means wisdom, smart or intelligent, “Vo” means Arts and “Dao” means the Way. The whole meaning of Tinh Vo Dao, in a short way of saying, is "The Way of Smart Fighting Arts". It was created to guide those who are serious and wanted to study and dedicate themselves to the martial arts and learn the realistic art of self-defense through rigorous training with great discipline and respect. Tinh Vo Dao combined both hard and soft styles.

What makes Tinh Vo Dao different from other styles is that there is no sport application. We are more interested in training in combat applications to deal with street circumstances and real life situations. Some of our technique principles are:

  • Creativity
  • Quick reaction movement
  • Simple and highly effective technique
  • Modification of technique to make it stronger and better
  • Eliminate long/complicated techniques as much as possible, make it short/easy that can be used effectively
  • Free expression

    After students have learned such techniques and advance to higher levels and have enough knowledge, they can create their own techniques.

    Our goals and purposes are to develop every aspect of self in order to create a mature human being who totally integrates intellect, body, emotions, and spirit. We train in martial arts not for fighting but to promote physical and spiritual health and to build a strong body. We also train martial arts not just for self-defense purposes but also to develope the atmosphere of respect, friendship, brotherhood, cooperation, to stop violence among people, resolve conflicts within ourselves and promote world peace.

    In 2006, Sifu Tran has given this style another name and calls it "Vietnamese Combat Natural Boxing".


    A Brief Philosophy


    Tinh Vo Dao is a realistic form of self-defense. It is simple, easy and effective. We are not interested in any highly complicated techniques; we like to keep everything simple and easy to learn. When students are trained in Tinh Vo Dao, they are expected to be serious, open-minded, willing to learn and prepared to take any challenges. Tinh Vo Dao is a journey with no destination. During the journey, students will find training in Tinh Vo Dao fun and enjoyable. Since Tinh Vo Dao is a combination of many martial arts styles, it will help students to become well-rounded martial artist. Our goal is to do whatever we can to make sure our students reach the maximum of their martial arts goals.

    Some expectation from students:

  • Students should always show respect to their instructor.
  • Students should treat each other as brother and sister.
  • Students should learn to help one another and love one another.
  • Students should show respect and be kind to each other at all time.
  • Students should not use their martial arts skill toward their enemies unless necessary.
  • Students should keep away from any confrontation and always avoid conflicts.
  • Students should show positive attitudes at all time.
  • Students should never use their martial arts skill to harm anyone.
  • Students should always respect other martial art styles and schools.
  • Students should only use their martial arts skill for self-defense and protect others from danger.
  • Students should learn not to be selfish but always shared what they have with others.
  • Students should learn to live simple, happily and peacefully without too much expectation.
  • Students should always be humble.
  • Students should have compassion for others.

    Student's Code of Conduct:

  • Respect
  • Discipline
  • Integrity
  • Honor
  • Pride

    RANKING SYSTEM


    White Belt
    Yellow Belt
    Orange Belt
    Blue Belt
    Green Belt
    Red Belt
    1st Degree Black Belt - 7th Degree Black Belt

    Lowest Rank is White Belt
    Highest Rank is 7th Degree Black Belt

    TITLE


    White Belt - Red Belt [STUDENT]
    1st Degree Black Belt - 3rd Degree Black Belt [INSTRUCTOR]
    4th Degree Black Belt - 6th Degree Black Belt [MASTER]
    7th Degree Black Belt [GRAND MASTER]

    Tinh Vo Dao Is Recognized By The Following Organizations


    World Combat Arts Federation, World Combat Martial Artists Assocition, Valadez Kenpo Association, American Modern Jujitsu, International Combat Martial Arts Unions Association, American Federation of Jujitsu, Universal Black Belt Society, Combat Martial Art Practitioners Association, Martial Arts Masters World Federation Inc., World Federation of Universal Combat Systems, United States of American Martial Arts Dan Registry, American Combat Fighting Arts Association, Combat Self Defence Academy, World Martial Arts Organizations Alliance, United States Jiu Jitsu Alliance, Global Black Belt Society, Martial Arts Association - International, Gin Lung Tong - Golden Dragon Clan, International Gu Ping Wushu Federation, World Headmaster and Sokeship Union Dom Nai Arts Inc. International, K.I.K.A/K.B.M.A World GB, Nepal Kung Fu Association, Shukokai Martial Arts Academy, Budo Zanshin Gairo Seizan Ryu and many others.




    • COMBAT WARRIOR E-MAGAZINE October 2006 / CombatWarriorMag.net