VietNamNet Bridge – A high school in the northern province of Nam Dinh has launched a new idea to promote physical activity at schools.

A junior high school in Hai Hau District, Nam Dinh Province introduces martial arts to students. Photo courtesy of the school

But this isn’t a game of football or some basic PT.

During break times three days a week, all students will gather in the school playground to exercise the first lesson of Vovinam, a Vietnamese traditional martial arts.

According to Nguyen Thi Trang, a teacher who shared the video clip on the social media, most of students enjoy taking part and are upset when bad weather means they have to cancel.

And it’s not only helping the student keep fit. Teacher Trang says it is spiritually beneficial for them as well.

"It is necessary to organise such activities to get them motivated and taking part in collective exercise. It also brings fun and unforgettable memories for them”, Trang told Vietnamnet online newspaper.

Physical training is a very important subject both by keeping them exercised and learning a new skill.

The writer thought this activity should be expanded so as students can develop an interest in exercise at a young age.

It would also be welcomed in major cities including Hanoi and HCM City were children are often physically inactive.

According to a 2016 survey, a third of the Vietnamese population does not exercise enough to meet the WHO (World Health Organisation) recommendation of 30 active minutes at least five days a week.

Source: VNS