VietNamNet Bridge – Local authorities in central Binh Dinh Province have attempted to restore the popularity of local martial art sects in the area, where the sport was once famous.

The provincial People's Committee is funding century-old martial art clubs to upgrade facilities and aim at conserving and maintaining operation of the clubs.

In the first stage of the programme, four clubs will receive VND50-100 million (US$2,300-4,800) each for upgrading work. For the next stage, 24 out of total 96 clubs in the province will receive funding.

The programme will be conducted from this year to 2015.

According to Dinh Khac Dien, deputy director of the province's Department of Culture, Tourism and Sports, the upgrade should help the clubs' facilities meet certain criteria, including operation in rainy or sunny conditions, an efficient supply of weapons for practice, and hygienic restrooms.

Dien said the upgrade of the facilities would be completed before work begins on restoring the original training, including physical techniques, mental approach and ethical code.

The programme will also restore the arts that used unique weapons, which include farming tools, clothing or utensils, like a rake, scarves, hair or chopsticks.

In August, the province will hold the fourth Binh Dinh Martial Arts Festival with the participation of delegations from other provinces in the country and several delegates from other countries.

Binh Dinh martial arts became popular from the time of the revolution of King Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue (1752-92) against the Chinese invasion in north Viet Nam. Today, local masters have set up many clubs of Binh Dinh martial art abroad.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News