Compared with human chess in the north, in which people take the place of pieces and its rules are like that of Chinese chess, human chess mixed with martial arts has its own unique features.
In this game the pieces of the two sides are the disciples, regardless of being male or female, of the Tan Khanh – Ba Tra martial arts school in their green and red costumes. The front and back of their shirts are sewn with a white piece of cloth bearing the name of a piece. According to martial art master Ho Tuong, who is currently in charge of a human chess-martial arts team at Ho Chi Minh City’s Cultural House, this game has various ways of being played but the most common way is to imitate an interesting game of the past by famous players. Thus, all the moves of the game are beautiful and unique, and the members of the chess team will have much time to practice to make a good performance, fascinating the viewers.
In this game the pieces of the two sides are the disciples, regardless of being male or female, of the Tan Khanh – Ba Tra martial arts school in their green and red costumes. The front and back of their shirts are sewn with a white piece of cloth bearing the name of a piece. According to martial art master Ho Tuong, who is currently in charge of a human chess-martial arts team at Ho Chi Minh City’s Cultural House, this game has various ways of being played but the most common way is to imitate an interesting game of the past by famous players. Thus, all the moves of the game are beautiful and unique, and the members of the chess team will have much time to practice to make a good performance, fascinating the viewers.
The human chess-martial arts team of District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: File.
A chess board with the green and red armies. Photo: File
The green pieces stand in their places to start the match. Photo: File
A man makes comments on the high and low moves.
The pieces of the two armies are ready to open the match. Photo: File
The red army waits for the command. Photo: File
Opening a game, the pieces of the green and red sides run from the corners of the yard to create a circle around the board, then they run to their places and bow to each other. Next, 32 pieces perform a typical martial art exercise of the school to greet the audience and to warm up. A man sitting outside, who is usually a famous chess player, is invited to attend the game. He will announce every move of the game for the human pieces to follow. After several moves, he will make comments to help the audience know the high and low moves of the game. The human pieces will move by performing the martial arts or using their weapons. Rods and long sticks are preferred because they are the typical weapons of the Tan Khanh – Ba Tra martial arts school. Only the knight has a portable shield for protection. When a piece of a side is captured, the two pieces will go to a large area in the middle of the board (called the river) to fight by performing the unique techniques of the martial arts school with the urgent sound of a drum that makes an impetus for the pieces. At the end of the game, the generals of the two sides will fight against each other, and the side in check will be the loser. The winner will shout loudly while the loser will look down. Normally, each chess match lasts one hour, which requires the pieces to have skillful coordination and mental concentration. Martial arts master Le Van Trung who is in charge of the human chess-martial arts team in District 4, Ho Chi Minh City said that the team members who have been carefully selected from thousands of disciples of the martial arts school must reach the red-belt level or higher (practising martial arts for 3-5 years).
The pieces skillfully perform fierce fighting attacks. Photo: File
Beautiful attack of the green army against its opponent. Photo: File
The continuous sound of the drum makes the atmosphere of the match boisterous and attractive. Photo: File
The chariots of the two sides launch fierce attacks with a determination to win. Photo: File
Fighting with weapons performed by the green and red armies. Photo: File
In recent years, human chess mixed with martial arts has been seen by many people. This game attracts different types of audiences. Some people like to watch the chess match, some people like to watch a traditional martial arts performance, and others are interested in the excitement of the game. Le Hung, an audience member interested in this unique kind of chess, said: “Whenever there is human chess-martial arts performance, I always go to watch. I mostly like the way the cannon captures the opponent because its attack is very nice. The sound of the drum and the applause of the audience make a very exciting atmosphere”.
Now, there are three human chess-martial arts teams in Ho Chi Minh City. These teams have been invited to perform in many places, from the south to the north, and have received the enthusiastic cheers of the audience. This game is usually held to serve the audience on major holidays, the traditional New Year festival, sports and gymnastic festivals and cultural events in the country and at tourist sites. Many localities, such Khanh Hoa and Hoi An have established the human chess-martial arts teams.
Human chess mixed with martial arts is an interesting game, and at the same time it contributes to preserving and promoting the quintessence and beauty of the traditional martial arts of Vietnam.
Now, there are three human chess-martial arts teams in Ho Chi Minh City. These teams have been invited to perform in many places, from the south to the north, and have received the enthusiastic cheers of the audience. This game is usually held to serve the audience on major holidays, the traditional New Year festival, sports and gymnastic festivals and cultural events in the country and at tourist sites. Many localities, such Khanh Hoa and Hoi An have established the human chess-martial arts teams.
Human chess mixed with martial arts is an interesting game, and at the same time it contributes to preserving and promoting the quintessence and beauty of the traditional martial arts of Vietnam.
Story: Son Nghia, Nguyen Vu Thanh Dat - Photos: File
