According to martial arts master Nguyen Lam, head of Thieu Lam Cong Phu Kien An Viet Nam, qigong is an internal practice of physical exercise and mental meditation techniques to manipulate qi, which is used mostly for improving health as well as for martial arts. Therefore, qigong has long been the quintessence of traditional Vietnamese martial arts.

The disciples gave the event  the best thrilling performances in “Knocking a Nail – Pulling a Car” by martial arts master Nguyen Van Tuan from Lam Son Dong Martial Arts School or “ A Car Running Across the Body” by  a student from Ho Gia Quyen. These are popular traditional martial arts schools in Vietnam.
 

Breaking a pile of bricks on a disciple’s temple. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


Beating the pharynx using a wooden stick. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


Breaking bricks with a leg. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


Four spears are curved when shoved into the pharynx. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


The wooden stick is broken in half when beating the body of a Russian martial arts master from Vinh Xuan Martial Arts School.


Breaking a pile of bricks on the head of a student using a hammer. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


Lifting a bike off the ground using teeth. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


Manipulating qi to drive a car across a disciple’s body. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


 The wheel of a car crosses over a disciple’s body. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


Jumping on a pile of sharp broken glass in bare feet. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


Pulling a car using the  eyelids. Photo: Tran Thanh Giang


Hammering a nail on a disciple ’s back. Photo: Vu Khanh Long


Pulling a car. Photo: Vu Khanh Long
 

Story: Thao Vy - Photos: Tran Thanh Giang and Vu Khanh Long