Vovinam Viet Vo Dao Emblem: Vietnamese Culture Symbolism from Tradition to Global Reach

 Vovinam Viet Vo Dao Emblem:  Vietnamese Culture Symbolism from Tradition to Global Reach

Author: Peng Shu Chun (1984-), male, born in Taipei, Taiwan, graduate student. Mainly engaged in the promotion of martial arts, performances and Vietnamese cultural research

Summary:This study focuses on the historical evolution and semiotic meaning of Vovinam symbols. Through the dual analysis of visual design and cultural philosophy, we explore how it can become a cultural carrier and training guide in martial arts education. Logo elements such as the shield structure, the Yin-Yang circle, the map of Vietnam, and the text design not only have identification functions but are also transformed into the philosophical structure of "signifier" and "signified" through the semiotic theories of Saussure and Barthes. This article further proposes a three-tiered model: "Visual Code—Philosophical Implication—Pedagogical Practice," illustrating how logos extend from static images to curriculum design and character development. Through historical data, image analysis, and case studies, this study demonstrates how Vovinam constructs collective identity and philosophical cultivation through clothing, promotion training, and cultural education. This interdisciplinary research not only deepens the cultural depth of Vovinam but also offers new perspectives on the theoretical construction and practical application of martial arts logos, making it suitable for discussion and exchange among martial arts educators, designers, and cultural researchers. This cross-disciplinary research not only deepens the depth of Vovinam but also provides a new perspective for the theoretical construction and practical application of martial arts symbols. It is suitable for seminars and exchanges among martial arts educators, designers, and cultural researchers.

Keywords: Vietnamese culture, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Vovinam, Semiotics, Logo

Chapter 1 :Vovinam Viet Vo Dao Logo

1.1 Logo

Logotype, a graphic element with symbolic meaning, such as a symbol, icon or image.。According to the book Vovinam Vo Dao's Eighty Years Journey 1938-2018. A tuition receipt from June 1959 shows the training center at the intersection of Chen Xing Dao Street and Huang Mian Da Street using a logo with three flames. This logo was not only printed on the receipts but also hung on the walls of the training venue. It is worth noting that the three-flame design was commonly seen in the emblems of youth and student groups at the time. The earlier receipt from March 1959 does not have the logo, but only has the words "Vovinam Practical Martial Arts Class" printed in the upper left corner, indicating that logo may have been adopted later that year.

1.2 Prototype Appears

A photo of the promotion exam on April 2, 1961, shows a distinctive logo appearing on the wall of the training center for the first time. Although the exact date of its initial use remains unclear, the design already features a circular structure with a yin-yang symbol painted in the center, a distinctive symbolic meaning of Eastern philosophy.

By the time the Yongyuan Martial Arts Training Center was officially established in 1964, although students had already adopted official martial arts uniforms, they still did not wear any insignia on their chests. According to the first volume of "History of the Vovinam School (1912–1975)" by martial arts master Chen Yuandao, it wasn't until December 12, 1965, during the oath-taking ceremony for the 271st class of students, that the Vovinam insignia was first embroidered on the chests of their uniforms. This was also published in the third issue of "The Essence of Wudao."

The logo design adopted at that time is roughly consistent with the current version, with three main elements: the word "Vovinam" at the top, with the word "Việt Võ Đạo" added below, and the Yin-Yang symbol representing Tai Chi framed in a circle at the bottom, fully embodying the spirit and philosophical core of martial arts.

Chapter 2 :Semiotic Analysis of Vovinam Logo

The Vovinam logo is more than just a visual design; it's a symbolic system steeped in cultural significance. From a semiotic perspective, it conveys Vovinam's philosophy, geographical identity, and spiritual practice.

2.1 Overall Shape: Shield-Shaped Structure

·Symbolic Meaning: The shield shape represents defense and protection, echoing the core value of Vovinam as a self-defense martial art.

·Structural Design: The sharp edges on the top and the rounded bottom symbolize the harmony of hardness and softness, corresponding to the practice of Vovinam: the unity of hardness and softness.

2.2 Central image: Yin Yang and map of Vietnam

·The Yin-Yang symbol (red and blue): Derived from Eastern philosophy, it symbolizes the cosmic balance of opposites. Red represents "yang" and blue represents "yin," suggesting the balance of movement and stillness, attack and defense, and mind and body in martial arts practice.

·Vietnam Map (Yellow): This directly expresses geographic identity and integrates national consciousness into the practice of cultivation. Yellow symbolizes light and hope and is also one of the representative colors of Vovinam uniforms.

·White round frame: It symbolizes the harmony and inclusiveness of "Dao", enveloping yin and yang and the map, suggesting that Vovinam is a practice that integrates heaven, earth and man.

2.3 Text Design: VOVINAM and Việt Võ Đạo

·VOVINAM(Red）: The strong and eye-catching red represents passion and strength, symbolizing the kinetic energy and spirit of martial arts.

·Việt Võ Đạo（Blue）:Blue represents wisdom and stability, suggesting that practitioners need to be calm and rational.

·Arranged from top to bottom: the progression from "Dao" to "Skill" suggests that learning Vovinam is not just about technique, but also about the cultivation of philosophy and character.

2.4Blue Frame: Symbol of The Ocean

It symbolizes openness and inclusiveness, and also implies the international development of Vovinam Martial Arts. Just as the ocean embraces all things, Vovinam also integrates diverse cultures and technologies.

2.5 Semiotic Analysis: Peirce's Three-Symbol Classification

·Icon : The map and yin-yang imagery directly represent their referents.

·Index : The shield shape and color suggest the defensive and spiritual aspects of martial arts.

·Symbol : The text structure and color reshape the culture, while the Vovinam emblem articulates symbolic symbols.

Chapter 3 : Vovinam Logo on Uniform

The logo and clothing designs of Vovinam not only embody the spirit of martial arts, but also carry profound cultural symbols. The following are the ways in which they are used in clothing and their significance:

3.1 Color and evolution of uniforms

·Blue uniform : Since 1964, Vovinam has officially adopted blue as the uniform color of its uniforms, symbolizing the ocean and tolerance.

·Black uniform: From 1973 to 1990, the Vovinam Federation used black uniforms, but later returned to blue to unify the image of Vietnamese Wushu around the world.

3.2 Logo Design and Symbolism

The insignia of the Vovinam uniform is embroidered on the left chest of the uniform and includes the following elements:

·Red“VOVINAM”Words: Representing passion and strength.

·Blue background:Symbolizing the ocean and peace。

·Yin-Yang diagram and Vietnam map:It integrates Eastern philosophy, emphasizing the balance of strength and gentleness and cultural roots.

·The white circle symbolizes the existence and inclusiveness of "Đạo".

Applications in clothing

·Embroidered badge on the chest: The emblem is embroidered on the left chest, representing strong arms, a benevolent heart, and the inheritance of spirit.

·Large logo on the back: club or national flag logo, to enhance visual recognition.

·The belt colors are mainly based on blue, yellow, and red, as well as the ranks and grades to distinguish the learning content and responsibilities, so that the logo forms a visual hierarchy and fully reflects the visual design of the colors of Viet Musou, which is different from the black and white used in Japanese and Korean martial arts.

·Martial arts uniform design：The right-side opening design with a blue base is required to be worn in full attire for formal occasions such as daily training, promotion assessments, competitions, and award ceremonies, in order to present the cultural style of Vovinam. The use of blue is to commemorate the founder, Master Nguyen Loc, whose favorite color during his lifetime. According to historical records, he often wore a blue denim jacket.

Chapter 4 : Vovinam Logo and Philosophy

4.1 Cultural Philosophy in Visual Language

Vovinam, a martial arts system that integrates skill and moral cultivation, uses its symbols not only as identification marks but also as carriers of cultural identity and philosophical spirit. Using the semiotic framework of "signifier" and "signified," the author explores how the visual composition of Vovinam symbols translates into philosophical connotations and practical teaching applications.

4.2 Theoretical Framework: The Bipartite Structure of Semiotics Based on the semiotic views of Saussure and Barthes, the author posits that a sign consists of a "signifier" and a "signified." The "signifier" is the external form, such as shape, color, or font; the "signified" is the implied meaning, such as cultural values, moral concepts, or philosophical concepts. Within this framework, martial arts symbols can be interpreted as a cultural grammar, showcasing the multi-layered nature of the martial arts system.

4.3 Symbol Composition and Meaning Analysis: The table below summarizes the main symbols in the Vovinam logo and their meanings, linking them to its philosophical concepts

4.4 Teaching Practice: From Symbols to Mind-Body Transformation

The teaching of Vovinam not only explains the theoretical meaning of the symbols, but also uses teaching examples to demonstrate how to guide students to understand and practice these symbolic philosophies in the course:

4.4.1 Movement training that combines strength and flexibility

Through the angular and circular composition of the logo, disciples are guided to experience the balance of strength and flexibility in physical expression. The curriculum includes technical exercises in linear attacks and defensive maneuvers, and encourages students to reflect on the application and balance of strength and flexibility in daily life.

4.4.2 National Identity and Cultural Awareness

Courses at the yellow belt level and above emphasize the cultural roots of Viet Vo Dao. Using a yellow map of Vietnam as a visual starting point, instructors guide students to explore the cultural connections between the individual and the collective, further understanding the development of Viet Vo Dao culture.

4.4.3The Practice and Philosophical Depth of the Dao

In coach training, the white circle and the yin-yang symbol form the core of the discussion. The training includes seated meditation, ethical dialogue, and writing about teaching methods, guiding trainees to think about how the "Tao" can be implemented in their own cultivation and teaching practice.

Conclusion

Through hands-on practice, martial arts practitioners throughout history have gradually developed and evolved the iconic symbols of Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao.

The Vovinam logo is not only a visually recognizable image, but also a system of symbols that carries philosophical, cultural, and historical memories. Its evolution reflects the growth trajectory of Vovinam from practical martial arts classes to a global martial arts system. The earliest prototype can be traced back to 1959, with the three flames symbolizing the spirit of youth ;The circular logo that appeared in 1961 introduced the yin-yang symbol, opening up the expression of philosophical meaning. It wasn't until 1965 that Le Sang added the three characters "Viet Vo Dao", The logo design integrates a shield-shaped structure, a yin-yang symbol, a map of Vietnam, and textual elements, showcasing a balance of strength and gentleness, national identity, and the philosophy of Tao.

The red "VOVINAM" represents passion and power, while the blue "Việt Võ Đạo" symbolizes wisdom and cultivation.

The yellow map of Vietnam emphasizes cultural roots, and the white circle represents the earth's embrace of heaven, earth, and humanity, embodying the harmony of Tao.

From a semiotic perspective, the shapes and colors in the logo are the "signifier," while the underlying philosophical and cultural values ​​are the "signified." In the three stages of teaching practice, instructors guide students to transform the symbolic meaning of the logo into concrete practices of physical and mental cultivation through movement training, cultural discussions, and meditation. Therefore, the Vovinam - Viet Vo Dao logo is not merely an image, but a cultural grammar, embodying the core spirit and global perspective of the Vietnamese people and their traditional martial arts.

References

[1] vovinam-vietvodao 80 years of history 1938-2018，Hanoi: Sports Tourism Publishing House

[2] BUI DANG HONG NHUNG，A study on development of vovinam - viet vo dao in binhduong province in vietnam，2014，P. 5

[3] Qin Weiqi, Qin Liuzi，Sports Culture Guide No．11．Nov，2013，P. 124-127

[4] Le Sang，Memoirs of Vovinam Grandmaster Le Sang，1965

[5] Vovinam Taiwan，https://taiwan.eavf.org。

[6] E.A.V.F. ，https://eavf.org。