To preserve and develop the intangible cultural heritage of Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts

In the historical flow of the land of Binh Duong from the past to the present, many intangible cultural values that generations have tried to preserve and promote. Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts is one of those intangible cultural heritages that, despite going through many ups and downs, still exists and develops until now.

Like other traditional martial arts of our nation, the history of the Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts line is associated with the history of the land and the community that spawned it. Originating from Tan Khanh land in today’s Tan Phuoc Khanh ward of Tan Uyen town, the famous martial art of "beating the tiger" Tan Khanh Ba Tra was formed from the early days of the village's founding and continued to be used by generations of generations who preserved and developed it until now.

Over hundreds of years, Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts school has been inherited and added by generations of ancestors to become a training program from low to high with a full range of techniques using hand and foot blows, melee techniques in battlefields, the system of martial arts, all common weapons, and special weapons on hand, which are also the common characteristics of Vietnamese traditional martial arts.

In early 2021, Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts school is included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In the endless flow of time and experienced many ups and downs, generations of students of Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts are still diligently practicing and passing on the quintessence of martial arts to the next generations. Particularly in Binh Duong, over the past time, with the advice of Master Ho Tuong - an enthusiastic master still spend time coming to classes in Tan Uyen town, Thuan An city, Thu Dau Mot city and elsewhere to teach the martial art to students who want to study. That is also the way for martial arts school of Tan Khanh Ba Tra to recover and promote in the homeland of Binh Duong - the birthplace of the sect. In addition to Binh Duong province, Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts has developed into many provinces and cities with many martial arts teaching establishments in Ho Chi Minh city, Kien Giang province, Dong Thap, Dong Nai, Binh Thuan, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, Dak Lak, Long An, Ben Tre, Nghe An among others.

Along with the transmission, preservation and development of the sect of generations, in early 2021, Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts school was included in the list of intangible cultural heritages by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. It was not only the recognition and appreciation of the historical and cultural values associated with the formation and development of this martial art in the past time, but also the pride of generations who have not been afraid of difficulties to preserve and develop the martial art as it is today.

Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts is a unique and pure culture of the people of Binh Duong, molded and grown up in the most difficult circumstances. Through those difficulties and challenges, Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial artist has always been honored with victories over enemies from fighting with wild animals to rogue elements to protect the peace of life. Tan Khanh Ba Tra martial arts is also a vivid demonstration of the martial spirit of the Vietnamese nation in general, and the generous spirit of the people of the Southeast region in particular. That spirit was always preserved and promoted by his fathers. When the country was in danger, the martial spirit burned with patriotism. In peacetime, traditional martial arts became a very effective method of training the body and mind.

To better understand the national intangible cultural heritage in Binh Duong, take a closer look at the martial arts of Tan Khanh Ba Tra that is being inherited and developed today by generations. Please watch the next episode of the show ‘I love Binh Duong’ broadcast at 6 AM on Sunday of March 19 at www.baobinhduong.vn.

Reported by Cam Ly – Translated by Vi Bao