What is Cuong Nhu?

Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts is a blending of seven hard and soft styles of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese martial arts. These styles include Shotokan, Vovinam, Ving Tsun, Judo, Aikido, Tai Chi, and Boxing.

It is an evolving style that makes it easy and fun for people of all ages to learn - it is not for young athletes only. Our training program encourages physically disabled people to participate and advance at an individual pace. Our family-oriented environment is one more reason why Cuong Nhu is such an appealing art and sport.

When you begin training in Cuong Nhu, your introduction will consist of warm-up exercises, stretching, stamina building, and practicing basic blocks, kicks, punches, and stances. Through a choreographed series of movements called kata (or forms), you will practice body coordination with self-defense techniques. You have the option to test for rank promotion when your instructor feels you are ready. Sparring and weapons are introduced later.

The philosophy of Cuong Nhu offers guidelines for training and provides direction which can be applied to all aspects of life. It enriches your life, your energy, your pride in accomplishments, and your mind, heart, and spirit. Cuong Nhu does not interfere in a person's religion or belief.

About the Founder

Master Ngo Dong was born and raised in Vietnam. He began studying the martial arts as a boy. Noting the differences between many of the styles practiced, he combined these techniques into a single style. In 1965 he founded Cuong Nhu. When he came to the United States in 1971, he brought his new style with him along with the traditional values of the ancient arts from which it grew.

Today the Cuong Nhu Oriental Martial Arts Association is a vibrant non-profit organization with thousands of students throughout the nation and several foreign countries. Master Dong leads the style from Gainseville where he is a Ph.D. at the University of Florida. He is an active and dynamic influence for all who follow in his footsteps. He frequently participates in ultra-marathons, and teaches Cuong Nhu seminars throughout the nation. He is the author of three books: Wisdom of Life; Peak Performance; and Journey to Happiness, a pyramid of health blending mind, body, and soul. Master Dong passed away on May 14, 2000. He is succeeded by his son, Grand Master Quynh Ngo.

Advantages of Cuong Nhu Training

The physical skills acquired through martial arts training are obvious in the execution of the techniques. The mental development is apparent in improved attention span, concentration, self-confidence, and self-discipline.

Develops all parts of the body and trains you to anticipate and avoid confrontations. Builds confidence in a violent society. Develops a healthy body as you build stamina, power, speed, and strength.

Enables you to work out at any time or place alone or with partners. Can be done with or without equipment.

Complete and adequate use of all muscle groups for tuning up your entire body.

Develops a competitive spirit by encouraging sparring, testing, and tournaments to aid progress and perfection of techniques.