The space for practice taekwondo is a dry area in a small hamlet named Rach Ro 3 in Tra Vinh province. The instructor, Vo Thanh Tung, is a deaf-mute.

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Nguyen Van Son, 13, remarked: “I’ve been in this class for several months. I want to practice Taekwondo to have good health and to assist helpless people. Instructor Hung often tells us that we will be heroes if we help others.”

Another student, Pham Thi Mong Hien, 16, dreams of his life’s work: “I practice martial arts as defense. I want to become a martial arts instructor in the future.”

Using hand communications and through his wife, Tung explained that he is 27 years old and was born deaf and mute. As a small child, he had a passion for martial arts and at the age of 14, he went to Tra Vinh to study at a school for disabled kids. Once he passed a sports centre and saw Coach Tran Ngoc Thanh instructing Taekwondo. Tung met the coach several times to ask for admission. The coach didn’t understand what Tung wanted so he shook his head. When Tung burst out crying, the coach understood and accepted this special student.

With his passion, Tung quickly obtained higher levels in Taekwondo, winning many prizes in Tra Vinh, including first prize for men’s 51kg category in 2001 and a gold medal for men’s 54kg category in 2004.

Tung wanted to study further, but had to return home in 2002 to help his family with farm work. He still works as a farmer, but practices Taekwondo every afternoon. Seeing his talent, Tung’s neighbours asked him to teach their children.

It is very hard for the instructor because he cannot speak and he must perform each move repeatedly until his students understand. Tung’s class practice very methodologically and they also attend Tra Vinh contests to raise their levels. All trainees have certificates granted by the Tra Vinh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In Tung’s class, trainees are told to use Taekwondo to defend themselves and help others. They are also asked to complete their school homework before practicing. Many students in this class have won medals at local Taekwondo competitions.

PV