An aikido performance in Vietnam. Photo: N.K. / Tuoi Tre
The annual event, held by the city’s Department of Culture and Sports, will feature martial arts teams from nine countries including South Korea, Japan and China, along with 20 domestic groups.
This year’s theme is ‘Vietnamese Martial Arts – Connecting for Peace.’
Events will take place along Le Loi Boulevard in the city center and include demonstrations of both international and Vietnamese disciplines such as taekwondo, karate, wushu, vovinam and Tay Son Binh Dinh.
Organizers said the festival will also feature an international martial arts performance competition on November 22 and 23, designed to promote cultural exchange among martial arts schools and practitioners.
Each team can register up to three performances, and the top 10 will compete in the final on Le Loi Boulevard, with five groups receiving awards.
Nguyen Nam Nhan, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Culture and Sports, speaks at a press conference for the 2025 International Martial Arts Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, November 7, 2025. Photo: Du Hai
Side events will include an international seminar, a digital martial arts exhibition, and a street performance stage.
Technology displays will feature AI-based training tools and virtual reality martial arts demonstrations.
The festival will coincide with the send-off ceremony for southern Vietnam’s athletes competing in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which is scheduled to take place in Thailand from December 9 to 20.
