Thiếu Lâm Nững Xị – A Martial Heritage
Thiếu Lâm Nững Xị is a traditional martial art with roots in China. It came to Vietnam in the mid-19th century, when three high-level martial masters of Teochew origin, pursued by the Qing dynasty, fled to the sacred mountain of Tà Lơn in Châu Đốc. There, they continued their training in seclusion. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that this martial art began to be passed on to a small number of disciples.
Among those early students was Master Lâm Hữu Hội, known by the title Long Hổ Hội (Dragon-Tiger Society). He was the only one to preserve and teach Thiếu Lâm Nững Xị in Vietnam during its foundational years, laying a solid base for future generations. Through his dedication, he left behind a vast legacy of traditional martial knowledge.
It was he who personally passed the belt and teachings to Long Phi Báu, officially opening the Thiếu Lâm Nững Xị – Long Phi Báu Dojo in 1972. Though other dojos would later be established by his students across the outskirts of the city, the Long Phi Báu Dojo continued to thrive, keeping its original spirit alive.
In the third generation of the lineage, Master Long Phi Báu opened another dojo in Thủ Đức and entrusted it to Master Long Phi Sử, whom he personally mentored. At the same time, many other disciples of Master Báu opened their own dojos in different regions, further spreading the essence of the art.
Ways of Training
Thiếu Lâm Nững Xị is not only a martial art—it is a holistic path for cultivating both the body and the spirit. How one approaches this path depends on their level of understanding and personal experience.
As a fighting art: For most people, martial arts are seen through techniques, strikes, and combat.
As physical development: Less known is that behind every movement lies a deeply thoughtful method to strengthen health and bring the body into balance.
As kinetic understanding:The most advanced aspect, which can only be grasped after years of dedicated training and direct guidance from a master.
The principles of movement in Thiếu Lâm Nững Xị are categorized into four key types:
Dual-force movement – This is the most basic type, found in everyday human motion.
Force-bearing movement supported by body weight – Using gravity and body mass to amplify strength and flow.
Short-force movement – Quick, precise actions requiring control and refinement.
Mastery of root-force inertia – Moving with deep awareness and harmony, without unnecessary effort.
When one trains with dedication and cultivates the necessary qualities—speed, strength, endurance, and resilience—they can:
Move swiftly and adapt fluidly to any posture or situation.
Sense and respond naturally, in alignment with the environment.
Understand and optimize their own body mechanics.
Prevent illness through internal balance and regulation.
And sometimes, even extend healing or life-saving support to others.
The Deeper Meaning of the Art
Thiếu Lâm Nững Xị is more than just a combat system. It is a profound method for strengthening the body and refining the mind. Practitioners do not simply learn to fight—they learn to understand themselves, control their breath, and live in harmony with the natural world.
An important tradition in training is the daily window from 4 PM to 7 PM, considered the golden hour for reaching peak physical and mental potential.
As for its name, “Thiếu Lâm” can be interpreted as “those who dwell in the forest”, symbolizing a life of perseverance and self-cultivation away from distractions. “Nững Xị” is a subtle term—it reflects one’s depth of awareness and their level of insight. Masters who reach high levels often describe it as understanding the power of water—a force that adapts, flows, and transforms without resistance.
In the teachings, “Nững Xị” is said to mean “returning to the root of water”—a way of returning to what is natural, effortless, and true. It is about living with inner stillness, moving with wisdom, and healing through presence.
Thiếu Lâm Nững Xị is not merely a martial art. It is a path. A path where anyone who enters with sincerity may come to find their true self.