Cover of "The History of Martial Arts of Viet Nam. — VNS Photo Quang Phuong

HCM CITY (VNS) — For the first time, a Vietnamese martial arts book, titled "Lich su vo hoc Viet Nam" (the History of Martial Arts in Viet Nam), has been translated into French.

Martial arts instructor Pham Dinh Phong (aka Pham Phong), author of the book, said translators from the International Vietnamese Martial Arts Festival in France and the Ben Chi Martial Arts Association had spent two years compiling and editing this 840-page work.

"Some 1,500 copies of this publication have been printed, and it is aimed at helping martial arts instructors and learners study, train and practice while promoting Vietnamese martial arts in French-speaking countries. Above all, it is a non-profit endeavour," Phong said.

The book was first published in Vietnamese after Phong spent 12 years researching and compiling information, starting in 2001. Phong also set the record as "The First Writer of a Vietnamese Martial Arts Book," recognised by Vietkings (the Vietnamese Record Association) in September 2013.

The book's launch will be held at 9a.m., August 22, at Huu Nghi Guest House, 31 Le Duan St., District 1, HCM City. — VNS