Ancient eye-popping martial art gains popularity in modern VietnamLe Van Thang, 28, student of the centuries-old martial art of Thien Mon Dao, bends a construction rebar against his eye socket inside the Bach Linh temple compound at Du Xa Thuong village in HanoiHANOI: In a sunny temple courtyard in Vietnam, Le Van Thang pushes an iron rod hard against his eye socket and tries to make it bend -- his dizzying strength honed through years of practising centuries-old martial art Thien Mon Dao. Practitioners of Thien Mon Dao have long taken pride in the incredible shows of strength that form part of their routines. (continues below)Le Van Thang, 28, student of the centuries-old martial art of Thien Mon Dao, bends a construction rebar against his eye socket inside the Bach Linh temple compound at Du Xa Thuong village in Hanoi. Vietnam currently has around 30,000 Thien Mon Dao practitioners across the country, with occasional public performances helping boost the sport's appeal. (continues below)Master Nguyen Khac Phan, centre, teaching female students the centuries-old martial art of Thien Mon Dao inside the Bach Linh temple compound at Du Xa Thuong village in Hanoi.

Source: Bangkok Post June 11, 2020 06:45 UTC