Grand Master Bao Lan – Biography and Contribution to International Viet Vo Dao

Grand Master Bao Lan, born on March 5, 1954, in the Vietnamese province of Quang Tri, comes from a noble family, descended from the last Vietnamese Emperor, Bao Dai. From a young age, Bao Lan demonstrated an extraordinary passion and talent for martial arts, beginning his study of Viet Vo Dao and, over time, deepening his knowledge of the philosophy, technique, and inner discipline that characterize this art.

During his training in Vietnam, Bao Lan immersed himself in the historical traditions of Viet Vo Dao, acquiring advanced skills in martial techniques, studying classical schools, and understanding the cultural and philosophical values ​​that underpin the discipline. These years of learning laid the foundation for his future international career and his integrated approach combining technique, ethics, and personal development.

In 1972, Bao Lan arrived in Italy, bringing with him the legacy of the Vietnamese tradition and the desire to spread it throughout Europe. From that moment on, he dedicated his life to teaching and training new Masters, promoting advanced courses, seminars, workshops, and international events. His work helped consolidate the presence of Viet Vo Dao and Viet Tai Chi in various regions of Italy, making him a point of reference for practitioners and Masters in Europe.

Grand Master Bao Lan’s career has been recognized internationally through prestigious martial titles and ranks:

• Tenth Dan and the title of « Đại Võ Sư Quốc Tế, » awarded by the World Federation Vo Co Truyen Vietnam, the highest technical and honorary recognition in the Vietnamese martial arts hierarchy.
• Ninth Dan and the title of Vice Patriarch, awarded by the International Viet Vo Dao, in recognition of his authority, organizational skills, and role in the discipline’s protection and development.
• President of the World Viet Vo Dao Federation (WVVDF), a position that allows him to lead the international organization and promote the continuity and global growth of Viet Vo Dao

Grand Master Bao Lan stands out not only for his technical skills, but also for his strategic and cultural vision. Under his leadership, the WVVDF has consolidated its international structure, coordinating training activities, workshops, events, and cultural exchanges in various countries. His leadership is characterized by a balance between respect for historical tradition and the innovation necessary to keep the discipline alive, transmitting the ethical and philosophical values ​​of Viet Vo Dao to new generations of practitioners.

In recent years, Bao Lan has assumed a role of continuity and development, strengthening the international presence of Viet Vo Dao and consolidating the project initiated by Grand Master Phan Hoang. His experience, dedication, and the recognition received from international Masters make him a central figure in the life of the WVVDF, capable of uniting the various historical schools and guiding the federation towards new goals, maintaining the link between tradition, culture, and innovation.