On April 8, 2024, Office for International Study Programs (OISP) Judo Dojo Club was warmly launched at Room 202 of Building A4, with the enthusiastic participation of nearly 50 students.

The launching ceremony was honoured to welcome: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Dang Tung – Director of OISP of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUT, VNU-HCM). Together were renowned guests as Judo Master Nguyen Thanh Tai [1] – coach of the Army Judo Club, veteran athletes from the National Judo Kata Team [2], and the sponsor representative – Mr. Pham Thanh Huu – Director of Individuals System Co., Ltd..

In the opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Dang Tung emphasised HCMUT’s commitment to foster well-rounded graduates. He envisioned students leaving the university after four years as confident global citizens with strong technical skills, well-honed soft skills, and a healthy balance of mind and body. The university’s goal is for students to be proficient in at least one sport upon graduation.

Judo – Jiu-jitsu, is more than just a display of brute force,  but an art of living in harmony and striving for inner peace. It embodies the philosophy of using softness to overcome rigidity, weakness to counter strength, and working smarter, not harder. The establishment of the OISP Judo Dojo Club signifies HCMUT’s consistent investment in holistic student development, upholding the cultures of responsible education.

As a passionate and successful HCMUT alumni, Mr. Pham Thanh Huu, shared an inspiring story about Anna Kiesenhofer, the gold medalist of the Women’s individual road race at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. What was truly impressive was that she is also a doctor of mathematics at the Lausanne University of Technology in Switzerland – a true testament to the synergy between academic pursuits and athletic passions.

Mr. Huu highlighted that a love for sports doesn’t detract from academic excellence, cultural interests, or artistic endeavours –  it enhances them.  Judo, for example, not only strengthens students physically but also instils discipline and a structured routine, paving the way for them to achieve their academic and personal goals.

The event then showcased a display of advanced techniques by National Judo Kata Team members. Judo Master Nguyen Thanh Tai then took the floor, meticulously guiding HCMUT students through fundamental postures. He repeatedly emphasised the concept of leverage, a core principle in Judo.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Dang Tung (standing, third from right – Director of the Office for International Study Programs), and the OISP Judo Dojo Club Board of Directors with Judo Master Nguyen Thanh Tai (standing, far right), Mr. Pham Thanh Huu (standing, second from right – Director of Individuals System Co., Ltd.), and members of the National Judo Kata Team (wearing judo uniforms).

“Little intimidating at first, but amazed at last!”, shared by Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh the joiner, K2022 student in the Japanese-oriented  Program in Computer Science. “Honestly, I was a little intimidated at first seeing all the strong and fit seniors. But after some guidance from Mr. Tai and Ms. Tram [2], I managed to pull off the basic throw! It felt surprisingly smooth, almost like an invisible force was helping me. Cooler, I thought, besides helping me balance academics and personal life. Joining this club is a no-doubt for me!”

“I was blown away to see elite Judo athletes from the national team! The coaches and seniors were incredibly enthusiastic about teaching us basic martial arts techniques. If you have any interest in Judo or Japanese culture at all, joining the OISP Judo Dojo Club is a must.” said Nguyen Quoc Huy, K2020 student in the Japanese-oriented  program majoring in Computer Science.

Expectedly, HCMUT OISP Judo Dojo Club is to be led by Tran Quoc Cuong [2]. Training sessions will be held every Wednesday and Friday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at BK House.

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[1] Judo Master Nguyen Thanh Tai is Head Coach of the Army Judo Club and a member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Judo Federation. He has been awarded the prestigious 6th Dan black belt for his outstanding contributions to the development of Judo Kata in Vietnam. He has led the Army Judo Team and the Vietnam Judo Kata Team to numerous achievements, including one gold medal, three silver medals, and one bronze medal at the Asian Judo Kata Championships.

[2] Veteran athletes from the National Judo Kata Team participating the launching ceremony include: 

• Tran Quoc Cuong (SEA Games 31 Gold Medalist, 2023 World Silver Medalist, 2023 Southeast Asian Gold Medalist, 2019 Asian Gold Medalist, and multiple National Champion)
• Nguyen Cuong Thinh (SEA Games 32 Gold Medalist, SEA Games 31 Silver Medalist, 2023 Southeast Asian Gold Medalist, 2019 Asian Silver Medalist, and multiple National Champion)
• Mai Thi Bich Tram (SEA Games 31 Gold Medalist, 2023 Southeast Asian Gold Medalist, 2019 Asian Silver Medalist, and multiple National Champion)
• Ta Duc Huy (SEA Games 32 Gold Medalist, Southeast Asian Bronze Medalist, and multiple National Champion)
• Nguyen Luan Thanh Khang (2023 Southeast Asian Gold Medalist and multiple National Champion)
• Dam Duy Ky (Southeast Asian Bronze Medalist and multiple National Champion)
• Do Tran Minh Thuan (multiple National Champion)