What Is Qwan Ki Do?

Qwan Ki Do is more than a martial art; it’s a living philosophy that blends physical mastery with mental discipline and cultural heritage. Codified in France in 1981 but rooted in Vietnamese and Shaolin traditions, it offers practitioners a dynamic system of hand-to-hand combat, weapon techniques, and ritualised movement.

What is Qwan Ki Do?

Qwan Ki Do is a Vietnamese martial art that was codified in France in 1981. Qwan Ki Do is practised internationally, with schools in Asia and Europe. The practice combines the use of hand-to-hand techniques and weapons, with moves combined in both formalised combinations, termed Thao Quyen, and freeform settings.

Techniques:

• Stances
• Punches
• Kicks
• Throws
• Holds
• Weapons
• And More!

The Origins of Qwan Ki Do

Qwan Ki Do was founded by Pham Xuan Tong in France in 1981. The name can be translated either “The Body’s Energy Path” or “Fist and Energy Way”. There are two traditions to explain its formation. In one, it is derived from traditional Vietnamese Viet Vo Dao martial arts, and particularly Vo Bijm Dinh, Vo Quang Binh and Vo Bach Ninh. In the other, it is derived from the Chinese Wo Mei, a Southern Shaolin Kung Fu style. In this tradition, the main techniques are derived from the animal forms of the crane, praying mantis and tiger. The practice of Cuong Quan Ki Do, which became independent in 1995, was developed from it.

The art has spread to many countries in Europe and Asia. The first Qwan Ki Do association in Germany, the Qwan Ki Do Cottbus eV, was founded in 19192 in Cottbus, by the Congolese athlete Jean Isidore Dziengue.

The Styles of Qwan Ki Do

There is only one style of Qwan Ki Do, and that’s the one that was founded by the founder; however, teaching styles can change depending on the instructor. Qwan Ki Do is primarily a method of hand-to-hand combat, often using acrobatic manoeuvres, but also includes the use of weapons. Practising the art is complex, combining mental and physical exercises.

• Bo Phap (stances)
• Than Phap (movement)
• Thu Phap (Punches and other hand techniques)
• Cuoc Phap (Kicks and other foot techniques)
• Cung Phu (Blocking)
• Nhao Tan (Falls)
• Vat (throws)
• Tao Dia Cuoc (sweeps)
• Cam Na (holds)
• Khoa Go (Joint Locks)
• Tu Ve (self-defence)
• Co Vo Dao (The use of weapons)

Benefits of Training In Qwan Ki Do

Physical Strength and Flexibility

Qwan Ki Do offers a full-body workout that enhances strength, endurance, and flexibility. Through dynamic stances, strikes. And acrobatic movements, practitioners develop core stability, coordination and muscular control, benefits that extend well beyond the dojo.

Mental Discipline and Emotional Balance

At its heart, Qwan Ki Do is a discipline of both body and mind. Training cultivates focus, patience, and resilience, helping practitioners manage stress and sharpen their mental clarity. For children especially, the art promotes self-confidence, self-control, and emotional regulation through structured practice and moral guidance.

Improved Motor Skills and Aerobic Capacity

Studies show that Qwan Ki Do enhances motor ability, particularly in the lower limbs, and improves aerobic fitness, balance, and body composition. These benefits apply to elite athletes and older adults alike, making it a versatile path to physical wellness.

Self-Defence And Personal Empowerment

Beyond technique, Qwan Ki Do teaches situational awareness and self-protection. Practitioners learn to respond calmly and effectively under pressure, building a sense of empowerment rooted in skill and confidence.

Community and Cultural Connection

Training in Qwan Ki Do connects individuals to a rich lineage of Vietnamese and Shaolin martial traditions. It fosters camaraderie, respect, and shared growth, whether through sparring, rituals, or the pursuit of mastery across belt levels. The Journey becomes not just physical, but symbolic, a path of transformation and belonging.

To train in Qwan Ki Do is to walk a path that honours both tradition and personal growth. It strengthens the body, steadies the mind, and connects the practitioner to a lineage of resilience and respect.