 The Qwan Ki Do uniform | |
| Focus | Hand-to-hand combat |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Full contact |
| Country of origin | France and Vietnam |
| Date of formation | 1981 |
| Creator | Pham Xuan Tong |
| Ancestor arts | Shaolin Kung Fu, Viet Vo Dao |
| Descendant arts | Cuong Qwan Ki Do |
| Meaning | The Body's Energy Path or Fist and Energy Way |
Qwan Ki Do or Quán Khí Đạo is a Vietnamese martial art that was codified in France in 1981. Qwan Ki Do is practiced 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. Qwan Ki Do includes stances, punches, kicks, throws, holds and many other techniques. Weapon moves include the traditional sword art of Viet Lon Guom. Practitioners can progress through three levels, called So Dang, Trung Dang and Thuong Dang or Nhap Man, Trung Man and Dai Man, at which different coloured belts are worn. As well as improving physical attributes like strength and flexibility in adults, the practice has been shown to help promote good mental health in children.