Sports originating from other countries like skateboarding, tricking, rollerblading and kendo have seen an increasing number of young Vietnamese players who have been attracted to them for different reasons.

One influence that urges young Vietnamese to play street sports from Western countries like skateboarding or rollerblading is music and movies from those nations.

Contrary to the vibrant image of people who play sports from the West, sports from Japan seem to be calmer, and players are also a bit older.

While judo and aikido are quite familiar to Vietnamese people, kendo has recently become a breath of fresh air of another kind of modern Japanese martial arts.

Swordsmen practice at Le Hong Phong Kendo Club in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City.

Kendo is an activity that combines martial arts practices and values with strenuous sport-like physical moves, according to Wikipedia. Players use bamboo swords and protective armor while performing.

Le Hong Phong Kendo Club in District 5 has become a familiar spot for people who love the Japanese sport to come and practice every day.

Established five years ago, the club has increased the number of its participants from five or six to more than 60.

Other kendo clubs in the city, including Tinh Vo Club in District 5, the club at the District 10’s Children House, and Phong Kiem Kendo Club in District 10, have at least 20-30 kendo learners each, proving the sport has become better and better known among local youths.

Another sport which is related to martial arts is tricking.

It combines martial arts like taekwondo, wushu, karate and gymnastics, as well as dance moves and styles from breakdancing.

(Source: Tuoitrenews)