General overview of grades

Learning basic stances (Tan), blocks, and falls. Belt matches the uniform (Vo Phuc).

Blue is the color of hope. Student begins with hope of understanding the Way (Dao).

Transition to a full student. Practicing neck and body scissors (Don Chan).

Hope grows deeper (darkens). Vovinam begins to permeate the body.

Instructor level (black belt equivalent). Knowledge of weapons and acrobatics.

Earth. Martial art became part of the student's skin (symbolized by Asian skin color).

Master. Creating new forms and directing national Vovinam federations.

Blood. Vovinam became the warrior's blood, flowing as a lifelong passion.

Highest achievable title. Belt bears 4 colored lines (blue, yellow, red, black).

Bone. Art penetrated deep into the marrow. Emptiness and absolute wisdom (Infinity).