Traditional Vietnamese martial arts, broadly known as Võ thuật, possess a rich heritage influenced by both Sino-Vietnamese and indigenous Cham traditions. Historically, foundational styles like Võ Lâm Tân Khánh Bà Trà, established in the 17th century for self-defense, and Võ thuật Bình Định, an umbrella term for central Vietnamese forms, showcase deep roots. Modern developments include the influential Vovinam, founded by Nguyễn Lộc and also known as Vovinam Việt Võ Đạo, alongside Vietnamese Wing Chun developed by Yuen Chai-wan.

The art has also achieved international recognition, with styles like Cuong Nhu, founded by Ngô Đồng (who passed away in Florida in 2000), and Qwan Ki Do emerging overseas. A unique and practical aspect of some Southern Vietnamese styles is the khăn rằn, a traditional scarf ingeniously used for diverse combat applications, including locking an opponent's limbs or striking their face. These martial traditions embody a comprehensive system of self-defense, rich in both ancient techniques and modern adaptations.