In the 12 zodiac signs, the snake symbolizes rebirth, a combination of the desire for survival and natural strength. In martial arts, the snake is one of the typical animals that was soon transformed into martial arts secrets with the second position in the five spirits corresponding to the five forms of martial arts: Dragon, Snake, Tiger, Leopard, and Crane.

Martial arts senior master Tran Ngoc Quyen - Deputy Chief of the Professional Board of Hanoi Martial Arts Association, Deputy Head of the Professional Board of Hanoi Traditional Martial Arts Federation, Head of the Training Board of Binh Dinh Gia sect said, “In martial arts, the snake is one of the typical animals that martial artists observe to learn, then form techniques applied to moving, dodging, defending, and hunting.

‘Xa quyen’ is a typical martial art performance of the Binh Dinh Gia martial arts system. Compared with other martial arts genres, ‘Xa quyen’ requires higher techniques, such as the “firmness in flexibility,” “movement in calmness,” flexible movement, agility, versatility, keen eyes, swift-handedness, quick attack and defense.

According to the master, regarding the techniques of ‘Xa quyen,’ there are opening attacks, static attacks, attacks to deceive defeat, strong attacks, reckless attacks despite defeat, etc. ‘Xa quyen’ has the following major moves: The snake God practices in the moon; the golden snake rises from the ground; the snake shakes the sky; the white snake spits; the snake glides over the mist; the horned snake wagging its tail... “All of these martial arts moves are collected from movements that symbolize the combination of basic movements of evil snakes,” martial arts master Tran Ngoc Quyen said.

Martial arts senior master Tran Ngoc Quyen stages a ‘Xa quyen’ performance