Early Life and Martial Arts Passion

Born in 1921 in Binh Dang (District 8 today), Grand Master Nguyễn Văn Mách, known as Mười Mách, displayed an unwavering dedication to martial arts from a young age. Coming from a well-off family, Mười Mách pursued martial arts under the guidance of several accomplished teachers, exploring a wide range of styles.

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Apprenticeship to Master Chín Hoá

Mười Mách's journey eventually led him to study Tây Sơn Nhạn, with Grand Master Chín Hoá as his master. This marked a significant step in his martial arts career.

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Developing His Skill Set 

Mười Mách's passion for martial arts took him further, as he continued to refine his fighting skills under the guidance of martial artist Din Chi Fong. In his first professional bout, Mười Mách showcased his skills by defeating veteran boxer Hồng Sơn. Mười Mách's style was marked by its calm wisdom, blending elements of boxing with the Tây Sơn Nhạn method. He faced and triumphed over many renowned fighters of his time, and narrowly lost to Master Lư Hòa Phát in a memorable free rights match that saw the "blood-splattered ring" at the Le Chi ring in 1949.

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Taking the Mantle of Leadership

In April 1954, Mười Mách, now employed at the Do Thanh Fire Department, welcomed Grand Master Chín Hoá to teach with him. Here, they continued to mentor and train numerous promising disciples. After four years, when Grand Master Chín Hoá passed away and the Interim Grand Master, Trang Ba Lien retired to become a monk, Mười Mách was elected as the Grand Master, a role he served with distinction.

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Legacy and Teaching

In 1964, Grand Master Mười Mách participated in the Vietnam General Martial Arts Conference and established the Nguyễn Văn Mách dojo. Here, he trained and nurtured a new generation of martial artists, including Cao Sơn Nhạn, Phi Sơn Nhạn (Lê Văn Lắm), Lâm Nhạn, Hồng Yến Nhạn, Hồng Vân Nhạn, Hùng Nhạn  (1970 boxing gold medalist), Cường Nhạn, Hắc Nhạn, Hồng Huệ Nhạn, Hồng Ẩn Nhạn, Hồng Liệt Nhạn, Cẩm Nhạn, Hà Quang Nhạn, Phong Nhạn, Hồng Có Nhạn, Bảo Sơn Nhạn  (free rights champion in 1973),  Van Ba (boxing champion in 1970), and Văn Dũng.

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The first generation of martial artists of Nguyen Van Mao dojo included Bửu Long Tam Nhạn, Hồng Nhạn (Nguyễn Văn Điều, the fourth son of Grand Master Mười Mách), Tam Nhạn (Ba Nhạn), and Bạch Nhạn (driver and bodyguard of Saigon President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu). The next class featured Đông Nhạn (Nguyễn Văn Quang), Tây Nhạn (Nguyễn Văn Hảo), Nam Nhạn (Nguyễn Văn Nam), Nguyễn Văn Hoài (Vietnamese-Indian).

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Contributions to Tây Sơn Nhạn 

The period from 1960 to 1970 marked the illustrious era of Tây Sơn Nhạn, with many skilled fighters.

Grand Master Chín Hoá had introduced the public to Southern Shaolin Kung Fu, and Grand Master Mười Mách played a pivotal role in furthering this martial arts sect. Before 1975, there were six systems of Tây Sơn Nhạn dojo in Saigon, attracting thousands of students seeking martial arts training.

 

Legacy and Final Years 

After the reunification of Vietnam, Mười Mách relocated to Long Thanh district in Dong Nai, where he continued to impart his martial arts wisdom until his passing in 1990 at the age of 69.

Grand Master Mười Mách's enduring legacy lives on, as he remains a revered figure in the world of martial arts, leaving behind a rich tradition of skill, discipline, and dedication.

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