Abstract - An investigation of motivational differences for participants in Vietnamese martial art
Background. Vovinam, a martial art with strong Vietnamese cultural values, is increasingly popular and attracts students in Ho Chi Minh City. This group, with its dynamic characteristics, is a notable cohort with which to study the moderation of identity.
Problem and aim. This study aims to identify factors affecting students’ motivation to practice Vovinam, while focusing on the moderating role of National Identity.
Material and methods. Utilizing the Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT), the research incorporated major constructs such as Health Consciousness, Perceived Health Consciousness, the Need for Exercise, and Behavior and extended elements like National Identity to analyze individuals’ intentions to persist in Vovinam practice. Data of 397 students practicing Vovinam was collected via an online survey from December 2024 to January 2025 and analysed by partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).
Results. There is a significant relationship between Health Consciousness, Perceived Exercise Benefits, and Need for Exercise, as well as the moderating effect of national identity on the relationship between exercise needs and intention to continue exercising.
Conclusions. The current study is one of the very first studies empirically testing national identity as a moderating factor. The study highlights the motivational and cultural factors that drive participation in this martial art, and points to the potential of Vovinam as a simple means to foster national identity among young people. The recommendations from the study support educational institutions and cultural policy makers in promoting Vovinam to foster national pride and improve physical health. In addition, the results also provide effective strategies to maintain the martial arts tradition among the younger generation of Vietnamese.