Under the theme "Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts – Radiant Heritage," the main festival is scheduled to take place in Quy Nhon Ward and surrounding localities. The event is set to feature 16 foreign delegations from nine countries, 43 domestic teams, and 11 local clubs.

 A key highlight will be a mass performance by over 1,000 martial arts masters and practitioners, demonstrating basic techniques and Hung Ke Quyen (Rooster Stance Form),a signature discipline of the Tay Son region.

Alongside the major event, the International Traditional Martial Arts Club Championship will run from July 26 to August 2, expected to draw roughly 650 athletes to compete in forms (quyen) and combat (doi hang). To enhance cultural exchange, organizers plan to arrange visits for international delegations to An Khe Truong, Long Phuoc Pagoda, and Banh It Tower, showcasing Gia Lai's martial heritage.

Do Thi Dieu Hanh, Director of the Gia Lai Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, noted that this year's synchronized performances are designed to highlight the unique identity of traditional martial arts. The festival also serves to bolster the application file for UNESCO to recognize Binh Dinh traditional martial arts as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by 2027.

At a press conference on the festival on July 21, local authorities addressed media inquiries regarding event management, tourism service quality, and future development strategies. Organizers outlined plans to regulate lodging prices, control service quality, and operate a 24/7 hotline to safeguard tourists during the festival.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, Vice Chairwoman of the Gia Lai provincial People’s Committee, stated that the province is developing a "heritage economy," with traditional martial arts identified as a key driver tied to tourism and cultural promotion within the Tay Son historical space.

"Our goal through this festival is to facilitate exchanges among domestic sects and particularly with international peers, while showcasing our local martial arts heritage," Lich said. "While cultural and language barriers may exist, martial arts exchanges strengthen connections. Over nine editions, the festival has garnered immense affection and interest from martial arts schools worldwide."

Vietnam works to seek UNESCO status for Binh Dinh martial arts

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has approved the submission of a proposal to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the inclusion of "Binh Dinh Traditional Martial Arts" in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.