Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan, 79, is widely regarded as a “second mother” to disadvantaged children. As an international eighth-dan Aikido master, she has spent over 20 years teaching martial arts and essential life skills to visually impaired, hearing impaired and cognitively challenged students.
Her journey began in 2005, when Ho Chi Minh City’s sports authority established an Aikido division for people with disabilities. Initially focusing on visually and hearing impaired students, she later expanded her classes to include children with developmental disabilities, despite significant challenges.
“At first, I was very worried. Teaching visually impaired students was already difficult, and working with children with cognitive disabilities was even more demanding,” she recalled.
With support from her late husband Dang Van Phat and colleagues, she persevered. In the early years, the couple used their own savings to maintain free classes. Over time, support from parents and charitable organisations helped sustain the programme.
Even after her husband passed away in 2022, she continued teaching. “He devoted his life to Aikido. I cannot allow myself to stop,” she said.
Teaching Aikido to children with developmental disabilities required her to design personalised lesson plans, as no standard curriculum existed. Each student has an individual record detailing their condition, personality and progress.
Her notes reflect both discipline and compassion. One entry reads: “Nguyen Van, 35, often cries, responds well to gentle encouragement, shows reduced aggression and now helps his mother after one year of training.”
Beyond martial arts, she also teaches literacy, music and drawing, guided by a simple philosophy: “Teach whatever I know.”
Her efforts have transformed many lives. Some former students have become instructors themselves, including Nguyen Phuoc Linh, now a graduate in special education and a teacher at a centre for the visually impaired.
Parents have also witnessed remarkable changes. “My child has become more sociable and active since joining the class. To me, she is like a second mother,” said one parent.
Today, more than 100 students attend her weekly classes. Despite her age, she continues refining teaching methods and mentoring younger assistants, including her granddaughter.
“For martial arts, you need heart, mind and strength. Teaching children with disabilities requires even more dedication,” she said.
When asked when she might stop, she smiled: “As long as I have the strength, I will continue.”