Video by: Võ Việt Nhất Nguyên

Bao Nguyen didn’t plan on becoming one of Vietnam’s top climbers. He just needed a summer job. But when he walked into Push Climbing as a high schooler, he found more than a paycheck—he found a second home. The gym became his playground, his training ground, and his family. Before long, every spare moment was spent on the wall, solving problems, laughing with friends, and pushing his limits. Now climbing at a V12 level, Bao has turned his passion into a lifelong pursuit.

By graduation, the choice was clear — climbing wasn’t just a hobby. It was his future.

Strength Isn’t Everything

At first, Bao thought climbing was all about brute strength. Turns out, it’s a game of patience, technique, and knowing your body. Rushing the process? That’s a one-way ticket to frustration (and probably a few bruises).

“If you progress too fast, you lose it just as fast,” he says.

So instead of chasing grades, Bao focused on smart, consistent training—and it paid off. His climbing improved, but more importantly, so did his mindset.

Building Vietnam’s Climbing Scene

For Bao, it’s not just about personal milestones—it’s about lifting up the whole community. Vietnam has strong climbers, but the sport is still growing. Bao wants to help change that.

“There are strong athletes in Hanoi,” he says, “but for Vietnam to consistently produce top-tier climbers, we need a solid foundation.”

That’s why he’s passionate about sharing knowledge. Whether it’s through his YouTube channel, NDGB Climbing, or just giving tips at the gym, Bao is all about making climbing more accessible. Because, let’s be real—everyone starts somewhere, and a little guidance goes a long way.

What’s Next?

Climbing isn’t just about getting stronger—it’s about becoming better in every way. Bao’s training doesn’t stop at the gym; he focuses on nutrition, recovery, and refining his approach to keep improving.

His big goal? Put Vietnam on the global climbing map. He dreams of competing internationally and fostering a culture where climbers support and push each other to new heights.

“Don’t just be strong. Be a good climber,” Bao reminds us. And honestly? That’s solid advice for life, too.

If you want to improve your climbing game, check out Bao’s YouTube, where he shares his training experiments, climbing spot overviews, and reflections on what he’s learned.