Symposium “Martial arts for community well-being and health”, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 20 May 2026

The Symposium “Martial arts for community well-being and health” is jointly organized by Vrije Universiteit Brussel, UNICA, and University of Rome “Foro Italico” and will be hosted by Vrije Universiteit Brussel on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

The Symposium is the final activity of the Lecture series ‘Beyond the fight’, organized by Vrije Universiteit Brussel, VUB’s Centre for Martial Arts and Science (CEMAS) and deMens.nu.

About the Symposium

Martial arts are widely practised around the world and increasingly recognised for their potential to contribute to physical health, mental well-being, and social development. At the same time, questions remain regarding safety, regulation, and the governance of martial arts practices and competitions. This symposium will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policy stakeholders to explore how martial arts can contribute to healthier and more inclusive communities.

The programme will feature keynote lectures, thematic sessions, and panel discussions addressing topics such as:

• The role of martial arts in community well-being and social development
• Health and safety challenges in martial arts practice and competition
• Policy and governance frameworks supporting safe and responsible martial arts participation.

The symposium will include keynote contributions by Alex Channon (University of Brighton, UK), holder of the 2026 Willy Calewaert Chair, whose research focuses on the social and health dimensions of martial arts.

Objectives: the event aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue between academia, sport organisations, policymakers, and the martial arts community, and to strengthen collaboration between universities engaged in research and education related to martial arts, sport, and health.

A detailed programme will be available soon. Please check the preliminary schedule here (still subject to slight changes)

09:30-10:00	Doors open and registration
10:00-10:30	Welcome addresses
10:30-11:00	Keynote Lecture “Developing and promoting good health through martial arts: Cutting with a double-edged sword” by Alex Channon, Principal Lecturer in Physical Education and Sport Studies, University of Brighton, Willy Calewaert Chair Holder 2026
11:00-11:30	Coffee break
11:30-13:00	Session 1 | Community well-being and inclusion in martial arts
13:00-14:00	Lunch & optional visit to the Centre for Martial Arts (CEMAS)
14:00-15:30	Session 2 | Health challenges in martial arts competitions
15:30-16:00	Coffee break
16:00-17:30	Session 3 | Developing a health policy in martial arts
17:30-18:30	Closing plenary lecture “Martial arts studies and the evolving discourse of ‘martiality’ byAlex Channon,Principal Lecturer in Physical Education and Sport Studies, University of Brighton, Willy Calewaert Chair Holder 2026
18:30-20:00	Networking reception

Target Audience: Local and international martial community, academics and city officers involved in community wellbeing, sport and health related health academics and officers, students.

Practical information & registration

Registration: participants are kindly invited to register to the event via the form available at: https://events.vub.be/beyond-the-fight/pages/seminar

Venue

• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) Main Campus, U-Residence – Generaal Jacqueslaan 271, 1050 Elsene, Brussels, Belgium
• VUB campus map