Interdisciplinary perspectives on youth well-being through martial arts

Young people today face growing challenges that can affect their well-being, including low levels of physical activity and increasing mental health concerns. By combining physical activity with potential physiological, mental, and social benefits, martial arts can play a valuable role in supporting and enhancing young people’s well-being. Martial arts are among the fastest-growing sports among youth in Europe and are increasingly integrated into diverse youth-related sectors, including organised sports, specialised youth care, sport-for-development initiatives, formal education, and community centres. Unlike many other sports, martial arts uniquely challenge both body and mind through techniques such as kata, sparring, and competition, and can promote values such as respect, discipline, and self-control-traits that may help improve young people’s physical, mental, and social well-being.

However, current research on martial arts remains fragmented, short-term, and discipline- specific, overlooking the complex interplay of physiological, psychological, and social factors. This proposed Interdisciplinary Research Programme (IRP) aims to lay the groundwork for future research on how martial arts can influence well-being in all its dimensions-physical, mental, and social. It will bring together experts from different disciplines to develop projects that combine insights on the body, mind, and social interaction, with a particular focus on martial arts. Two unique research facilities at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel-the Centre for Martial Arts & Science (CEMAS) and the Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Lab (MFYS)-will serve as key assets to connect real-world practice with scientific inquiry.

The IRP builds on an existing international network, which will be strengthened through future collaborations among researchers from different disciplines and potentially expanded with new partners. By preparing joint projects, the programme seeks to generate insights that can lead to better opportunities and practical strategies for supporting and improving young people’s well-being via martial arts practice.