News
- Connecting research, practice, and policy: The martial arts for community well-being and health symposium
- Willy Calewaert Chair I Lecture 3: Doing gender in martial arts - masculinities and femininities in an apparent ‘male preserve’
- VUB Data Lab’s Mindful Team‑Building Experience with Taiji
- A Dynamic Finish to the SPLISS Research Day: Boxing Initiation at CEMAS
- Willy Calewaert Chair I Lecture 2: Constructing, Managing, and Embracing Risk in Martial Arts
Connecting research, practice, and policy: The martial arts for community well-being and health symposium
On 20 May 2026, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), in close collaboration with UNICA and Foro Italico University of Rome, hosted a full-day symposium dedicated to exploring the role of martial arts in building healthier and more inclusive communities.Willy Calewaert Chair I Lecture 3: Doing gender in martial arts - masculinities and femininities in an apparent ‘male preserve’
This lecture took a fresh look at how gender and identity play out in the world of martial arts. Traditionally seen as male-dominated and closely linked to ideas of strength and violence, martial arts are now welcoming more women than ever.
VUB Data Lab’s Mindful Team‑Building Experience with Taiji
On 3 February 2026, CEMAS organised a team-building activity for the members of the VUB Data Lab group, featuring an introduction to Taiji in the new CEMAS martial arts hall.
A Dynamic Finish to the SPLISS Research Day: Boxing Initiation at CEMAS
On Monday 2 March, the SPLISS Research Group gathered at CEMAS for an energizing boxing initiation led by VUBoxing — a dynamic and enjoyable way to conclude a productive day of academic exchange.
Willy Calewaert Chair I Lecture 2: Constructing, Managing, and Embracing Risk in Martial Arts
The second lecture of the Willy Calewaert Chair explored the theme Constructing, Managing, and Embracing Risk in Martial Arts.
Inaugural Lecture of the Willy Calewaert Chair
The inaugural lecture of the Willy Calewaert Chair took place on 18 February 2026 .
An article about CEMAS published in Tijdschrift Lokaal Sportbeleid
The issue No. 296 (2025) of the magazine Tijdschrift Lokaal Sportbeleid features an engaging article about the official opening of the Centre for Martial Arts and Science (CEMAS).
VUB Celebrates the Launch of the Centre of Martial Arts and Science (CEMAS)
The opening of the new academic year at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel on 23 September 2025 was marked by a particularly memorable occasion: the official launch of CEMAS. As Prof.
Invited Keynote at International Seminar on Martial Arts and Youth Development
On 25 September 2025, Prof. Dr. Marc Theeboom will participate as keynote speaker at the International Martial Arts and Youth Development Seminar: From Principle to Action – Martial Arts for Youth Development and a Sustainable Future , held in Seoul, South Korea.
CEMAS opens its doors: Registration now available!
As announced earlier, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will officially celebrate the opening of the Centre for Martial Arts and Science (CEMAS) on 23 September 2025, at the university’s main campus in Etterbeek.
Events
Practical info02/10/2026 - 18:00 - 02/10/2026 - 22:00Paul De Knop Sportmanagement Award Night 2026
Vanuit het VUB-onderwijsteam sportmanagement & sportbeleid nodigen we studenten, alumni, werkveldpartners, stagebegeleiders en andere geïnteresseerden graag uit op de vijfde editie van de Paul De Knop Sportmanagement Award Night.
Practical info18/02/2026 - 18:00 - 21/05/2026 - 19:00Lecture Series: Martial Arts, Culture and Society
Willy Calewaert Lecture Series - Beyond the fight
Registrations are now open
Dr. Alex Channon (University of Brighton, UK) has been awarded the Willy Calewaert Chair for 2026.
Practical info23/09/2025 - 10:30 - 23/09/2025 - 11:15Opening Centre for Martial Arts and Science (CEMAS)
On Tuesday 23 September 2025, we invite you to join us for the opening of the Centre for Martial Arts and Science (CEMAS) at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Main Campus in Etterbeek.
