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. Marc Theeboom emphasised: “CEMAS is much more than just a martial arts training hall.”
The inaugural ceremony represented a significant step towards embedding martial arts within an academic framework. Beyond elite sport, CEMAS aims to highlight the broader social and societal relevance of martial arts, which engage many young people in Brussels.
Prof. Theeboom noted: “Martial arts on its own does nothing – it is how you use it that can make a difference.”
The programme commenced at 10:30 a.m. with an artistic performance combining boxing and dance, followed by a discussion with the following speakers:
- Prof. Pieter Ballon, Vice-Rector for Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Ans Persoons, State Secretary of the Brussels-Capital Region and Member of the College of the Flemish Community Commission, represented by Ms. Hilde Van Cauwenberghe, Coordinator of the Sports Service of the Flemish Community Commission
- Cietje Van Achter, Flemish Minister for Brussels and Media
- Philippe Paquay, Director-General of Sport Vlaanderen and fellow at the Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Emmanuel Demanet, President of the Flemish Boxing League
- Prof. Marc Theeboom, Academic Lead of CEMAS
A full photo gallery of the inauguration is available on the VUB Flickr page.
The inauguration of CEMAS received media coverage from Bruzz, VRT NWS, and Het Nieuwsblad.