Martial arts program at the EuroGames 2024

People trained, discussed and networked. As part of the Open Mat, nine different disciplines from martial arts, combat sports and self-defence took to the mats.

The martial arts programme at Europe's largest LGBTQIA* sports event was organised by fairplay prevention in cooperation with the Feminist Fighters Union. On two levels in Vienna's Simmering district, people punched, kicked, clinched, threw and rolled in a controlled and respectful manner: both beginners and advanced practitioners were able to train their skills in BJJ, boxing, kickboxing, Thai boxing and MMA under the guidance of experienced trainers.

The feminist fight

The discussion event highlighted inclusions and exclusions in martial arts as well as aspects of feminist struggles. Challenges/experiences/aspects of feminist fights were discussed from various disciplines, former and active fighters, trainers and officials. In addition, the results of the “feminist fighters week” campaign and the newly published manual on gender-sensitive training were presented. LINK

It became clear that the challenges are manifold: ranging from prejudices that FLINTA* trainings were not demanding, but that women's trainings, if offered, are usually only aimed at beginners. To discriminatory statements when something is derogatorily feminized or referred to as “gay”. To stereotypes that put FLINTA* at a disadvantage in sponsorship or even push it out of martial arts spaces. Towards competition rules that are binary (division into two categories female or male) and that prohibit the wearing of hijabs.

But there are also perspectives and approaches that promote diversity in martial arts on a personal and structural level. From becoming a role model as the first female national coach of the women's and men's team to becoming a successful competitor; from feminist self-organization to having your own gym; from joining together in a union with other cross-gym martial artists. There is still a long way to go in “feminist struggles” against misanthropic ideologies so that martial arts can be a place of shared (sporting) exchange and empowerment for everyone. How empowering this can feel was clearly noticeable at this event! Many thanks to everyone who came, fought and watched - thank you for being there and celebrating #DiversityInMartialArts!

The martial arts program at the Euro Games 2024 was organised by the project fairplay prevention in cooperation with the Feminist Fighters Union.