The Social Martial Arts Association
Migrant women led initiative —
Supporting people at risk of social and economic exclusion to improve wellbeing, develop valuable skills, and foster social inclusion, all through the transformative power of martial arts training.
✽ What We Offer
We can help your gym create a social impact programme, or support your association in running martial arts training and bringing its positive mental, psychological, and social benefits to your community.
You are a martial arts gym
Contact us to get support with creating a social impact program from zero: outreach, recruiting the right participants, curricula development, delivering the classes in a sensitive setting, evaluation forms and surveys, fundings.
You are a migrant association
Contact us to bring martial arts classes to your members. The bonus: no previous sports experience needed, no language requirements, just show up and enjoy, while fast-forwarding the inclusion process.
You are a migrant
If you are in Barcelona, follow us on the SOMA Association Instagram account for updates on our next programme. We usually open applications every three months, but you can still contact us in between, we might have space for you ;)
If you are outside Barcelona, reach out to us and we can discuss options with local gyms for potential access.
What We Achieve Together:
- Improved Wellbeing - Enhanced mental and physical health through structured martial arts training
- Personal Growth - Development of confidence, leadership skills and independence
- Social Inclusion - Safe spaces where participants develop lasting social connections
Our Commitment:
By 2030, we aim to reach 2,000 participants across Europe, creating a sustainable model for martial arts-based social inclusion.
Explore our
impact statistics
Examining the impact of our efforts: statistics from our pilot program to show the effectiveness of our work.
16
Countries Represented
From Afghanistan to Turkey - building bridges across cultures through martial arts.
100%
Free Access
No barriers to participation - all equipment and training provided at no cost.
Participants Voices
"Que es un grupo de solo mujeres; que ha sido un espacio seguro donde entrenar y relacionarnos entre realidades distintas y me ha permitido hacer amigas y entrenar en el respeto de mi espacio personal." (Participant of SOMA Fall Program; 12/2025)
"Me agrada mucho el acompañamiento, la paciencia y empeño con el que preparan las clases y también el interés en la inclusión apoyándonos en nuestras necesidades de conexión con estudio y oportunidades de empleo." (Participant of SOMA Fall Program; 12/2025)
"It is a very good program and helps all the women like me to feel strong and be away from stress." (Participant of SOMA Fall Program; 12/2025)
“For me, Muay Thai was really enjoyable. I made new friends, learned new things, and I want the program to be held again.” (Participant of SOMA Pilot Program; 07/2025)
“The training staff were so kind, engaging, and supportive. I’ve already recommended the program to others.” (Participant of SOMA Pilot Program; 07/2025)
“Las clases eran muy dinámicas. El equipo eran solo mujeres, muy interesadas en que aprendiéramos, con actividades diferentes y música bien seleccionada.” (Participant of SOMA Pilot Program; 07/2025)