This past July, a SOMA Association delegation traveled to the University of Brighton’s Falmer campus for a milestone event: the 10th Annual Conference of the Martial Arts Studies Association (MASA). Held from July 22nd to 24th, 2026, this conference was particularly significant as it marked the first gathering since MASA’s formal incorporation and served as a celebration of over a decade of scholarly growth in the field.
As a member of this association, SOMA joined a vibrant gathering of over 100 academics and practitioners from across the globe. The atmosphere was one of deep collaboration, where participants shared diverse expertise, showcased inspiring projects, and engaged in networking that sparked new ideas for the future of martial arts research and practice.
SOMA was honored to be included in the conference schedule, presenting during Session 5, Panel 5A: Muay Thai, Migration, and Diasporic Women. Our presentation, delivered by co-founders Sevda Tunaboylu, Erin Stuckenbruck, and Verena Walther, focused on our ongoing research titled: "Muay Thai as a Tool for Reconnection to Aspirations among Migrant and Refugee Women in Spain".
We shared insights from an article we are currently developing, which uses SOMA’s recent spring program as a primary case study. This work is rooted in our continuous program evaluation, specifically examining how sports can drive social inclusion in diverse community settings. The primary goal of our presentation was to contribute to the growing body of high-quality evidence regarding the impact of martial arts-based interventions. We are focused on:
Assessing Potential: Measuring how these programs foster individual and community wellbeing.
The "How": Moving beyond just outcomes to understand the specific mechanisms and processes that make these programs effective.
By documenting our approach and its impact on the ground, we hope to provide a blueprint for others looking to utilize martial arts for sustainable social development.
The MASA 2026 conference provided an invaluable platform to discuss these topics with some of the leading minds in the field. Beyond the academic panels, the social events and informal networking opportunities allowed us to build relationships that will undoubtedly influence our future work.
We are excited to take the feedback and inspiration gained in Brighton back to Barcelona as we continue to refine our programs and our research. A huge thank you to the MASA Board and the University of Brighton for hosting such a landmark event.