The Completion Ceremony for MARIE(Martial Arts Research Initiative for Experts) was held on August 10. Nine martial arts experts from nine countries had chance to exchange knowledge and experience as martial arts instructors and was able to further develop themselves.

On August 10, UNESCO ICM held the completion ceremony for the second MARIE(Martial Arts Research Initiative for Experts) Programme sponsored by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Sports Promotion Corporation, and Chungju City. The programme aims to foster instructors that will help youths develop abilities and skills required to play leading roles in the changing society.

For 50 days from July 2 to August 20, the nine martial arts experts that participated in the programme (from Bahrain, Belize, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam) had chance to exchange knowledge and experience as martial arts instructors and was able to further develop themselves.

The participants took classes about value creation in martial arts and the qualification of martial arts instructors. They also participated in Taekkyeon, Muay Thai, Yongmudo, and rehabilitation practice. Other activities included cultural exchange programmes where they visited heritage sites in Korea and a rowing experience at the Chungju Tangeum Lake International Rowing Centre.

Martial arts have long been considered as a sport for only for men due to cultural, religious, and physical reasons. The MARIE Programme’s significance lies in the fact that four female martial arts experts participated in this programme, and they are specifically interested in women’s and youths’ empowerment through martial arts. The centre plans to publish the participants’ reports in a booklet.

UNESCO ICM aims to contribute to world peace and reconciliation by strengthening programmes designed to promote positive values of martial arts, such as leadership, respect, self-discipline, and fair competition.