“A little less conversation, a little more action”: fostering gender equity in martial arts via Psychology & Human Movement

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Thabata Telles

This text aims to address the matter of fostering gender equity in martial arts through perception-action and pre-reflexive processes in a Psychology & Human Movement approach. Such perspective has been recently developed in order to promote engagement in martial arts based on a LNOB (Leave No One Behind) point of view and highlights perception of movement not only structured on reflexive processes, but also considering pre-reflexive ones (Telles, 2018, 2020). The latter can be defined through a sensible perception of movement, which is embodied and embedded (Andrieu, 2017; Gallagher, 2005).

Perception has been considered an interdisciplinary field, and three main axes seem to concur: (1) a philosophical one, particularly through the phenomenology of Merleau-Ponty (1945; 1953), (2) a neuroscientific approach (Gallagher, 2005; Leder, 1990, Nöe, 2006; 2009), and (3) an embodied cognition understanding (Araujo et al, 2019; Raab, 2020; Raab & Araujo, 2019). These three approaches corroborate in designating perception as a perception-action processes, and they claim that perception is already an action. It is our originary way to engage in the world and shapes our movements.

In martial arts, one cannot count solely on explanation of techniques in learning processes, but rather considering those practices as lived experiences (Telles, Vaittinen & Barreira, 2018). It is through perception that our bodies can build an implicit reference of time and space in each situation in order to move. Perception is not something that happens to us or in us, but something that we do related to something in a certain time, space and situation. It is not in the brain, as an internal representation of the world, but a skillful bodily activity. Thus, a movement is not randomly done, but is constantly related to an intentional process of the body towards the world.

Such notion of perception-action processes can relate to studies which involves considering gender bias on comprehending movement through situatedness in a world with gender disparities (Young, 1980). Research including this matter on martial arts practices refer to the challenge of overcoming stereotypes (e.g. women are weaker, less likely to enjoy such practices or enroll in martial arts schools) to achieve gender equity in this field (Channon, 2013; Garcia & Maia, 2022; Holthuysen, 2011; Oliveira, Telles & Barreira, 2021; Telles, 2018). This issue refers not only to a more equitable participation but also to a fair recognition of their accomplishments.

Recent research (Figueiredo, Mendonça, Telles & Barreira, 2021) on the topic has identified some exemplary and reprehensible practices when learning and teaching women how to fight. Ranging from Brazilian jiu-jitsu to muay thai, judo and taekwondo, 8 Brazilian fighters have shared their experience of being a woman in martial arts. The reprehensible conducts found were: 1. Neglect in teaching; 2. Gender stereotypes during technical instructions; 3. Segregation; 4. Lack of understanding of female singularity; 5. Abuse; 6. Harassment. Otherwise, the exemplary ones were: 1. Attention to uniqueness; 2. Focus on technical issues while teaching, regardless the gender; 3. Cooperative environment; 4. Respectful and respectable authority; 5. Recognition and appreciation. In sum, martial arts practices can lead to excellence or violence, depending on intentions and behaviors towards girls and women.

  Those aspects were brought together by the interviewees as attitudes that might influence their adherence, permanence and identification with their practices. Moreover, positive changes can improve self-confidence, self-efficacy and social support. A Psychology & Human Movement approach involves promoting gender equity through relevant conducts and behaviors that might impact people in such specific context. It reinforces the importance of both reflexive strategies (e.g. conferences, discussion, and storytelling on the topic), and pre-reflexive ones (positive attitudes, anti-discriminative behaviors, and accurate conducts). This proposal also includes the development of a sensible norm which is constituted and modulated empathically without surrendering to pure conventionality (Barreira, 2017). It refers to raising awareness to the body itself,  that informs its constraints to the subjects through movement.

A “little less conversation and little more action” motto claims that perception of individuals’ abilities encompasses pre-reflexive processes. These are also shaped by cultural norms, social expectations, and personal experiences, often influencing our perceptions and actions without conscious awareness. In the context of martial arts, they can play a significant role in perpetuating gender disparities and implicit biases, whether by instructors, peers, and even practitioners themselves. By incorporating awareness training and implicit bias reduction techniques, martial artists can become more conscious of their biases and actively work to counteract them. This includes understanding each body's capabilities, allowing practitioners to develop skills without being hindered by gender-related constraints.

To conclude with, recent research has identified gender equity as a safeguarding strategy in martial arts practices under the risk of disappearing, such as the Galhofa in Portugal (Telles, Andrieu & Barreira, 2022) and the Ssireum in Korea (Telles & Barreira, 2020). Inclusion of girls and women in both Galhofa and Ssireum was an example of improving participation and recognition of traditional martial arts through the promotion of diversity. Fostering gender equity through a Psychology & Human Movement perspective can be a fruitful way to think globally and act locally, and aligned with the SDGs (United Nations, 2023).

Addressing gender equity in martial arts requires an approach that encompasses not only physical training but also intertwinement with psychological, perception-action and pre-reflexive processes. By integrating them into training methodologies, martial arts can move beyond the limitations of traditional gender norms and biases. Through these accurate efforts, they can become a platform of inclusive culture for personal growth, empowerment, and achievement for all, regardless of gender.

※ Views in this writing are the author's own.

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