THE MARTIAL ARTS STUDIES ASSOCIATION (MASA)
The Martial Arts Studies Association works to promote and advance the academic study of the martial arts. It seeks to foster work that is rigorous, original, and significant, and to bring diverse academic discourses into dialogue with one another. It also seeks to promote and disseminate martial arts studies scholarship outside of the university context, primarily by advocating open-access publication and non-profit events and activities.
Initially known as the Martial Arts Studies Research Network, we have been connecting and engaging diverse researchers and international institutions for over a decade. Today, the Martial Arts Studies Association is the world-leader in bringing together scholars and developing knowledge of the significance and impact of martial arts in the contemporary world.
The Martial Arts Studies Association was formally established in 2023. It grew from and builds on the foundations of the Martial Arts Studies Research Network, which has been operating since 2015 under the directorship of Professor Paul Bowman of the School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC) at Cardiff University, UK.
The Association is led by a board of world-leading scholars, with an international advisory board, and distinguished fellows. It is connected in different ways to an ever-growing number of affiliated universities, educational and cultural institutions and other scholarly associations from around the world.
The Martial Arts Studies Association plays a key role in setting the agenda of cutting-edge research, advanced scholarship, and the orientation of university pedagogy, as well as seeking to advance the wider cultural impact of martial arts studies.
The Martial Arts Studies Association connects academics and institutions from across the world, providing a shared platform for their work and scholarship.
Find out more about our Board, our distinguished Fellows, and how to become a member of the Martial Arts Studies Association.
Our international board has worked with us for over a decade to help develop the quality, diversity and depth of scholarship in the field of martial arts studies.
WHAT DO WE DO?
In addition to publishing the Martial Arts Studies Journal, the Association also brings together a wide range of scholars and practitioners across interdisciplinary and institutional boundaries.
Each year, our annual conference gathers academics and practitioners for a programme of cutting-edge content, keynote talks and lively workshops.
In addition to our main annual conference, the Association holds other events across the UK. Further information about our events is here.
Members of the Association have also produced a wide range of books, articles, and other publications in the field of Martial Arts Studies.
"Martial Arts Studies Journal. Truly excellent work, I have never been disappointed by a single article so far."
Daniel Jaquet, martial arts historian
"The conference demonstrated that martial arts studies, as a still young field, shows a wealth of promise, with emerging leaders, topics and debates that will stimulate future research, cross-continental collaboration and intercultural dialogue."
George Jennings, Cardiff Metropolitan University
"Engaging with the conference participants provided me with a boost of energy and creativity ... This has led to the submission of a research grant and a book proposal. I’ve recommended your conference to a number of scholars."
Aaron Han Joon Magnan-Park, Hong Kong University