The Vrije Universiteit Brussel will launch its new lecture series, Beyond the Fight, on 18 February 2026 with a striking keynote by Dr Alex Channon. The British scholar is one of the most influential researchers in the field of martial arts and combat sports studies. In his inaugural lecture, “Fighting without Violence and with Mutual Consent”, Channon challenges the persistent belief that fighting is inherently violent. Professor of Movement Sciences Marc Theeboom and Hebe Schaillée are the initiators of the lecture series.
Drawing on extensive research, Alex Channon demonstrates how consent, mutual trust and moral responsibility lie at the heart of physical interactions in combat sports. Both in dojos and in competitive settings, clear agreements and shared consent create a safe space in which to train, explore risk and engage in intense physical contact without causing harm. Alex Channon: “A punch is only violent when it violates someone. In sparring or competition, both athletes agree to be struck, and rules, rituals and referees frame that consent.”
Combat sport as a laboratory for anti-violence work
Channon stresses that these insights should not remain confined to sport. In his view, combat sports can serve as a practical laboratory for anti-violence work and consent education: a space where participants learn, in a direct and embodied way, how to navigate boundaries, responsibility and respect. The lecture will be followed by a hands-on workshop, allowing participants to experience these principles for themselves through playful training exercises. The evening will conclude with a reception.
Alex Channon
“A lever for inclusion in Brussels”
Marc Theeboom underlines the societal relevance of the research: “Many young people in Brussels are drawn to combat sports, particularly the more hard-edged disciplines. We can harness that appeal in a positive way. By equipping coaches with the right methodologies, we not only help young people progress in sport, but also strengthen their prospects in education, employment and social integration. In that sense, combat sport can become a lever for inclusion in Brussels.”
The lecture series ties in closely with the mission of the recently established Centre for Martial Arts and Science (CEMAS), which aims to anchor combat sports structurally in education, research and societal impact. We spoke to Marc Theeboom about this initiative.
Willy Calewaert Chair 2026
The Beyond the Fight series is made possible by the 2026 Willy Calewaert Chair of deMens.nu and is organised by the Centre for Martial Arts and Science (CEMAS) and the Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
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This initiative is part of VUB's public programme, a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
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