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Assessing equity, diversity and inclusion of women in martial arts and combat sports: a systematic review

Turelli, Fabiana, Sepulveda Arango, Mauricio and Chen, Yutong 2026. Assessing equity, diversity and inclusion of women in martial arts and combat sports: a systematic review. Martial Arts Studies 19 , pp. 1-15. 10.18573/mas.270

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Abstract

This study presents a systematic review that aims to critically map Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in MACS, focusing on women’s experiences. We followed the PRISMA 2020 statement and collected data from 44 articles hosted on SportDiscus and Women Studies International Forum (EBSCO), Core Collection (Web of Science) and Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest) between June and October 2024. The findings show that women face multiple challenges related to traditional gender norms and unequal power relations, and yet intersecting factors such as religion and race. This review emphasizes the critical role of meaningful committed EDI initiatives in fostering inclusive environments that support women in MACS, which, despite the efforts of the martial-scholar community, are still missing. Systemic and institutional change should be pursued to women to thrive and social justice to reach wider settings. The intersectional framework provides this study with a unique foundation for institutional reforms and change in MACS.

Item Type: Article
Date Type: Publication
Status: Published
Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure
Publisher: Cardiff University Press
ISSN: 2057-5696
Date of First Compliant Deposit: 24 February 2026
Date of Acceptance: 10 January 2026
Last Modified: 24 Feb 2026 15:19
URI: https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/185175

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