At the Centre for Modern East Asian Studies (CeMEAS) at the University of Göttingen, we combine academic research with active practice in the field of East Asian martial arts. A special focus lies on Korean martial traditions, explored both as cultural heritage and as living practices.
Through the work of Dr. Martin Minarik, we bridge scholarship and hands-on experience, opening new perspectives on movement, tradition, and society.
Academic Contributions
In March 2025, Dr. Martin Minarik hosted the 12th Annual Conference of the dvs Commission on Martial Arts and Combat Sports at the University of Göttingen. Under the title Blurred Boundaries: Martial Arts and Combat Sports Between Cultural Embodiment, Pedagogical Application, and Political Appropriation, the conference explored how societal, cultural, and political discourses shape the practice and meaning of martial arts.
A video recording of the panel discussion will be available on our webpage and youtube soon!
Taekkyon at Hochschulsport
Beyond his academic work, Dr. Minarik teaches Taekkyon, a traditional Korean martial art known for its flowing, rhythmic movements and deep cultural roots. This course is part of the Hochschulsport Göttingen program, offering students a unique opportunity to experience Korean martial traditions firsthand.
Public Outreach
Our work also reaches into the broader community through public events:
– Move & Dance 2025: As part of the Hochschulsport showcase, Move & Dance celebrates the diversity of movement cultures, including martial arts performances. Korean martial arts were among the highlights of this dynamic event.
– Night of the Libraries 2025: During this special event at the Göttingen State and University Library, we contributed to the program Korea between the Worlds, exploring Korean culture through performances and talks.
Looking Ahead
Further events, workshops, and courses exploring East Asian martial arts and movement cultures are planned for the coming months. We look forward to welcoming all those interested in deepening their understanding of martial arts, body culture, and East Asian traditions. Stay tuned via CeMEAS.
Dr. Martin Minarik
Dr. Martin Minarik is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Institute of Sports Science and an affiliated member of CeMEAS. His work focuses on the sociology of sport, health, and East Asian movement cultures. With a Ph.D. in Human Movement Science and extensive field experience in South Korea, he brings both academic rigor and practitioner insight into the study of Korean martial arts.
Images:
Image 1&2: Photo: Jan Vetter Location: Move & Dance 2025, Universitätssportzentrum Göttingen Images 3-6: Photo: Martin Liebetruth Location: SUB Göttingen, Nacht der Bibliotheken