| Theme | The use of the martial arts explores various new possibilities of Sport as a tool for education and inclusion. |
| Objectives | In Bulgaria, as in other Balkan countries, people with disabilities and those from other disadvantaged groups are often not an active part of education, employment and public life from an early age. Potential exclusion deprives them of opportunities to engage and develop relationships with others – opportunities that are essential to their social development and important determinants of health and well-being. Martial arts as a specific sport activity are suitable for helping disadvantaged young people to acquire social skills that they lack. These arts teach them how to communicate effectively, as well as the importance of teamwork and collaboration, goal setting, self-discipline, respect for others, and the importance of following rules. Martial arts also enable disadvantaged students to take risks and learn how to deal with failure and success in a safe and supportive environment. Coaches and teammates provide them with important role models and can help young people develop skills that they can apply to other aspects of their lives, such as employment. The benefits of physical activity are universal for all children, including people with disabilities. The participation of disadvantaged students in sports and leisure activities promotes inclusion, minimizes deconditioning, optimizes physical functioning and improves overall well-being. |
| Target Group | Train physical activity teachers in schools to introduce Martial Arts to stimulate the inclusion of socially disadvantaged youth. |
| Description | Sport plays an important role in our societies. The diverse educational practices of sport, can be efficient to convey values of solidarity, diversity, inclusiveness and cultural awareness. It has a specific place in our societies combining a healthy physical activity with social and cultural heritage and diversity. Sport can be a very powerful tool for education and inclusion when working with young people because it can be very motivating and interesting. It can create a bridge between different social groups and better mutual comprehension and dialogue. |
| Impact of the programme | The main objective of the project was to train physical education and sports teachers in schools in remote / rural areas, as well as those with disadvantaged students, how to introduce martial arts to encourage the inclusion of disadvantaged young people, regardless of by age, race and skills. Thus, martial arts have become a way to boost self-confidence, control violence and strengthen community aspects. There is no reason why martial arts cannot be practiced by everyone, and if necessary, the project has proven that an appropriate adaptation can be made to the capabilities of the individual.
The project proposed a number of innovative techniques to stimulate and facilitate the conduct of martial arts training, including the use of mobile and online training through an e-community learning platform. |
| Source | http://inclusivemartialarts.eu/ |
| Organization/specialist implementing the practice | Marie Curie Association- MCA Plovdiv + EWTO Bulgaria |
| Activity managers | Martial arts sports clubs, specially trained coaches for training children with special needs from different homes and Yamato Sports Club, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria |
| Location | Plovdiv, Bulgaria |
