Abstract: Introduction: Trauma is a profoundly embodied experience with consequences that extend beyond post-traumatic stress disorder and affect broader domains of health. Increasing attention has been directed toward martial arts (MA) as potential preventive and therapeutic modalities. Trauma-informed MA may offer accessible, culturally adaptable strategies that foster empowerment, emotional regulation, and interpersonal functioning. However, an integrated conceptual overview that bridges universal prevention, targeted prevention, and therapeutic applications remains limited. Methods: This conceptual review was developed through expert collaboration among clinicians, researchers, and trauma-informed MA practitioners. A pragmatic search of academic and grey literature was conducted to identify relevant theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, and pilot programmes. Furthermore, ongoing projects were examined. Findings were synthesized to identify shared mechanisms and points of convergence across prevention and therapy. Results: Three application domains were identified: universal prevention, targeted prevention, and therapeutic practice. These domains differ primarily in the extent to which trauma-informed principles are made explicit, ranging from implicit experiential learning in universal contexts to structured psychoeducation in selective prevention and fully articulated treatment goals in clinical settings. Across domains, four key principles consistently emerged: (1) interoceptive awareness; (2) arousal regulation; (3) body agency and somatic safety; and (4) facilitator attunement, highlighting the role of instructors in ensuring safety, choice, mutuality, and cultural responsiveness. Conclusion: Trauma-informed MA may support preventive and therapeutic outcomes by enhancing regulation, agency, and relational safety. Developing local networks of certified MA trainers and therapists could strengthen collaboration between preventive and clinical domains and promote safe, embodied pathways to recovery.
Kamp et al. (Fri,) studied this question.