Combat sports and wellbeing: advancing health and inclusion in athletes and practitioners. An opinion paper

This opinion paper examines the multifaceted impact of combat sports on physical, psychological, and social health. Commonly associated with competitive sport emphasizing physical, technical, and tactical aspects, combat sports - including judo, karate, taekwondo, wrestling, boxing, fencing, and mixed martial arts - are increasingly getting attention for their broader contributions to holistic well-being. Empirical evidence indicates that structured combat sports training enhances cardiovascular fitness, motor coordination, and neuromuscular control, while also fostering emotional regulation, self-efficacy, and reductions in anxiety and depressive symptomatology. The cognitive demands and strategic nature of these sports align with established psychological frameworks that support resilience and stress management. Furthermore, the inherent inclusivity and adaptability of combat sports facilitate participation among individuals with disabilities and other marginalized groups, thereby promoting social inclusion and empowerment. Nonetheless, concerns persist regarding injury risk, hyper-competitive environments, and potential adverse psychological effects such as heightened stress, anxiety, burnout, and decreased self-esteem, particularly in cases of excessive pressure, negative coaching practices, or maladaptive perfectionism. The current body of research employs diverse methodological approaches, ranging from experimental and longitudinal studies to qualitative and mixed-methods designs. Despite the relevance and informative value of available evidence-based knowledge, pertinent literature still presents deficits in terms of reproducibility and external validity. Future research is encouraged to adopt standardized protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy-oriented frameworks to further elucidate the long-term benefits and risks associated with combat sports participation.