On behalf of the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development an Engagement under the auspices of UNESCO (ICM), we are delighted to inform you that our Centre will organize The Martial Arts Research Initiative for Experts (MARIE) which will be held from 5 July to 10 September 2021. The call for application is now open until 21 May 2021. MARIE is a capacity building and training programme for martial arts instructors and researchers. It is designed to enhance martial arts experts’ capacities in carrying out martial arts research and conveying positive martial arts values for youth and women.
Please note that the 2021 training will be conducted online in response to COVID-19 precautions.
2021 Main Programmes:
1. Writing a research paper (Online)
2. Inclusive Martial Arts Education & Webinars (Online)
3. Research Paper Presentation (in Korea)
4. Cultural Experience (in Korea)
Eligibility Criteria
2.1. Occupation: Martial Arts instructors or researchers
2.2. Education Master’s degree or higher
2.3. Language Proficiency (Sufficient command of both spoken and written English to take classes conducted entirely in English)
Professional experience and expertise
• Proven knowledge/teaching experience of martial arts over 10 years
• Specialization in one of the following fields will be given priority attention:
– Youth Development and Engagement
– Women’s social engagement
– ‘Leave No One behind’ for vulnerable groups including youth, the poor, persons with
disabilities etc.
※ In line with the global Priority Africa and Gender Equality strategies of UNESCO as well as the commitment to equitable geographical and gender balance, sub-Saharan Africa regions as well as women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Ⅲ. Required Documents (*All documents must be in ENGLISH.)
1. (Form 0) Checklist
2. (Form 1) Application Form
3. (Form 2) Personal Statement and Study Plan
4. (Form 3) Research Proposal
5. (Form 4) Two Letters of Recommendation
6. Certificate of a Master’s (or Doctorate) Degree
7. A copy of the applicant’s passport
8. Curriculum Vitae (must clearly state current and/or previous position and affiliation)
9. (Optional) Proof of English Proficiency (E.g. TOEFL, IELTS etc.)
Ⅳ. Application Instruction
1. Application Form: Your name should match the name on your passport.
2. Personal Statement and Study Plan
This is an opportunity for you to convey the information about yourself and your accomplishments that could not be expressed in other portions of the application.
Provide evidence that you possess the required professional experience described in this Call for Applications, and indicate in writing your understanding of martial arts, the interests and extracurricular commitments.
The Study Plan should state your goals and career aspirations. You may include questions that you hope to answer through the programme and/or timeline for how you plan to meet your objectives.
Research Proposal
Please select one topic listed below and write the proposal.
① Martial Arts and Youth
② Martial Arts and Girls/Women
③ Inclusive Martial Arts
Letter of Recommendation
Complete your part of this form, and supply them directly to two recommenders who know
you well. Be sure to give them adequate time to complete the forms before the application
deadline. Recommendations should be signed by the recommenders.
Additional Materials
Curriculum Vitae: Most updated CV is required. It should include Full Name, Address,
Number (including country code), Awards, Work Experience, Martial Arts related Experience,
etc. (All items organized from new to old).
Proof of English Proficiency: Optional but recommended
Application and Selection Procedure
1. Complete the required forms.
2. All documents must be in English. Please provide a handwritten signature on each document.
3. Please mark and place the application checklist in front of the application packet, and arrange
the scanned application materials in the order listed on the checklist.
4. Please combine all application documents into one PDF/Word file and send it via email dy.lee@unescoicm.org with subject “[Nationality] – [Last Name, First Name]”.
* For example: [Republic of Korea] – [Lee, Dayeong]
5. Your submission of documents will be reviewed for any missing or incomplete information or
forms and feedback will be provided.
√ Applications must be received by the UNESCO ICM no later than 21 May, 2021 by Korean Standard
Time. The UNESCO ICM will confirm receipt of applications via email. Only applications meeting the
eligibility criteria will be examined.
√ Maximum of 5 experts will be selected. The selection decisions are based on the applicant’s accomplishments and potential. We review a number of factors – records of past studies and experiences such as study plan, personal statement, research proposal and letters of recommendation. The gender parity and geographical regions are also taken into consideration.
Tentative Main Programme
1. Writing a Research Paper (5 July – 10 September 2021, ZOOM)
Based on your Research Proposal, the Centre will assign a supervising professor to each participant.
You will meet your professor twice a week through Zoom.
The professor will give you an overall help for a high-quality research paper and give support to publish the research result.
2. Inclusive Martial Arts Education & Webinars (5 July – 10 September 2021, ZOOM)
The online Inclusive Martial Arts Platform was developed by the ICM in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair IT Tralee. It is designed for martial arts instructors to effectively work with women and girls, people with disabilities and other marginalized groups.
Participants will take the online educational course first and participate in the webinars*.
live webinars and 3 Q&A sessions which are led by subject matter experts.
3. Research Paper Presentation (November 2021, Chungju city, Korea)
Participants will be invited to ICM International Martial Arts Academic Seminar which will be held on November 2021 in Korea and present their own research paper.
4. Cultural Experience (after the Seminar, total 6 Days/5 Nights)
Travel and Accommodation (for the programme in Korea)
a) UNESCO ICM will cover the cost of a round-trip economy class flight ticket, local hospitality (accommodation and meals) and cultural tour.
b) You are responsible for obtaining your visas you require. Responsibility for and costs of obtaining visas shall be borne by the participants. Visa applications should be made several weeks before your departure as it often requires three weeks or more to be processed.