Martial Arts

MAS

Hanzestedenplaats 1, Antwerp

03/04/2026 – 29/11/2026

Mars at the MAS

When I first heard of the new exhibition on Martial Arts at the MAS, I was surprised and wasn’t quite sure if I would be guiding it. Just over half a year before the exhibition opens, we received a presentation about the content. I was immediately enthusiastic. You don’t think about heritage when it comes to combat and martial arts, but actually, a lot of knowledge and history is involved. Just think of the master-apprentice relationship, where not only are various techniques taught, but also stories.

The name ‘martial’ comes from the Roman god Mars, the god of war. Consequently, the MAS shows a porcelain statue of Mars that is more than 250 years old. The statue depicts him as a controlled warrior. Martial Arts is therefore largely about self-control, discipline, and readiness. A stark contrast to the aggression that we might first associate with martial arts…

Antwerp heritage

Before you see the statue of Mars, you first pass the dressing room. Here you see various gloves and clothing, such as a judo suit and a wrestling suit. The latter is made of an elastic fabric and is close-fitting, so you cannot easily pull on it. Wrestling is one of the martial arts discussed in the first theme ‘Body’. You will find an other, older wrestling suit: until the 1960s, it was made of wool. This was not ideal; the fabric became heavier and heavier due to sweating. Wrestling has a long history in Antwerp: around 1900, wrestling took place in cafes and tents. Many wrestling clubs emerged where workers from the port city practiced. They earned more if they had more muscle strength, and wrestling is a good exercise.

In addition to developing strength, relieving stress is also one of the reasons to practice Martial Arts. Meditation and self-control are covered in the next theme, ‘Mind,’ followed by  ‘Show’. Knights and samurai, Lucha Libre, and catch are among the topics featured. Would you like to experience what it is like to stand in a boxing ring for yourself? Practice your staredown first and then take on someone else in the ring.

Another motivation for participants is the sense of group belonging. Contradictory to what you might think, Martial Arts also brings people together. To a common enemy, like capoeira or karate, but also in preparation for the dragon or lion dance. The stories in the exhibition are presented in the clubhouse constructed from 293 colored belts (referencing the practitioner’s level) and designed by Nieke Koek and Nienke Brokke. The exhibition ends where it all begins: with watching. Movie posters hang on the wall and there is a succession of fight scenes from kung fu and action films. Want more action? Scan the QR code in the final section for details on all martial arts clubs in Antwerp.

Boxers in paint

Not only are there heritage objects to be found related to the clubs and history, but also various paintings related to martial arts. Three paintings on the theme ‘Body’ are by Sam Dillemans. His quote:

It is not so much about pictures or stories as it is about the form and the emotion. What counts is the shock of muscles and intellect, the collision of the bodies.
– Sam Dillemans

If you like Dillemans’ style, be sure to look at the painting under the Society theme, near the posters for ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’. It is by Isaac Israëls and is more than 100 years old. It depicts a black boxer preparing for a fight.

Guided tours

If you would like a guided tour in the exhibition with me as your guide, please indicate this when booking or contact me for more information.