In Chemnitz, eastern Germany, the Athletic Sonnenberg sports club is using Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) as a battleground for democracy. Coach Stani says many MMA gyms in Saxony are run by right-wingers, and far-right structures are prevalent in the MMA scene.

Far-right groups increasingly use martial arts, especially MMA, to recruit young men, often linked to football hooliganism. MMA serves as direct preparation for violent confrontations with political opponents or police. In Saxony, where the far-right Alternative for Germany party is strong, extremism is rising, particularly among youth.

Athletic Sonnenberg offers an alternative focused on diversity and empowerment. Founded in 2020, it started martial arts classes in 2024. The club provides mixed-gender training and sessions tailored to women, trans, and non-binary participants, welcoming everyone from beginners to advanced athletes.

Participant Lis says the MMA class helps her feel stronger in the face of right-wing violence in Chemnitz. The club aims to create an open, safe space where newcomers can train without fear of encountering far-right elements.

Coach Stani notes that people know which gyms have ties to former neo-Nazis and avoid them. Athletic Sonnenberg strives to be an inclusive alternative, offering an intercultural space where everyone trains together.

Source: www.dw.com