The Dialogical Self in Christian MMA - Dr Teemu Pauha (Pt 2) - Meaningful Sport Series

Physical Activity Researcher

Being a professional mixed martial arts practitioner and a devout Christian presents a potential contradiction that seems to require 'identity work' to bring these two identities into some sort of harmony. What have the researchers, church leaders and martial artists themselves said about this dilemma? Is MMA just like football or any other sport and a separate life sphere from religion, or something that is inherently incompatible with the Christian faith?

In this second part of our conversation with Dr Teemu Pauha, we focus on these intriguing questions, drawing on our recent collaborative article ‘Strong and courageous’ but ‘constantly insecure’: dialogical self theory, intersecting identities, and Christian mixed martial arts. In addition to exploring a case study of Ron Waterman (a former UFC fighter), we discuss dialogical self theory as a potential avenue for studying identity intersections and meaning in sport.

Dr Teemu Pauha is a University Lecturer at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Helsinki. His research has explored the religious and national identities of young Finnish Muslims and the role of religion in intergroup relations. Teemu is a long-term martial arts practitioner and is interested in the questions of how sporting practices might relate to spiritual life.