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This study explores the role of gender as a central organizing principle in the inclusion work within martial arts clubs in Sweden, against a backdrop of inclusion being an explicit focus in the policy programs of the sports movement. Based on qualitative data collected through focus group interviews with representatives from three martial arts clubs, this study departs from a social constructionist perspective where gender is understood as a social process or a ‘doing’. The analysis of the data reveals two distinct approaches to gender as an organizing principle: downplaying the significance of gender and explicating the significance of gender. Within the first approach the meaning and significance of gender are subordinated by organizing mixed-gender groups and regulating interactions within the groups. The importance of equalizing potential physical differences and avoiding sexism in practice, is emphasized. However, the approach also brings forward challenging situations related to gender and other inclusion aspects, such as religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds. The second approach recognizes the significance of gender as a structural aspect and employs gender-separatist training groups and specific activities for girls and women. These targeted efforts are justified by the respondents because of the male dominance and masculinity norms that exist in martial arts and hinder girls’ and women's participation. The findings highlight the complexities and tensions of how gender is constructed and reproduced within the context of martial arts clubs and contribute to deepening the understanding of how these constructions condition the inclusion work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion have been discussed in the sports context for many years, in practice as well as in research. In Sweden, increased inclusion is an explicit ambition in policies of the sports movement. However, there are no specific directives on how inclusion and inclusion work should be interpreted and implemented. Rooted in a theoretical framework inspired by Foucault, the present study intends to contribute to that discussion by exploring the meaning-making around inclusion and exclusion as both a discursive and social practice in a sport context.

The empirical basis for this study is four focus group interviews, carried out with participants from four different martial arts sport clubs in Sweden. The interviews circled around a) the norms in the sport clubs, b) the design of the concrete activities; the logics behind the sport practice and conditions for participation, and c) the work with inclusion, involving thoughts on existing policies and active measures. The data analysis was carried through utilising a thematic analysis procedure, based on the theoretical framework. The preliminary findings highlight both obstacles and opportunities for inclusion. Furthermore, the respondents’ comprehension of inclusion and exclusion indicates there is a negotiation on how social practices are understood in relation to inclusion and exclusion. The discussion addresses that different social categorisations and inclusion aspects seem competing, demonstrating notions on superiority and subordination in the inclusion work.