In October 2020, the 9th IMACSSS International Conference and the 2nd Global Scientific Martial Arts and Cultural Congress (GSMACC) were successfully held in Putrajaya, Malaysia, marking a historic milestone as the first hybrid martial arts scientific conference combining both in-person and remote participation.
Context and Innovation
Faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizing committee, led by Dr. Mohamad Nizam Mohamed Shapie, adapted swiftly to global restrictions. The hybrid format allowed Malaysian participants to attend physically at The Everly Hotel, while international delegates joined virtually from countries like Poland, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and the USA.
This innovative approach introduced a new category of participant—the remote attendee—and redefined martial arts tourism and scientific tourism, blending cultural exchange with digital connectivity.
Scientific and Cultural Highlights
The three-day event (10–12 October 2020) featured:
- Plenary sessions with keynote speakers such as Prof. Wojciech J. Cynarski, Prof. Carlos Gutierrez-Garcia, and Prof. Abel Figueiredo.
- Silat Tempur Invitational Championship, showcasing Malaysia’s national martial art.
- Workshops, martial arts galas, and cultural performances, including a demonstration by Grandmaster Aminuddin Anuar.
- Virtual presentations from international scholars, including research on Taekwondo, Polish swordsmanship, and martial arts pedagogy.
Challenges and Achievements
Despite travel bans and quarantine requirements, the conference maintained high academic standards, with 50 accepted papers published in the Abstract Book. The organizers overcame time zone differences and technical hurdles to ensure smooth communication and engagement.
The event also celebrated the 10th anniversary of IMACSSS, reflecting its institutional maturity and resilience. A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Dr. Shapie for his leadership, and future conferences were announced for Chongqing (2021) and Rzeszów (2022).
Legacy and Future Outlook
IMACSSS 2020 in Putrajaya set a precedent for hybrid martial arts conferences, blending scholarship, sport, and cultural diplomacy. It reinforced Malaysia’s role as a hub for Silat promotion and highlighted the adaptability of academic communities in times of crisis.
As hybrid formats become more common, this event stands as a model for inclusive, global, and culturally rich scientific gatherings in the martial arts domain.
