The far right is increasingly leveraging mixed martial arts as a tool for recruiting new members. However, a gym in Chemnitz, located in eastern Germany, is pushing back with a martial arts initiative centered on diversity and empowerment.
Hip hop blares from speakers, barely drowning out the thuds of gloves hitting focus mitts and bodies landing on mats. As the evening progresses and the dozen participants work up a heavy sweat, condensation forms on the windows. While Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training at Athletic Sonnenberg resembles many similar gyms, members of this Chemnitz sports club view it as a battleground for democracy. "This has a clear political dimension," said Stani, the martial arts coach at Athletic Sonnenberg. "Many martial arts gyms in Saxony are operated by right-wingers, and there are numerous right-wing networks within the MMA scene generally." Athletic Sonnenberg emphasizes diversity and empowerment. Organizers hope it can distinguish itself at a time when the far right is increasingly using sports—especially MMA—as a means to attract new members.
The far right and MMA
Martial arts, often linked to football hooligan groups, provide right-wing organizations with a growing audience of young men. Many of these individuals may not initially be interested in politics but can be engaged through sports. MMA also serves as direct preparation for violent encounters with political opponents or law enforcement.
Chemnitz is one of the largest cities in Saxony, a state in eastern Germany where the far right has been expanding for years. The Alternative for Germany party holds the second-largest position in the state legislature and currently leads in polls by a significant margin.
The extreme right is also gaining ground, particularly among younger demographics. Mixed martial arts has long served as a key recruitment instrument for right-wing movements in Germany, such as the Third Path. Efforts to ban prominent right-wing events have not halted this growth.
"Here in Saxony, the far-right is becoming increasingly powerful, especially in martial arts but also in sports more broadly. It's clearly been a trend in recent years," Lena, an Athletic Sonnenberg member, told DW. "It's kind of an open secret. People are aware of which gyms here have connections to former neo-Nazis or where individuals with ties to the Nazi scene train. You know to avoid those," Stani said.
Stepping into the ring
Rather than simply steering clear of right-leaning gyms, Athletic Sonnenberg chose to provide a different option. While participants join for a variety of reasons, the region's political climate often plays a role.
"Right-wing structures and violence are present here [in Chemnitz]. You see them in groups outside clubs or shopping centers, and it doesn't feel right," Lis, a participant in the MMA class, told DW.
"The MMA class helps us learn how to handle these situations, or at least feel a bit stronger when they arise. It's not that I think I can take on a large group of guys, but having training does make a mental difference."
Lis also appreciates the openness and sense of community at Athletic Sonnenberg. The broader club, which also includes football, volleyball, and cycling teams, was founded in 2020 and began offering martial arts classes in 2024.
Inclusivity is a priority, with the club providing both mixed-gender training and sessions tailored specifically for women, trans, and non-binary participants. From beginners to advanced athletes, everyone is welcome.
"We want to offer young people here an alternative. If someone decides they want to try MMA, they should have more options than just joining a right-wing gym. They should also be able to join an inclusive gym where everyone trains together in an intercultural space," Lis said.
This inclusivity means that people who are not necessarily interested in politics also participate.
"I work in security, and my colleagues always joke that I need to hit the gym," joked one participant after finishing his first-ever MMA class.
"They won't let me forget it if I only do one session, and it was also a lot of fun, so I'll definitely come back."
While organizers view the gym as a political project, simply offering an open, safe space where newcomers can stop by without worrying about encountering the extreme right is a success for those who attend.
Edited by: Matt Pearson