Swen Körner

Swen Körner is a full Professor at the German Sport University Cologne, affiliated with the Department of Training Pedagogy and Martial Research. He is a leading figure in the interdisciplinary study of martial arts, police training, and reflexive sports science, with extensive collaborations across Europe. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Martial Arts Research and is a member of several international research groups and advisory boards.

His research interests include martial arts and combat sports, nonlinear pedagogy, police conflict management, gamification in education, doping research, and systemic theory in sports and policing. His work critically examines the social, pedagogical, and ethical dimensions of training, violence, and institutional behavior, often applying systems theory to understand complex dynamics in law enforcement and sports education.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward integrating nonlinear and reflexive approaches into police training, emphasizing the constraints-led approach, error culture, digitalization, and diversity. His work increasingly focuses on narrative and gamified methods in teaching, mental health in policing, and the sociocultural implications of self-defense systems. He also contributes to policy-relevant research on doping prevention and youth sports safety.

• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Martial Arts Research
• Member, Tactical Decision Making Research Group, University of Liverpool
• Spokesperson, “Martial Arts and Combat Sports” Commission, German Society for Sports Science (dvs)
• Member, EU consortium “Safeguarding Youth Sport”
• Member, Center for Preventive Doping Research, German Sport University Cologne
• Expert reviewer for SNSF, DAAD, Mercator Foundation, and multiple journals

Körner advises and collaborates extensively, particularly with Mario S. Staller and Barbara Bonn. He has led evaluations of NRW Sports Schools and doping prevention programs. His research is grant-supported through federal and foundation funding, though specific grants are not detailed. He is involved in multiple research groups and editorial boards, indicating a broad academic network and leadership role.

He is active in developing pedagogical frameworks for police training, promoting reflective practice, and advancing the scientific understanding of martial arts in society. His work bridges academic theory and practical application in law enforcement, education, and sports policy.