ABSTRACT
Heeding the call for more research into the sensory experiences of refugees and forced migrants, this study describes the sensory experiences of a refugee-turned-martial artist using autoethnography. Through sharing a personal story, the author first identifies the senses which have shaped her life experiences and then moves to describing the ways in which those senses have influenced her training in traditional karate, a highly sensorial martial practice which affords a safe space. The discussion moves to how embodied sensory-based experiences may help to better conceptualize and cultivate safe spaces in relation to how creative risk and tension can be encouraged, facilitated, and/or managed in sport-based interventions.
