Top Travel Destinations for Martial Arts Enthusiasts for 2024
September 8, 2023
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If you’re looking for great martial arts education, you may think that you do not need to travel at all. Afterall, almost every country has its credible martial arts associations, which promote different disciplines and are well connected various organizations & associations from other countries.
Keeping up with the practice from your hometown is certainly acceptable as training locally comes with great benefits. One of it is that you’re likely to practice regularly. You are also likely to build a community around this practice, and you can meet these people on a daily basis.
But from time to time, we all have a craving for adventure, so that’s why going to a martial arts camp has even greater benefits. When you combine two of your greatest passions – traveling and martial arts – you get an unforgettable experience of learning and personal growth.
But the question is: where should you go? To make it easier, below is a list of countries for you to consider for a martial arts camp in 2024. Your choice will depend on your preferences for the location, as well as on the type of martial arts you want to practice.
1. Thailand
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and dates back centuries but it has become extremely popular in the Western world in recent years.
In fact, if you visit any gym or recreation center in the US you most likely come across some form of Muay Thai class. It’s known as the art of eight limbs as both fighters will need to use their elbows, fists, knees, and shins to be effective.
You can also enroll in Muay Thai training at the famous Tiger Muay Thai Institute in Phuket which has programs for beginners and more advanced participants alike.
Thailand is famous for its variety of scenic landscapes and there are many other options for tourists to enjoy while visiting Phuket.
You might want to combine your Muay Thai experience with some sightseeing as ‘The Land of Smiles' is truly a country unlike any other in the world.
2. China
Is Kung Fu your preferred discipline? Then China is the place to be!
A recent case study from 2017 found that although Shaolin centers in China are striving towards the commercialization of martial arts for the sake of attracting more tourists, the wushu schools around historic monasteries are still functioning well.
The entire world gained huge benefits from the Shaolin heritage. Since traveling is getting easier and more affordable, you can easily visit China, the country that’s considered to be the cradle of martial arts.
The only ‘issue’ is that China is a huge country and you’ll probably want to explore it. That means you’ll probably need to plan a longer trip.
3. Brazil
Everyone who’s interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) aspires to train in Brazil. Yes; there are great masters of the art all over the world, but nothing beats the training you’ll get in the country of its origin. Rio de Janeiro itself is a pretty awesome destination to experience.
It’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth, but it’s also an environment that will challenge you in many different ways. Yes; you should definitely get informed about the crime before you get there. If you’re after calmer surroundings for your training but you still prefer Brazil, consider Petropolis.
You might get to see some competitions in Brazilian jiu-jitsu while you’re there, and that’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss out on.
Once in Brazil, if you want to have a little fun while learning effective martial arts skills, then Capoeira would be a great choice. Originally developed by the African slaves that were brought to Brazil, Capoeira originated from a form of dance fighting and developed into an extremely enjoyable and energetic martial arts discipline.
Visit Rio as part of a Capoeira camp where you will combine dance, acrobatics, and martial arts all to the sound of the ever-entertaining Brazilian music. Of course, when you are in Rio there are also fantastic beaches and carnivals to experience so this trip is for those who want to get great exercise and learn a martial art but still enjoy themselves.
4. Japan
In terms of traditional Asian martial arts, “South Korea, China, and Japan are likely to become the world’s leading powerhouses based on their infinite potential in human, material, and ideological resources.” That comes from the abstract of an article published in The International Journal of the History of Sport in 2016.
The author discusses how the martial arts in these countries are developing against the background of globalization and modernization. Although traditional martial arts have transformed to accept some characteristics of modern sports, they still preserved their essential spirit in these countries.
For karate, kendo, aikido, or judo, Japan is the right country to train in. If you want a serious, intense, and authentic education in these disciplines, you’ll encounter Japanese schools that take things very seriously.
Aside from getting state-of-the-art training, you’ll also learn the basics of respect towards the discipline’s philosophy and the masters who are teaching you the ropes.
While you’re there be sure to take in the sights of modern Tokyo as well as it truly is an amazing experience with sights, sounds, and smells that you might never experience again. When visiting Japan it's all about blending the old with the new.
5. Tibet
Photo source: Tibet.net.
There’s no place like Tibet. The sights, the people, and the mere feeling in the air… everything is different in this country. If you love Kung Fu, you want to train in Shaolin Temple, and China is not your first choice, then Tibet is definitely a great option.
You’ll be subjected to intense training, but the supportive community of Tibetan people will inspire you to go through it with grace.
6. The Netherlands
Photo source: DeHavenLoods.nl.
Nearly everyone speaks English in Holland, so you won’t face a language barrier. Although there is no particular martial discipline originating from this country, they have great schools and a strong tradition in judo and Muay Thai.
Anton Geesink, the first non-Japanese male to gain the title of world champion in Judo, was Dutch. That says enough about the quality of martial arts training in The Netherlands.
Tang Soo Do is also a very popular discipline in this country.
7. South Korea
Is Taekwondo your discipline of choice? Korean martial arts, it’s actually one of the very few remaining similarities between South and North Korea. Since North Korea is particularly tricky for foreign visitors, our suggestion is the South.
There’s probably no Korean citizen who doesn’t have at least basic familiarity with Taekwondo. You’ll learn not only from the masters in the school of your choice but from random people on the street as well. You’ll hear various stories about the origin of the discipline, so prepare to be slightly confused.
Seoul is regarded as the home of Tae Kwon Do and you can enroll in courses for a range of skill levels in the renowned Namsangol Hanok Village in the city and watch the masters demonstrate their skills. It really is the “Mecca” for any Tae Kwon Do enthusiast.
8. The United States
Photo source: USJJF.org.
No; we don’t mean for you to learn through YouTube videos. The martial arts culture in the USA may be subjected to criticism because of the extreme commercialization, but you’ll still find incredible academies and quality training camps in this country. If you’re interested in boxing, in particular, this is the place you should really set your eyes on.
If you want an authentic and comprehensive experience, then search for a genuine master. It’s easy to choose a discipline you like, but make sure you do your due diligence when you’re looking for a mentor or a trainer.
9. Israel
In Tel-Aviv you can book a Krav Maga training course which is when you combine it with a sightseeing/beach holiday is a great way to spend a week or two.
Krav Maga is an ultra-effective martial art discipline based on real combat situations that anyone could find themselves in.
It’s because of its realism with routes in Boxing, Judo, and Aikido, that there is a high demand to learn its techniques. If you want to apply your newly acquired skills in everyday situations, then a trip to Israel to learn Krav Maga is for you!
Traveling Brings Even More Fun into Your Training
Wherever you want to be, you can be. That’s what martial arts teach you. These disciplines push you to your very limits and teach you how to overcome them.
So why limit yourself to one geographical region? Set yourself free! Explore the world through the eyes of martial arts and you’ll discover dimensions in yourself that you were never aware of.
Looking to explore the world of martial arts and learn from the source, but don’t know where to start? A martial arts camp for beginners is the perfect place to start your journey.