Justin Lee Ford 
Martial arts is a discipline that requires focus, dedication, and continuous learning. To take your skills to the next level, you may consider traveling overseas for martial art training. Speaking personally, training overseas was one of the most impactful decisions I made in my martial art journey.
But enough about me!
Let’s explore the surprising ways overseas martial art training can be beneficial to you, and how it can help you develop as a martial artist.
Immersion in the Art
Overseas martial art training can provide you with an immersive experience that you may not get at home. This can give you a unique perspective on the art and deepen your understanding of its history and roots. Immersing yourself in the art while in its motherland can also help you develop a deeper connection with it and truly ignite your passion for it to burn brighter.
Exposure to Different Styles and Techniques
Martial arts vary from region to region, and overseas martial art training can expose you to different styles and techniques. I can think of few better ways to broaden your knowledge and skill set and help you become a more well-rounded martial artist. For example, if you primarily practice karate, you may benefit from training Muay Thai in Thailand or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil. Exposure to different styles and techniques can also give you a new perspective on your own style and help you refine it. At the end of the day, we are simply studying movements and intentions; you are bound to find connections and similarities across the world as you explore different arts.
Cultural Immersion
Overseas martial art training can also provide you with a cultural immersion experience. You can learn about the customs, traditions, and way of life of the country you are visiting. This can be a valuable experience that helps you develop a more open-minded and accepting mindset. Cultural immersion can also be an opportunity to make new friends and build lifelong
connections with people from around the world. Martial arts are violence and warfare as viewed through a cultural lens. Your cultural immersion can be key to uncovering the “why” behind the “what” of your training.
Personal Growth
Overseas martial art training can be a challenging and rewarding experience that can help you grow as a person. You may face new training methods, cultural norms, and language barriers. However, by stepping outside of your comfort zone, you can develop resilience, mental toughness, and adaptability. These skills can be beneficial not only in martial arts but in all areas of your life.
Access to Specialized Training Facilities
Many countries have specialized training facilities that may not be available in your home country. For example, Japan has traditional dojos that can give you an authentic martial arts experience, Thailand has (very hot) outdoor training gyms that are focused on Muay Thai, and China has large scale academies that specialize in elevating performance to new levels. Access to specialized training facilities can help enhance your abilities and provide you with a unique and memorable experience.
Affordable Training
Overseas martial art training can be surprisingly affordable. In some countries, the cost of living, and also the cost of training, is lower. Additionally, many training facilities offer discounted rates for long-term training and sometimes even lodging. This can make overseas martial art training a cost-effective way to take your skills to the next level.
Improved Physical Fitness
Traveling overseas for martial art training can also help you improve your physical fitness. Training in a new environment can challenge your body in new ways and help you break through plateaus. Additionally, some countries have a more active lifestyle, which can help you stay active and healthy even outside of training.
Meet Other Martial Artists from Around the World
Overseas martial art training provides a great opportunity to meet other martial artists from around the world. This can be an incredible experience where you can make lifelong connections with people who share the same passion as you. You will have the chance to exchange techniques, learn from each other, and even train together. This can also be a great opportunity to learn about different cultures, languages, and customs from other martial artists.
Break the Routine
Traveling overseas for martial art training can help break the routine of your daily training. Training in the same place with the same people every day can become monotonous, and this can lead to a plateau in your training progress. By training overseas, you expose yourself to new environments, training styles, and techniques. This can keep your training fresh and exciting and help you break through any training plateaus.
Learn a New Language
I won’t lie…Traveling to a country where the native language is not your own can be an extremely daunting idea. With that being said, it can also be the push you need to learn a new language. It’s no surprise that learning a new language can be beneficial for both your personal and professional life, and it can also enhance your martial art training. You will be able to communicate better with your training partners and instructors, and you will also be able to read martial art texts in their original language, giving you a deeper understanding of the art.
Gain Confidence and Independence
Traveling overseas for martial art training can be an opportunity to gain confidence and independence. Being away from your familiar surroundings can be challenging, but it can also be empowering. You will learn to navigate new places, communicate with people who speak a different language, and make decisions on your own. Talk about injecting a super boost to your self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
Conclusion
Traveling overseas for martial art training can be a transformative experience that enhances your martial arts skills, broadens your knowledge, and deepens your understanding of the art. It provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, meet other martial artists from around the world, and develop valuable life skills. If you are looking for new ways to take your martial art training to the next level, consider traveling overseas for an unforgettable experience.
Travel, Traditional martial arts, Competition, Training tips
Black Belt Magazine
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