There has never been a better time to ignite your passion than during these holidays. If martial arts has always been your favourite pastime and your holiday itinerary is not yet set, then we have selected a few places we feel you should visit for the ultimate martial arts experience. You can find courses for all levels from beginner, intermediate through to advanced and professional training.
Enjoy the satisfaction of learning traditional Tai Chi in China
The Yangshuo Long Tou Shan Tai Chi School, located in the legendary beauty spot of Yangshuo on the Li River in southern China, offers students ideal conditions to enjoy Tai Chi and Qigong training. All students are welcome regardless of age, physical condition or level of knowledge. The Long Tou Shan School offers some of Asia’s most ancient and complementary practices as well as the deep satisfaction of learning traditional Chinese martial arts in a superb location, with big comfortable air conditioned rooms with balconies and panoramic river and mountain views. When you are back in South Africa, remember that the SMA Centre is your home for Chinese martial arts locally. With our headquarters in Rivonia, Sandton, we offer Tai Chi and Qigong classes to all age groups. Find out about these and other styles here.
Visit the Muay Thai Camp, Thailand for a magical experience
This is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand for martial arts and Thai kickboxing fanatics. It is the ideal place for those who want to detox. Eating a clean diet, living in nature and partaking in exercise are known to greatly improve mental health. The camp offers daily meditation and yoga classes, temple tours and the magical experience of meeting their only English speaking Buddhist monk. Couple that with hiking in the glorious countryside and your only option will be to find peace and reset. Our head coach, Shuaimeng Liu has since modified this ancient Thai sport and developed San Thai which is exclusive to the SMA Centre. San Thai is a combination of Thai kickboxing (Muay Thai) and San Shou (San Da).
Chop Kick your way at world famous Japanese dojos
Japan is as famous for martial arts, particularly Karate, as it is for supersonic bullet trains and sushi. Take some time to learn more about this iconic martial arts style on your trip to Japan, with a Karate adventure. Chop Kick your way through classes at some of the country’s most prestigious dojos including Kokodan, Butokuden and Okinawa. With this package tour, you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in Japanese culture in general, with a tea ceremony, calligraphy classes and you’ll also learn more about the kimono, the Japanese national dress.
Train with the world’s best BJJ champs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Offered as a class at the SMA Centre, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a form of martial arts and combat sport known for its grappling techniques. There are many BJJ training camps in Rio. But one that stands out is Start Jiu-Jitsu founded by former world champion, Roberto Correa. You will attend classes and seminars run by him and his world-class instructors.
Discover the world’s fastest-growing martial art style in Israel
While Israel isn’t the first place to come to mind when one thinks of martial arts, it is home to one of the fastest growing forms of the arts – Krav Maga. This is a non-competitive martial art whose popularity is growing across the world. It is a blend of Boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu and Wrestling. A unique Krav Maga tour of Israel takes place in the beautiful coastal town of Netanya. The tour is equal parts training and touring which concludes with taking in Israel’s most famous sites. These include Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea.
SMA Centre: Your home of Chinese martial arts in SA
Whilst there are many places to train the world over during the holidays, the SMA Centre remains the home of Chinese martial arts in South Africa. It is your one-stop centre where you can bring your love for traditional and mixed martial arts to life all year round. Our centre offers daily classes which you can afford to pick and choose according to your schedule throughout the year; regardless of your level of proficiency. For more information on the classes offered by our instructors, get in touch today. Happy holidays and safe travels from all of us at the SMA Centre.
References
https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/special-interest/the-worlds-best-martial-artsholidays/