Training camps since 2019
Immersive internal martial arts at a secluded mountain retreat
We bring practitioners together with respected teachers of the internal martial arts for hands-on training, far from everyday life. No camp is scheduled right now: join the interest list to hear first when one is.
What is The Martial Camp?
A rare chance to learn the internal arts directly, in person
Videos can show you what the internal arts look like. They can’t let you feel it. The Martial Camp is an immersive training retreat where you learn by touch, correction and repetition, from teachers who can demonstrate on anyone.
Each camp brings together several teachers from different lineages under one roof, so you can compare systems, ask questions and find what speaks to you. Between sessions there’s time to rest, recover, explore and get to know practitioners from all over the world.
How a camp works
The experience
Everything is taken care of, so you can focus on training
Respected teachers
Past camps have brought together lineage holders and long-time teachers from several systems.
Hands-on training
Two sessions a day in an air-conditioned hall: principles, partner work and plenty of individual correction.
A secluded retreat
A quiet place surrounded by nature, with all meals included and the training hall a short walk from your room.
Community & excursions
Practitioners from around the world, shared meals and optional cultural excursions together.
“What this camp offers you is greater than one could ever imagine.”
In their words
What participants say
People come to The Martial Camp from all over the world and at every level of experience. Hear from two of them, recorded at the end of their camp.
Steve Renouf on The Martial Camp 
Simon Hevicke on The Martial Camp The Martial Camp was a whole harmony. Being amongst 30 other martial artists in one place does not leave you unchanged. I am very grateful to have been part of this journey. I can see it on YouTube, I have access to many different types of knowledge, but what this camp offers you is greater than one could ever imagine. Everybody is respectful, helpful and caring. It felt very much in balance.
The line-up of internal martial arts masters was nothing short of remarkable. They had skills at the level where they can demonstrate on anyone, not just their students. You can physically experience what the correct kind of training and knowledge can do, first hand. You find out very quickly how real and powerful internal skill is. Your mind may not be able to understand it logically, but your body knows it is real.
A profoundly transformative experience. Energy became tangible, and the power of intent took on a whole new meaning. It was very special to interact with such humble, high-level masters. Not only did they demonstrate remarkable skills, they also helped us tap into our own internal power, even a novice like me! A life-changing investment I highly recommend to anyone.
As the oldest participant, I felt at home, respected and supported by the students, the masters and their senior students. The amount of hands-on practice was exceptional, far better than any other workshop I’ve attended. Even after hours of teaching, they were hanging around the hotel to help us. It’s an experience of a lifetime.
Beautiful location. Everyone was very welcoming from beginning to end. The organisers are really friendly, efficient and calm all the time. I met so many amazing people, teachers and students alike. Just going once has given me so much material, physically, mentally and spiritually, that can go into years of my practice ahead. I recommend anyone thinking about taking part to just do it if you can. You won’t regret it.
The training spot, hotel accommodation and team spirit of the group are excellent. The best part is that you truly learn the essence of various internal martial arts from great masters. The camp is not just about learning another new form; the training focuses on the foundations of internal energy. Theories and practices are explained thoroughly, and you can ask questions of the masters and their assistants. It’s not like the old traditional way, where you’re discouraged from asking and just expected to repeat.
Interest list
Be first to hear about the next camp
We don’t have a camp on the calendar right now. When we do, the interest list hears about it first: dates, location, the teaching line-up and early registration, before anything is announced publicly. One or two emails a year, no spam.
Since 2019
Past camps
Each camp has had its own line-up of teachers, and many participants have come back more than once.
- Jan 2026
Beggar Stick workshop
A five-day intensive on the complete Beggar Stick system of the Shaolin Five Ancestors tradition: solo form, partner drills, testing methods and applications, with internal power (Nei Jin) as the thread through all of it.
- Jan 2026
The Martial Camp 2026
Five teachers, eleven training days and optional cultural excursions, all from our secluded mountain base.
- Dec 2024
The Martial Camp, December 2024
A line-up running from Qi Gong to the fighting arts, plus a guided meditation session with a respected meditation teacher.
- Jan 2024
The Martial Camp 2024
Two weeks of training at a secluded retreat, with practitioners from Europe, North America, Australia and Asia.
- 2023
The Martial Camp 2023
The camp returned after a pause, with participants travelling from the USA, Australia, Singapore, the UK and Germany.
- Jan 2020
The Martial Camp 2020
Five teachers and thirteen days of training. Excursions included a visit to ancient caves.
- 2019
The first Martial Camp
Where it started: practitioners from around the world gathered at a secluded retreat for the first Martial Camp.
Gallery
Moments from past camps
What is The Martial Camp?
An immersive internal martial arts training camp arranged by The Martial Man. At each camp, practitioners train hands-on with several respected teachers of different systems, while living and eating together at a secluded retreat. Each camp has its own line-up; past camps have covered Tai Chi, Internal Wing Chun, Qi Gong, White Crane, Southern Shaolin and more.
When is the next camp?
We don’t have a camp scheduled right now. When we announce the next one, the interest list hears first, with dates, teachers and early registration. Join the list.
Do I need previous experience?
No. Past camps have welcomed everyone from complete beginners to long-time teachers. The training is hands-on and taught in a way that works at any level, and the atmosphere is supportive and ego-free. If you have a health condition or injury, check with your doctor before booking.
Where is the camp held?
At a secluded retreat chosen for each camp. Future camps may take place in different places, so we announce the location to the interest list with each camp, along with the dates and teachers. Join the interest list to hear first.
What’s included in the price?
For a full camp: accommodation, all meals at the venue, all training sessions and all group excursions. Flights, travel documents, travel insurance and personal extras are not included. Exact inclusions are confirmed for each camp when booking opens.
What is the cancellation policy?
Bookings are non-refundable, because we commit to the venue, teachers and suppliers well in advance. If you can’t attend, you can transfer your place to someone else up to 30 days before the camp starts by letting us know in writing. We strongly recommend travel insurance. Full details are in our terms.
Who organises the camp?
The Martial Camp is part of The Martial Man: immersive training camps arranged by the same team. It was founded in 2019 by Kieren Krygier, whose years of interviewing and training with teachers around the world made one thing clear: the best way to understand the internal arts is to feel them first-hand. The camp is our way of making that possible.
About us