Top Destinations If You Love Sword Fighting

The Global Appeal of Sword Fighting Experiences
For centuries, sword fighting has captured the imagination of warriors, athletes, and movie fans alike. Today, as a sword enthusiast you can immerse yourself in this thrilling art by traveling to unique destinations that offer professional training, historic settings, and engaging experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter, or a beginner eager to learn, the right location can elevate your skills and create unforgettable memories.

Why Travel for Sword Fighting?
Training in different environments helps you develop adaptability. It will improve your technique, and deepen your appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of fighting with swords. Here are three reasons why you should travel when looking to sword fight:

• Historical Immersion: Train where real battles took place, surround yourself with centuries of history.
• Elite Training Opportunities:Learn from world-class instructors in professional settings.
• Adventure & Community:Meet fellow enthusiasts and experience new cultures while mastering swordplay.

Must-Visit Locations for Sword Fighting Enthusiasts
From medieval castles to scenic outdoor retreats, some of our favorite locations that you should consider visiting are:

Castles & Historic Landmarks
There’s no better place to train than in the very locations where legendary sword battles once occurred. The Sword Experience (SXP) has and will continue to offer exclusive training events in breathtaking historic settings. Some past examples include:

• 2025 Paris & Provins, France: A Highlander-themed sword tour that not only takes you to the now iconic settings where Highlander the series was filmed but takes you through medieval locations where epic duels took place.
• 2025 Scotland Retreat: A chance for you to get a rare look at the historic castles and settings linked to the failed 1746 Jacobite rebellion, along with visiting locations now immortalized in Highlander The Series, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Scottish Highlands,
• European Castles: If you love history, visiting authentic medieval backdrops for combat training, such as Germany’s Burg Eltz, England’s Warwick Castle, or Spain’s Alcázar of Segovia are a must.
• Prague, Czech Republic: A stunning medieval city with a rich history of duels and knightly combat, offers you various training opportunities.
• Rome, Italy: The historic center where gladiators once battled in the Colosseum, is a great place for you to not only learn traditional sword techniques in the Eternal City, but where you will also eat some great Italian pasta.

Urban Training Grounds
For those of you who prefer structured environments, there are a variety of urban training facilities that provide professional guidance and state-of-the-art amenities. Cities worldwide offer excellent spaces for sword training.

• New York, USA: Home to several high-level martial arts and stage combat academies where sword fighters can refine their skills.
• Tokyo, Japan: A blend of traditional kenjutsu dojos and modern sword training centers makes this city a must-visit.
• Los Angeles, USA: With a strong connection to Hollywood’s action choreography, LA not only offers fantastic swordplay workshops but also stunt and choreography classes.
• London, UK: A city known for its historical fencing schools and theatrical combat training, offers unique training experiences.
• Seoul, South Korea: Combines traditional Korean swordsmanship with modern martial arts facilities, providing an exceptional learning environment.

Exotic Retreats & Outdoor Training Locations
Sword fighting in nature adds an extra level of difficulty and adventure, but it also offers you a chance to get away from the stress of everyday life. A different cultural experience, relaxation, and training at retreats structured for you to experience another type of training. Some of the best SXP retreats that have taken place in breathtaking outdoor settings.

• Belize: Our participants trained on pristine beaches and lush jungles whilst exploring Inca ruins, chocolate factories and sampling the local eateries. Swordplay is always better when you are relaxed
• Thailand: Although the SXP hasn’t visited Thailand’s stunning temples and coastal landscapes yet, this unparalleled training experience is definitely being considered.
• Scotland Highlands: We have had two retreats visiting the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Highlander fans called the immersive sword-fighting experience unparalleled.
• Machu Picchu, Peru: A breathtaking high-altitude location where we would love to raise sword training to other heights. Pardon the pun.

The Sword Experience Elite Events: Training in Iconic Locations
The Sword Experience (SXP) offers specialized events where you can train in breathtaking settings. Whether in historical castles or picturesque outdoor spaces, SXP Elite Events provide you:

• Expert instruction from renowned trainers.
• Filmed training sessions inspired by legendary battles.
• Stories created around the unique location.
• Fictional events where you can, if you wish, have a speaking role.
• Opportunities to explore and experience the local culture.

Upcoming Sword Experience Events You Can’t Miss

• Houston, Texas (March 22, 2025): The SXP Obstacle Run – an intense and fun sword challenge.
• Phoenix, Arizona (April 26, 2025): The Snake Brother event – A blend of technique and a fictional story.
• Phoenix, Arizona (April 26, 2025): The Snake Brother event – A blend of technique and a fictional story.
• Paris & Provins, France (June 27, 2025): A Highlander location tour and elite training experience at the amazing historical Chateau of Chantilly.
• Scotland “Road to Culloden” Tour (June 30 – July 5, 2025): A chance for you to train at historic castles and visit Highlander filming locations.

How to Choose the Right Sword for Your Training & Travel
Every style of sword fighting has different weapons and your choice of sword is based on what you feel most comfortable with. However, you never train with a real weapon, but begin with a wooden replica. At the Sword Experience we always train with Bokkens, the training tool used in Japanese swordplay. That said, ALL sword styles have things in common that you should consider. Targeting. Footwork. Basic technique. Things that the SXP always factor into our events. But we are all different, so consider these.

• Bokkens: Ideal for beginners and safe sparring.
• Swords: Best for experienced practitioners and historical reenactments.
• SXP Pro Trainer : A Lightweight and durable option for your training in tight spaces.

How to Bring an SXP Event to Your City
If you own a venue or want to turn your city into a sword-fighting hotspot, consider partnering with The Sword Experience to host an event. Hosting an SXP event can:

• Attract tourism and boost local businesses.
• Showcase your city as a unique, action-packed destination.
• Give your community access to top-tier sword training.

Conclusion & Call to Action
Ready to take your sword-fighting journey to the next level? Whether you’re looking to train in medieval castles, professional studios, or exotic landscapes, The Sword Experience has an event tailored for you. Sign up for an upcoming event, explore SXP retreats, or start training today!