855-436-2836  | mmartyn@prmaa.com

JAPAN STUDY TOURS

Experience the Best of Japan on Our Annual Tours

 

Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Japan, the birthplace of Budo. Spend 12 days immersed in Japanese culture, learning the rich history of modern Budo on a fully-guided tour.  Each tour is packed with visits to the top dojos in Japan, personal instruction from World and Olympic champions, and trips to Tokyo’s top sightseeing destinations. Join other participants who share a love of Japanese martial arts and an appreciation for the type of training only Japan can offer.

 

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Days in Japan

World-Class Dojos

Private Sessions

Train at the Top Japanese Dojos

Participants will have an opportunity to train at some of Japan’s top dojos.  Previous tours have included training at the following universities; Nittai-Dai Sports Science University, Tokai University, Chuo University, Nihon University, Kokugakuin University and Teikyo University.  Additionally, you will have the opportunity to train at the birthplace of Judo, the Kodokan, as well as the top dojo for competitive Aikido in Japan, Waseda University.

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World-Class Personal Instruction

During our tour, participants will receive personalized instruction from a group of amazing instructors, including world and olympic medalists.  The following are a sample of instructors who have spent time with our past tour groups sharing their techniques.

Aiko Satoh

World Champion

Noriko Kitada

World & Olympic Bronze Medallist

Yuka Nishida

World Champion

Koji Komuro

2x World Masters Champion

Yasuyuki Muneta

2x World, 3x Asian Champion

Daiki Sakamoto

Coach, Kokugakuin University

Private session instructors subject to change

Experience Japan Firsthand

During our trip, we will visit some of Tokyo’s top tourist destinations, including the Imperial Palace, the Nippon Budokan, the Meiji Jingu Shrine, the Tokyo Skytree and some of the best shopping and nightlife in the world.

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LEARN AUTHENTIC JAPANESE BUDO

As an exclusive for our tours, participants will train with two of Japan’s true martial arts masters.  Each instructor has graciously agreed to open their private dojo and provide our group with individual instruction in their respective arts.  Both instructors are highly sought after world-wide and are Senior Advisors to Pacific Rim.

Tadayuki Satoh
Mr. Tadayuki Satoh Sensei is one of the world’s leading Japan Aikido Association (JAA) experts and was taught directly by Tomiki Kenji Sensei, the association’s founder. He is also an accomplished judoka. His father was received his 8th Dan in Kodokan Judo and was a contemporary of Jigoro Kano. Kano urged Satoh’s father to send him to train in Aikido because judo was meant to be more than just competition. Sato Sensei, was granted the position of Shihan of Waseda University Aikido club in 2007. He is an expert in his field, and in particular, the link between Kodokan Judo and Tomiki-style Aikido.
Kunikazu Yahagi
Mr. Kunikazu Yahagi is a sword specialist and the Headmaster of Ryushin Shouchi-Ryu, a school specializing in iaijutsu (quick-draw sword art) and tai kumitachi (partner bokken training). Yahagi Sensei started training in Kendo at the age of 10 and also trained in Judo, attaining a 2nd Dan through the Kodokan. Yahagi Sensei has continued his training of Kendo and currently is a Kyoshi 7th Dan through the All Japan Kendo Association. We have trained with Yahagi Sensei in Japan and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn authentic Japanese sword work straight from the source.

YOUR TOUR HOST

Mr. Michael Martyn is the Owner and Head Instructor for Pacific Rim Martial Arts Academy and the Founder and President of Zen Ei Kan International.

Mr. Martyn began his martial arts training in 1981 and since 1993, has traveled extensively throughout the North America and Asia and trained with numerous martial arts experts.  He holds advanced black belt ranks in 6 different martial arts and first trained in Japan in 2003.  For the past 17 years has made 1-3 trips per year to Japan for training and hosting tours.

Mr. Martyn has held a number of senior level positions in international martial arts organizations.  From 1994 to 2014, Mr. Martyn served in a variety of roles for the World Oriental Martial Arts Federation, including Director of the Judo and Jujutsu Divisions and most recently as Vice-President of North America.  From 2012 to 2021, Mr. Martyn served the Kokusai Budoin (International Martial Arts Federation) as a Regional Director and Branch Director for the Americas Division.  In 2019, he was appointed as Vice President of Operations for Renaissance Yawara, an international association dedicated to the practice of the principles of Jigoro Kano and the pedagogy of Kenji Tomiki.

Michael Martyn has a tremendous passion for martial arts that led him to Japan to learn the true meaning of Judo and developing people through practice. He is showing us what true budo looks like.
Mr. Shintaro Nakano

Former Japan National Team Member

Mike Martyn has a Japanese soul. I have met many instructors from around the world, but he is different. He understands Kano’s vision for judo and is a true judoka. I am happy to know him.

Mrs. Noriko Kitada

Professor, Nihon University, World & Olympic Medallist

Don’t Wait…Reserve Your Spot Today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for attending the tour?

Tours are limited to 30 training participants with a minimum of 2 years experience on the mat.  The minimum age for participants is 14 unless otherwise approved.

Do I have to be an active competitor to join the tour?

No, you do not have to be an active competitor to have a great time on our tour.  We have had participants from ages 14 – 54 and there is always something for everyone.  The only requirement is that you have 2 years experience on the mat, bring your open and humble attitude and prepare for one of the best experiences of your life!

How much does it the tour cost?

Past tour costs have averaged $2,750 per person and includes accommodation, dojo fees, group sightseeing activities, trains and buses while in Japan, workbooks, participation certificate and a final celebration dinner.  Prices does not include travel to and from Japan.  Parents of participants are welcome to attend at a reduced rate.

When is payment due for the tour?

We have the option to reserve your spot for $1,000 down (see registration page) once dates are set and event registration has been initiated.  Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to the start of the tour in order to finalize lodging and special session arrangements.

When will we get the final agenda for the tour?

As is customary when planning trips to Japan, we secure our formal invitations from dojos to train with them and commitments from our special instructors for our private group sessions early.  The final agenda and logistics depend on the schedules of our hosts and are solidified approximately 30 days prior to the start of the tour.

What should I pack for the tour?

Usually, our tours are planned for the summer.  As Tokyo in the summer can get very hot, pack accordingly and be prepared to drink a lot of water while on our trip. In addition to casual clothes, we may be invited to dinners with our hosts, so be sure to also bring at least one nice outfit (no denim).  For training, pack two uniforms as well as any sports tape, wraps or other equipment you may need during your stay. Be sure to pack a pair of sandals to use in the dojo during training times.  When we train at Judo universities, blue or white uniforms are acceptable, but when training at the Kodokan only white uniforms are allowed and shirts are not allowed under the uniforms for men.  When we train at other private dojos, blue uniforms may also not be allowed and will be a case by case basis so be prepared with a white uniform at all times.