Finding the best BJJ camp in Thailand is a difficult task. With so many training options for various martial arts, locating one that specializes in grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and which provides quality private training, is of the utmost importance.
Your training and instructors are not everything though. After looking at everything from location, accommodations and additional unique benefits we found a one-of-a-kind bjj camp in Khao Lak, Thailand.
What is the best BJJ camp in Thailand?
The Combat 360X Muay Thai, MMA and Fitness Camp in Khao Lak, Thailand offers a unique and transformative experience. What makes it such an easy A is its breadth of knowledge in a variety of martial arts training, at the beginning and intermediate level.
Although it’s a community-based camp, designed to provide competence in martial arts in a safe and fun setting, they provide plenty of personal attention. Whether you’re a beginner desiring a great foundation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or someone with proficiency who wants an authentic training experience, you’re given that time, attention and expertise.
Also, because there are so many martial arts instructors with decades of teaching experience, they’re able to offer tons of classes for the serious and dedicated student. This includes a focus on BJJ and grappling, as well as a variety of mixed martial arts and cross fit training classes.
Many other Thailand BJJ camps, including those in Bangkok, don’t have expert classes specializing in grappling, or more specifically, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Combat 360X is also unique in that it delivers personalized, one-on-one training in BJJ, in small groups. They give you a lot of personal attention and tailor their training to your experience level.
Aside from the amazing world-class accommodations and services that this camp provides, it’s also located in Khao Lak. Rather than being a big, busy city full of unnecessary distractions, it’s a collection of gorgeous villages. It’s surrounded by natural scenery, like beautiful beaches and the Lak Mountain, after which it’s named.
However, don’t let its natural beauty and small villages fool you. It has plenty of restaurants and all of the modern advantages of the internet, gyms, cafes and an outdoor swimming pool at the camp. Being so close to the outdoors, there are also many outdoor activities within arm’s reach, including scuba diving, local beaches and the incredible Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.
What Combat 360X Has to Offer
Being the best BJJ camp in Thailand is no small feat. After seeing the offerings, programs and accommodations available at the camp itself, it’s without a doubt an all-inclusive world-class destination.
It has a fuller offering of shared rooms, as well as private houses and apartments. Although you may not have a chance to take advantage of the free parking, they do provide tour assistance to help you find everything you need.
You get access to free Wi-Fi, a kitchen, gym and outdoor pool. While you will have to pay for your own means, Thailand is an excellent location for local food at a decent price. The room rates are also very affordable, especially if you’re travelling as a group in shared rooms, houses or apartments.
Of course, being the best BJJ camp in Thailand, all of this would mean nothing without a welcoming but serious and comprehensive course offering. Their program runs for three weeks from Monday to Friday, with Muay Thai and cardio kickboxing exclusively on Saturdays.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes start at 9:30 in the morning and courses are available all day and into the evening. For those specifically focusing on BJJ, you’ll enjoy the regular structure and free time.
You can pick and choose additional classes as you choose, and the instructors are professional. They’ll always make time to give you the personal attention and training you came for. Part of what makes this camp so great is that it’s available for all levels of training, so you don’t need to be a martial arts master to enjoy their training and general fitness classes.
If you’re feeling a little worn out and want to rest, you couldn’t find a better place in Thailand. Relax on the warm beach, enjoy one of the massages that they provide on-site, or take a nice meal or drink in their restaurant or café. You can even take a river tour if you’re feeling a little more adventurous.
Interview with Combat360x
Now while this list of features is impressive, there are common concerns that people have before travelling to Thailand for a BJJ camp. That’s why we took a minute to interview the camp’s manger, Mike Saint Claire, to get an up close look at the camp’s history and day-to-day experience.
How did the camp get started?
I was an early member of the Tiger Muay Thai fight team and a strength and conditioning coach for them in 2006. I loved the feel of the camp back then as it was much smaller and less commercial then. I moved to Mexico for 4 years from 2009 and when I returned to Thailand the entire scene had changed and it made me miss the early days at the gyms so I decided to go to Khao Lak where we would still be close to Phuket but with a more laid back atmosphere. After I found the right space I started contacting old friends and actively fighting to promote the gym and we have really just grown from there.
What is your favorite aspect of running the camp?
My favourite aspect of running the camp is being able to watch the students develop. Even if its not for fighting its great to watch people start to build confidence and achieve the things that they came for
What is the BJJ scene like in Thailand?
The BJJ scene in Thailand has really exploded over the last few years. Whilst I would say that Bangkok and Phuket are the main hubs we are still seeing growth in our classes although primarily with beginners.
What are your clients most surprised about after they train with you?
Thats a difficult question for me to answer as I think its very personal to each individual guest. I think overall people are surprised by how much they can develop in a short space of time.
What sets your camp apart from others?
We try to keep everything small. We prefer classes of 10 people or less so that everyone has time to ask questions and work on the details of the movements.
What is one thing visitors should know before they come train with you?
We are not a hotel, whilst we offer accommodation I think its important that our guests realise that our main focus is the quality of the training. We want everyone to be comfortable and we try to offer as many services as possible but in the end we are in a rustic location and many things are still done “Thai style”.
Is there best time to come visit?
November – April are the hottest months with the least rain and are regarded as the high season but I would say from a training perspective that there isn’t a bad time of year to train.
Conclusion
In trying to find a BJJ camp in Thailand, we certainly didn’t expect something as all-inclusive and tranquil as Combat 360X in Khao Lak. It has everything you could want in a friendly, knowledgeable and dedicated staff of trainers, who specialize in personal attention and small groups.
The training is unique and authentic, and it’s an amazing location, even as a tourist. Although there’s a lot to experience in Khao Lak, you don’t even need to leave the camp if you’re on a budget and still want the full Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training experience.