LEARN KARATE TOGETHER

Castle Retreat – Karate Seminars with a Concept – Intensive, Practical, International

Experience four days of intensive karate training in a unique atmosphere: at a historic castle high above the Rhine, you’ll take part in a top-level, hands-on seminar. Train under the guidance of internationally renowned guest instructors who share their real-world expertise directly with you.

In addition to around 18 hours of pure karate – indoors in the tatami-covered Knight’s Hall and outdoors in the castle courtyard – you can look forward to true highlights: connecting with motivated karateka, healthy full-board catering, and a shared BBQ on Saturday evening. This seminar is aimed at karateka from green belt level and age 16 and up who want to deepen their skills, gain new perspectives, and experience karate as functional self-defense. In short – 2 days, 1 experience, 100% impact.

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Karate seminar at Stahleck Castle – where tradition and technology merge

Karateka from around the world have already experienced it – this unique combination of a historic venue, stunning Rhine landscape, and top-level karate instruction.

Burg Stahleck sits picturesquely above the Middle Rhine Valley and is now operated as a modern youth hostel – without losing its medieval charm. For the Karatepraxis Castle Retreat, we have an exclusive allocation of single, double, and shared rooms. This ensures that every participant finds the right accommodation – from a quiet single room to a sociable group option.

All meals are fully included: healthy, balanced full-board catering ensures you can focus entirely on your training. A special highlight is our Saturday evening BBQ, where connection, relaxation, and enjoyment take center stage – all with a view of the sunset over the Rhine.

The heart of the Karateseminar is the training itself: around 18 hours of practical karate – divided between intensive sessions in the approximately 150 m² tatami-covered Knight’s Hall and the open castle courtyard, where we train dynamics, presence, and application in the fresh air. The sessions are methodically structured and tailored to different levels of experience. You’ll be guided by a team of internationally experienced, practice-oriented instructors who don’t just teach karate – they live it.

And the setting is just right: beyond the training sessions, there is intentionally space for rest, nature, meaningful exchange with fellow participants, and the unique atmosphere of the castle. This creates a weekend experience that strengthens both body and mind.

What awaits you...

  • Unique location
  • Exclusive accommodation: single, double, and shared rooms
  • Healthy full board including barbecue evening & BBQ
  • 18 hours of karate practice with international trainers
  • 150 m² of tatami training space in the historic Knight’s Hall
  • Open space & atmosphere: Targeted breaks for relaxation, nature, conversations and the special energy of the castle
  • Exchange with fellow practical karateka
  • Participation requirements: 16 years and up (with parental consent), minimum green belt
Take a look at what others have said about ourkarate seminars – authentic and unfiltered
Over 1,100 reviews from around the world highlight the uniqueness of our offerings – see for yourself or let our participants inspire you!

I go to the Castle Retreat karate practice to practice the karate I enjoy most: pragmatic and in the spirit of self-defense. It's wonderful to meet so many like-minded karatekas in such a beautiful setting as Schloss Stahleck.

Michiel Com­man­deur
Trai­ner Kaihatsu Kara­te-do — 5. Dan KBN / 5. Dan WCA

Ich gehe ins Castle Retreat der Karatepraxis, um das Karate zu trainieren, das mir am besten gefällt: pragmatisch und im Geiste der Selbstverteidigung. Es ist großartig, so viele gleichgesinnte Karatekas an einem so wunderschönen Ort wie Schloss Stahleck zu treffen.

Hanneke Timmers
Kaihatsu Karate-do 3. Dan KBN / 4. Dan WCA

Last year was the first time I had been to a Karatepraxis event. I would have to say that in over 40 years of martial arts training it was the most informative, enjoyable, and relaxed seminar I have ever been to. The instructors are world class, with the classes designed to make you think more deeply about your practice. It doesn’t matter what your ‘art’ is, if you want to understand more about 'why we do things the way we do' then this event is not one you’ll want to miss!

Stephen McLaughlin
Kilkenny Shotokan Karate Club - 5th Dan

Things I like about the Castle retreat: Incomparable location with spectacular views Karate tuition which equals the splendour of the venue Excellent company from karate friends … old and new plus a generous and satisfying menu and free beer!

Mary Stevens
Athena Karate UK

You should attend the Castle-Retreat for three reasons; the location, the content and the networking. The town of Bacharach, the castle 'Burg Stahleck' and the Rhine is well worth the trip itself. In addition you will meet and train with world class instructors and for sure get new karate friends.

Rune Flordalen
Chief at Nesodden karate club in Norway

KaratePraxis retreats take place in the magnificent Castle with world-class instructors. It's a unique opportunity to live a few days of "warrior-life" with like-minded people, not only training karate but getting new friends, connections, and ideas. That's why we keep coming to the Castle retreat all the way from Finland year after year.

Marja & Jani Heiskanen
3rd Dan WCA / Yamamichi Turku, Finland

I was fortunate to attend the castle retreat with Iain Abernethy, Master Ken, and of course Christian. The martial arts content of the retreat is world-class and there is so much of it packed into a great weekend. In addition to that, Christian and team provide a wonderful experience by making sure there is plenty of social time for connecting with other attendees from all around the world. One of my favorite training experiences ever!

Bobby Nelson
4th Dan in Tang Soo Do, Los Angeles, CA

Create memories that last a lifetime!
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Karateseminar “Castle Retreat”

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