Run by the people behind this site
Martial Arts Ninja Course by Rick Tew
For travelers who want to learn real martial arts on vacation, in a small group. Beginners welcome.
Attend with a friend for free if you book in November.
Pick your tactics and Rick builds a workshop for everyone: a go-at-your-own-pace program on Koh Samui Island, Thailand.
How it works
- PickChoose what you want in the Ninja Menu.
- BookChoose how long you stay, and book.
- ArriveFree airport pick-up, and a dorm bed if you need one.
- TrainA small-group workshop, built from everyone's picks.
- ExploreThe rest of the day is yours: game, read, or see the island.
For beginners, travelers and the ninja-curious.
Built for beginners: every drill has an easier version.
Welcome too. Everyone trains at their level.
No upper age limit. At 16 or 17, a parent signs the papers.
Class, then the island is yours.
Nerdy ninja conversations and a game room.
Self-defense is on the Ninja Menu, and there is a women's dorm.
2 months of training, yellow belt first. You test with Rick when you are ready. The belt program
Usually around 6: near-private lessons at the price of a group class, not a packed room. Pick your stay
Bringing kids? Rick's NinjaGym on Koh Samui: one free kids session a day during your stay, ages 3 to 9, older kids welcome. ninjagym.com
Real people, real training, at your level.

A relaxed way into ninja martial arts.
Always wanted to know what ninja martial arts is like? This is a great introduction, with plenty of time for the island.
What you get
- The Sensei Seminar: a small-group workshop Rick builds from the group's picks, 8 to 10 in the morning, Monday to Friday.
- An optional review class, 8 to 10 in the evening, to practice the morning.
- Free pick-up from Samui Airport.
Built around you
The martial science is built around your own strengths and weaknesses.
Rick's method (his Jutsu) for your truth (your Jitsu).
Be a black belt in what you do.
Kicks train the body. WinJitsu trains the mind behind them: Rick's mental martial art for focus, goals and life. It comes with every stay.
Sharpen your focus, set your goals and beat the self-doubt that holds you back, outside class.
The WinJitsu app, so the training comes home with you.


"It is my passion to help others find their key strengths so that they too can combine them to achieve a greater level of fulfillment in life." -Rick Tew
Rick took the old-school approach and moved to the mountains of Thailand (Pai) to write from his experience as a martial arts instructor, motivational speaker and traveler, and to formulate the 5-system foundation of WinJitsu.
In the martial arts, we have learned that there is a mind-body connection. It is why Rick wrote the book series WinJitsu, The Mental Martial Art. In modern times, with our challenges being more mental than physical, your mind is most likely what needs to be managed and trained.
Read Rick's WinJitsu introduction free (7 pages, PDF).

Your dojo goes home with you.
Pocket Dojo is the Home Study Program on your phone: Rick Tew's Martial Science, belt by belt. Keep training what you learned in class, long after you fly home.
- Five belts, Yellow to Red, and every lesson listed, so you see the whole path.
- The method, step by step: the applications and the steps, with footprint diagrams for the stances.
- Mark each lesson practiced and watch your count grow.
- Stuck on a technique? Ask Sensei Tew right on the lesson.


Want to train with Rick but can't travel? Join the Home Study Program and train at home, belt by belt.
See the Home Study ProgramWant a belt? Earn it here.
For the serious: 2 months of training, yellow belt first. Every person earns at a different speed: you test with Rick when you are ready. The system, and the free book
- YellowLevel 1
- OrangeLevel 2
- GreenLevel 3
- BlueLevel 4
- RedLevel 5
The yellow belt
Horse, Cat
Forward, Reverse
Flat Fall Forward, Flat Fall Back
Fist Strikes, Palm Heel
Front Kicks, Low Sweep
Duck, Jump
Natural Reactions, Combat Reality
Stick / Tonfa, Knife, after a waiver
The RTMS book, stretching, and WinJitsu coaching
$2,998 for 2 months. Training and WinJitsu coaching. A dorm bed if you need one, while you are here. Your Ninja Menu picks join the morning seminar too.
Book 2 monthsRick Tew's Martial Science.
RTMS for short: the art you train here. A martial science, not a style: Modern American Ninjitsu crossed with mixed martial arts, built to teach movement, not moves.
Ninjitsu or ninjutsu? Jutsu or jitsu?
A jutsu is a method: the shared form, the drill, what a teacher hands down. A jitsu is a truth: the method made true to you, through use, repetition and your own natural strength.
An easy way to remember it: the U in jutsu is YOU, the method handed to you. The I in jitsu is I, ME: my own truth.
So ninjutsu is the ninja method as it is handed down, and Ninjitsu is that method made your own. Rick spells it Ninjitsu because the system is built around you; most people spell it ninjutsu. WinJitsu is Win plus Jitsu: the winning truth.
What is RTMS?
Rick Tew's Martial Science (RTMS) is not just another martial art. RTMS is geared towards the enhancement of mind, body and spirit, and it is a lifestyle. We focus on developing a strong character, self-esteem, life enhancing goals, self-confidence, self-discipline, physical conditioning and building knowledge through the martial arts experience.
Why a martial science, not a martial art?
A typical martial art has already decided what makes up that style: when the student arrives, the instructor teaches the package and molds the student to it. The Martial Science develops around the student instead. In Rick's words: "It is my belief that the man makes the art and not the other way around." The student IS the style.
Five ranks, nine areas
There are 5 ranking levels to instructor status. Each level includes two skills from 9 areas of focus: stances, rolls, falls, strikes, kicks, body movement, knowledge (the mind), combat and self-defense strategies, and weapons. Here they are the five belts, yellow to red. The yellow belt's skills
What the logo means
The logo has three parts. The yin yang in the background stands for balance: "Just as it rests in the background of our logo, it should rest in the background of your life." The triangle is mind, body and spirit: the left side is the mind, where all our knowledge and skill is given birth; the right side is the body and physical skills; the bottom is the spirit of all that we are and strive to become. Around them, the name: Rick Tew's Martial Science.
The old pages
Rick's older pages are still online, as they were: RTMS, the system, WinJitsu, Tew's Tours and the history. The old camps were hard core; this intro is not that.
Looking for your sensei? Move to Thailand and train with Rick.
Most people come for two weeks. Mastery is for the ones who stay: 2 years of training with Rick, yellow belt to red, at your own pace.
How Mastery works
- Rick shows you
A tactic or technique, in a private or small-group session.
- You practice
On your own and in the group classes, until you master it.
- You earn the belt
Each belt ends in a test with Rick. Then the next one.
It is not daily private lessons, which run $222 an hour or more. Rick teaches, and you put in the hours: the old-school way.
What you get
Private and small-group training with Rick, who guides you through the martial art and the system, certifications included. Booked when his time is free.
Join the group classes with the short-stay students: the morning seminar and the evening review class.
The apps, the RTMS book, the five WinJitsu books, and everything else Rick has made for students.
The group, and the Guides: people who trained here before you. Stay long enough and you can help lead practice as a Guide.
Rick has made the move himself: more than six years teaching in Holland, and now Thailand, where he runs NinjaGym.
Mastery includes the same as every stay: training, WinJitsu coaching, and a dorm bed if you need one, while you are here. $2,222 down reserves your spot, and spots are held in the order the deposits arrive. Then pay the rest all at once, or in five parts, one before each belt.
The dates and the schedule.
Start any day from 15 January 2027: classes run all year, Monday to Friday. The next group starts 22 January 2027.
Sensei Seminar
Rick combines what the group picked from the Ninja Menu, so you also learn what the others chose.
Your time
Game, train, read, get coached, or go see the island.
Review class
Practice the morning with the group. Not a morning person? Come to this one instead.
Explore
No classes. Go see more of Samui, or stay in and play games.
Rick often rotates between the morning and evening sessions, for the morning people and the night people. We recommend both.
Koh Samui, Thailand.
An island in the Gulf of Thailand, where Rick runs NinjaGym.
- Interested in a California, U.S. Tew's Tour? Click here
- Only need a simple place to stay for a few days? nerdhostel.com
What if I don't have a place to stay?
The dorms are at NerdHostel, a gamer hostel and co-working space across the street from NinjaGym.
Visit NerdHostelYou pay for the training. If you need a bed, there is basic housing nearby at no added cost: a shared men's or women's dorm. Meals included: 2 vouchers per stay for NinjaGym's Shake and Bake: a water, an ice cream shake and a grilled cheese toastie.

At the center where you train
Punching bags, kicking pads, a climbing wall traverse and ninja parkour gear.
A race car simulator, Nintendo Switch on 75-inch screens, and Xbox with Game Pass.
Drinks and snacks to buy, and room to work or chill between sessions.
Why people come.
A relaxed way into Rick's own system, Modern American Ninjitsu.
Class in the morning, then the day is yours.
Koh Samui between classes, and free weekends to see more of it.
From Rick: more than 25 years of ninja martial arts, taught around the world.
Students, in their own words
From students who trained with Rick over the years.
The training is very professional, complex, creative and you always learn something new. Rick Tew is kind and helping. He knows exactly how far he can push his students. The atmosphere during training is nice, positive and always with a sense of humor.
Sibel K.I can dive over chairs, flip in the air, climb high, dodge a knife, punch, kick and even do the splits. I've learned to relax, be happy, enjoy nature, and not worry about being afraid.
Nate P.I think the quality of the training at the price I paid is exceptional value. I think Sensei Rick Tew's knowledge, experience, passion and dedication to share it is admirable and inspiring.
Chris H.Rick Tew is also a gifted and impressive speaker and can mesmerize any crowd with his speeches. Words are not good enough to describe this man. Experience him...
Roy M.I've personally witnessed how he has used his talents in the Martial Arts to not just define his life, but to enrich it and those around him. Mr. Tew has created personal development courses based off his unique experiences and most importantly, these courses are able to be modified to the individual.
Kevin K.Variety of the training: several self-defense techniques for real situations, sparring, grappling, weapons, stretching, etc. Specially appreciated, we could also choose areas we wanted to learn and practice.
Gabriela Z.If you work hard you can make your body do amazing things. E.g. I never jumped higher, kicked higher, did a full flip, before I joined in the martial science training.
Joost V.I have been taught knife techniques from martial artists all over the world and none seem more real than what Rick Tew has shared with me. Be careful who teaches you self-defense.
Danian T.The uniqueness stands in its diversity and application to go outside of boxes and boundaries. It's a martial art system with a "custom feature" wherein you may create your own sense of what it is for you.
Kris B.This experience has changed my life in a way that I now train three times a week, am more comfortable in crowds and look better naked, oh yeah! I will be back for more... oh yes...
Chris H.Rick Tew is the most dynamic teacher and person that I have had the pleasure to train with and learn from. Years later and I am still amazed how his lessons still enrich my life.
Seth T.I can vouch that Rick really does what he preaches, he walks the talk rather than talks the talk. He is very congruent in what he says and passionate as a result because he has actually lived it. He has a genuine energy about him, and that energy definitely comes from a place of contribution and creating value for others.
Ronnie L.There is a well thought out system that focuses on basic and foundational movements, stances, strikes and such that allows for an increasing level of skill and complexity to be explored.
Chris H.Rick is totally dedicated to his students. He's all about giving them all the opportunities he can so they can live the lifestyle that he has. What you want, When you want, Where you want, Why you want, and with Whom you want.
Nate P.Rick seems to do things that most people would never even consider doing and seems to make them work.
Bas B.He is very intelligent, very funny, very cool, and very disciplined. This rare combination of attributes makes Rick a dynamo of a person and teacher.
Jamien O.Physically, I have learned more than I can put into this response. I suppose to sum it up. I can do things with my body that I never knew I could do. I have surprised and surpassed my own expectations many times over. The best part is that the learning never stops and there is always a new level to reach and to kick your butt and make you want more.
Kris B.I've found I can push myself much harder and farther than I previously thought, and my resolve has increased as well.
Billy S.Its emphasis is on a realistic self defense. If it works use it. No useless forms, just how do I defend myself or others. No competition with other Martial arts or styles, if this technique from that art works for you then encompasses it in your style.
Joost V.Other MA schools only teach a fighting system like a competition and non-realistic self-defense techniques; in RTMS you learn real combat training applied like full contact sparring and situations for real self-defense. Not to mention weaponry, outdoor training, rock climbing and more.
Carlos P.What I like the most is the variety of the system, which involves everyday life training with how to be healthy in mind, body, spirit and nutrition.
Kevin O.Well it's kind of like MMA only more, since you do not focus only on One on One ring fighting. You will have multiple attacker situations, weapons, involved in the outdoors (dirt, concrete, improvised weapons, etc). The system has a huge amount of variety, rolls and falls, stand up fighting, ground fighting, stealth, weapons, survival, and all the mental aspects.
Cedric C.It's eye opening how much you can learn in each class and how quickly that builds up.
Patrick A.I've learned so much, upon recollection it's unbelievable. I've learned to maximize my memory potential, set and follow through with goals, make the most out of my time, and take calculated risks.
Jeff T.Although the students may join here starting at ground zero, if they simply choose not to quit, not to give up on themselves, they will eventually get there.
Jeff T.One of the best periods in my life, in which I learned a lot, lived through a lot of great experiences, met a lot of people, made many new friends and was privileged to be able to share my knowledge and skills with my fellow RTMS team members and students.
Ortwin C.What I respect is the way that the system taught builds and expands as I explored new techniques and refined the fundamentals I'd already learned. From fitness to self defense to strength, conditioning, mobility as well as personal development.
Chris H.Pick your stay.
Small groups, usually around 6: near-private lessons at the price of a group class.
Prices in US dollars.
A morning of the Sensei Seminar, and a dorm bed for the night if you need one. Up to 4 days, $111 a day.
Paid in full at checkout.
Pick and book7 days from your arrival: 5 mornings of the Sensei Seminar, and a dorm bed all 7 nights if you need one. 2 weeks $1,111, with free airport pick-up.
A week is paid in full. 2 weeks: a $555 deposit holds your spot, or pay in full now: $889.
Pick and book30 days of the Sensei Seminar, and a dorm bed all 30 nights if you need one. Each extra month $999: 2 months in the belt program, $2,998.
A $555 deposit holds your spot. Or pay in full now: $1,777.
Pick and bookInstructor: train toward your belts, yellow to red, and train to teach: learn to lead practice as a Guide.

2 years of training with Rick, yellow belt to red, at your own pace. Why Mastery
Your friend comes with you, on the same dates, for the same stay, and gets everything you get: the training, the WinJitsu bonus and a dorm bed if they need one. Add their name when you book.
Every stay
- Training and WinJitsu coaching, and a dorm bed every night of your stay if you need one.
- A month of the WinJitsu.com app and a Rick Tew ninja T-shirt.
- Pocket Dojo, the Home Study Program app.
- Dates
- Arrive any day from 15 January 2027. Next group: 22 January 2027.
- Longer
- Add days to a week or two: $111 a day. Each extra month $999: 2 months $2,998, 3 months $3,997.
- Checkout
- You add your arrival date. A day or a week is paid in full. From 2 weeks up, a $555 deposit holds your spot: it is kept if you cancel, and refunded after you leave if nothing is broken. The full price is due 2 weeks before you arrive. Or pay in full now: save $222, no deposit. Ill, or your flights change? Your dates can move, within a year of buying. All sales are final. Payments go to Rick Tew Co., Ltd., our company on Koh Samui, Thailand.
A question about your stay?
Ask the Ninja: it answers from this page, right away.
Not answered there? Pick a topic and send it.
Rick Tew. A real person, a real background.
Rick has taught thousands of students in multiple countries for more than 25 years, and run some of the most intense outdoor adventure programs. Been there, done that. Now he is laid back and teaches for fun: it is a lifelong passion. Now it is your turn.

FounderNinjaGym, Koh Samui- TeachingSince his teens
- First of a kindThe first in the martial arts industry to run live-in Ninja Training Camps
- TaughtStudents across the USA, Europe and Asia
- In the pressBlack Belt, KO Karate, Fighting Spirit Zendokan, Fighting Sports and International Lifestyle Magazine
- CoachingCertified Strategic Intervention Coach, Robbins-Madanes Training
- Online since 1999totalwarrior.com and martialartsupply.com (1999), ricktew.com and winjitsu.com (2002), ninjagym.com (2008)
The old days
The old camps were hard core: outdoors, full time, full speed. That is the record. This intro is not that.

Questions
Do I need experience?
No. It is built for beginners. Trained before? Welcome too. Everyone trains at their level.
Can I train Muay Thai too?
Yes, many students do, in their free time. With eight areas on the Ninja Menu, there is too much to learn here to get bored.
Am I too old?
No. There is no upper age limit: the relaxed plan is for everyone, and every drill has an easier version. Tell me about an old injury before you come.
Age is not really a factor: the system is built around you. In one group, an 18-year-old from Germany stayed 3 months and a 54-year-old from Singapore came for a week. Both loved it.
How big are the groups, and how old are the students?
Usually around 6, up to 12: near-private lessons at the price of a group class. Students come from 16 to their 60s.
Got an injury, or not very fit?
Tell me before you come. Every drill has an easier version. Bad knee? Skip any roll, fall or jump that hurts it, and train another part of the same tactic instead.
I am 16 or 17. Can I come on my own?
Yes, with a parent's signature on the papers: the enrolment, a travel consent letter and a medical consent. Ask about the papers in the question form before you book.
Can a parent and a 16 or 17-year-old come together?
Yes. Come together: train side by side, and book a family room at NerdHostel or your own place. Out of class, a teen is the parent's to look after.
Are there other women, and how much contact is there?
Women train in most groups. Ask to pair with a woman, and you can say stop at any time.
When can I start?
Any day from 15 January 2027: classes run all year, Monday to Friday. The next group starts 22 January 2027. At checkout you add your arrival date.
Can I come for a few days, or stay longer?
A day is $111, up to 4 days: book days. A week is $555, 7 days and 7 nights from your arrival, with 5 mornings of class: book one week. Longer: 2 weeks $1,111, a month $1,999, and 2 months in the belt program $2,998. Instructor is 1 year of training, and learning to teach, $6,666: reserve a spot. Moving here? Mastery is 2 years of training with Rick, $11,988.
Already on Samui? Can I try one class first?
Yes: one class, booked ahead. Book one class in the question form.
How much time with Rick do I get in Mastery?
200 hours a year, guaranteed: private and small-group sessions, booked when his time is free. In between, you practice what he showed you, and you can join every group class.
Are meals included?
Included: 2 vouchers per stay for NinjaGym's Shake and Bake: a water, an ice cream shake and a grilled cheese toastie.
Is my bed kept if I leave for a while?
No. Beds are not held: when you leave, your bed goes to the next guest. Coming back? Ask first and we tell you what is free.
Already have a place, or want your own room?
That is fine. The price is the same: you pay for the training.
Is there a private room, or a room for two?
No private rooms. The stay is a shared men's or women's dorm. Want your own room? Book one nearby; the price stays the same. A couple or a family can book a whole dorm room at NerdHostel, when it has room.
Can I bring my family or kids?
Yes. Your kids get one free session a day at NinjaGym, Rick's ninja gym for kids: you train 8 to 10 in the morning, and they train from 10am. Everyone gets a break. NinjaGym is for kids aged 3 to 9, and older kids are welcome too.
If NerdHostel has room, book a whole dorm room for your family there; if it is full, stay at your own place nearby.
A question about your stay?
The Ask the Ninja button answers from this page right away. Not there? Pick a topic and ask here; check your inbox for the reply.
Posted.
Rick's Ninja Agent answers first, and Rick picks it up from there.
Like every camp in this guide, the course has its Traveler Facts: yes, no or not checked yet, each with the sentence it comes from.
Traveler Facts
9 of 12 checked · Checked October 2026
- Beginners welcome
- Sparring is optional
- No rooms at the camp
- Rooms arranged nearby
- Airport pickup
- Meals offered
- What language are classes in?Not checked yet
- Do women train here?Not checked yet
- Women's room or dorm
- Shortest stay: 1 day
- Can I book a single class?Not checked yet
- Open all year
Read on martialartcamp.com. An empty box means we have not found the answer on the camp's own site yet, not that the answer is no. Ask the camp before you book.
Where it is
Inside NinjaGym, Bophut, Koh Samui
9.5457, 100.0404
Open in maps