10 Best Anime Training Arcs, Ranked

Fans love training arcs in anime because they’re when the hero actually trains instead of just trying harder. Expect detailed explanations of basic techniques, endless repetition of physically demanding tasks, and routines so intense they’d put a normal person in the hospital. The instructor will likely react to any sign of struggle as a personal failing.

The comedy really shines because it’s built on strong character growth. We see characters develop through training, revealing who’s dedicated, quick to learn, willing to cut corners, and who perseveres despite being unhappy. This makes the satisfying moments in later battles even better – fans appreciate seeing how all that hard work and struggle directly led to the victory.

10. Demon Slayer – The Hashira Training Arc

I watched as Tanjiro and the other Demon Slayers began Hashira Training after the tough fight at Swordsmith Village. It was a really intense program, led by each of the nine Hashira, designed to make the whole Corps stronger. Each Hashira focused on a different skill – things like stamina, speed, how to use their swords, and concentration. The training was brutal; we’re talking constant sparring with the best fighters, holding their breathing techniques for ages, and pushing their bodies harder than ever before. It wasn’t just about physical strength though; you could really see the Demon Slayers coming together as a team, preparing themselves mentally and emotionally for the final battle against Muzan.

9. Hunter x Hunter – Greed Island Arc

Gon and Killua venture into Greed Island with two goals: to find information about Gon’s father, Ging, and to improve their Nen skills by facing challenging situations. The game itself acts as a rigorous training ground, constantly presenting them with combat-based problems that require quick thinking and adaptation. Their training with Biscuit Krueger is incredibly demanding but effective, combining tough physical exercises with clever strategic planning.

This story arc transforms training from simple practice into a true test of willpower. It feels genuine because it emphasizes both physical skill and mental strength. Gon’s successful use of Jajanken isn’t a lucky break—it’s the result of consistent hard work and improvement. It’s rare to see a story demonstrate this kind of steady, believable character development so effectively.

8. Attack on Titan – Cadet Training Corps Arc

Before the world changes forever, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin go through intense military training that shapes how they see everything. It’s tough, often misleading, and always dangerous. The training forces recruits to be disciplined and focus on survival, emphasizing that working together is essential. This beginning shows the contrast between the recruits’ hopeful beliefs and the harsh realities of war. Seeing these imperfect trainees gradually become capable soldiers helps us understand all the battles that follow.

7. Dragon Ball – Goku’s Training with King Kai

When Goku died fighting Raditz, he began a difficult journey along Snake Way to reach King Kai’s planet – a tiny world with incredibly strong gravity, located far off in the afterlife. Even getting there was exhausting, but once he arrived, King Kai subjected him to strange but surprisingly effective training. This included trying to catch a mischievous monkey named Bubbles in ten times normal gravity, hitting a tiny cricket with a hammer, and ultimately learning powerful techniques like the Kaio-ken and Spirit Bomb. This training is famous for turning Goku from a strong Earth-based fighter into someone capable of battling on a galactic scale. King Kai’s funny teaching style masked a lot of wisdom, helping Goku develop not only strength, but also control and discipline.

6. Naruto – Jiraiya’s Rasengan and Sage Mode Training

With help from Jiraiya, Naruto starts learning the Rasengan, a strong attack created by the Fourth Hokage. He learns in stages, first practicing how to shape, spin, and compress his chakra into a perfect sphere. Using things like water balloons and rubber balls, Naruto has a hard time at first, but eventually gains the control and concentration he needs to master the technique. This difficult training makes him stronger and also teaches him important lessons about patience and never giving up, helping him grow as a ninja.

Following Jiraiya’s death, Naruto goes to Mount Myōboku to train with Fukasaku and learn Sage Mode. This powerful technique lets him tap into the natural energy of his surroundings to become stronger. The training is risky – absorbing too much energy could turn him to stone – but Naruto perseveres. Eventually, he masters the ability to combine his own energy with nature, reaching a peaceful balance that significantly increases his strength, speed, and senses.

5. My Hero Academia – Forest Training Camp Arc

I remember when Class 1-A went to that intense summer training camp in the mountains. It was run by the Wild, Wild Pussycats, and they really pushed us to our limits! Each of us had exercises tailored to our Quirks – I watched Midoriya work hard on controlling One for All, Bakugo trying to make his explosions even more efficient, and Todoroki practicing how to balance his fire and ice. It wasn’t just about individual strength, though; Class 1-B was there too, and the whole experience really focused on teamwork and pushing through tough conditions. It was a huge step forward for all of us.

Things at the training camp took a really bad turn when the League of Villains showed up, with Dabi and Toga leading the attack. What started as a kind of challenge quickly became a terrifying fight just to stay alive. It ended with Bakugo being kidnapped, which was a huge shock to everyone in the hero world. It really forced all of us young heroes to face how dangerous things actually are.

4. One Piece – The Two-Year Time Skip Training Arc

Following a crushing loss at Sabaody Archipelago, the Straw Hat Pirates were scattered and unprepared for the dangers of the New World. Realizing they needed to improve, Captain Monkey D. Luffy made the difficult decision to have everyone train on their own for two years before coming back together. Each crew member sought out a teacher or challenging situation to help them grow: Luffy, in particular, trained with Silvers Rayleigh, a legendary pirate who once served as the first mate to the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Rayleigh helped Luffy learn Haki – a powerful and enigmatic ability that enhances a person’s senses, defense, and attack capabilities.

I’m still blown away by what happened during those two years! Rayleigh really put Luffy through the wringer on Rusukaina Island, pushing him to unlock all three types of Haki – Observation, Armament, and even a glimpse of Conqueror’s! It was brutal, but Luffy needed that intense training. And it wasn’t just him – everyone on the crew was off growing and improving in their own way. When we all finally came back together, it was incredible! We were a whole new level of strong, smarter, and completely ready to take on anything the Grand Line threw at us, together.

3. Fullmetal Alchemist– Izumi Curtis’s Survival Training

Before Edward and Alphonse Elric became State Alchemists, they faced a harsh training period with Izumi Curtis, a highly skilled alchemist and martial artist. Izumi left them stranded on a dangerous island with no food or equipment, giving them only one instruction: “One is All, All is One.” The brothers had to survive for a month using their intelligence, alchemy skills, and the resources available in the wilderness. This experience was a major turning point for them, changing their simple view of alchemy into a deep understanding of the value of life and the importance of balance.

2. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure – Joseph and Caesar’s Ripple Training

Joseph Joestar, having discovered his hidden Ripple ability, joins forces with Caesar Zeppeli as the powerful Pillar Men awaken. Together, they train with Lisa Lisa, a demanding but skilled Ripple master, on the remote Air Supplena Island. Her training is incredibly challenging, consisting of rigorous tests designed to push them physically and mentally. A particularly memorable challenge involves scaling the Oil Pillar – a slippery, vertical column that requires complete Ripple control to climb. The series beautifully portrays their evolution from rivals to allies, adding both emotional weight and intricate detail to the action in Battle Tendency.

1. Dragon Ball Z – Goku and Gohan in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber

During the battle with Cell, Gohan and Goku train together in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, a place where time moves much faster – one day outside is equivalent to a year inside. This chamber is incredibly challenging, with little air and intense gravity. Goku doesn’t just push Gohan physically; he also helps him develop the mental strength and focus needed to become a Super Saiyan and master his powers. This part of Dragon Ball Z is particularly moving, as it shows Goku believing in Gohan and preparing him to take on the responsibility of protecting the world.

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2026-02-05 22:17