15 Best Training Arcs In Anime

I’ve always loved those parts of a story where characters really train and grow! It’s not just about them getting stronger for the fights to come, but also about us, the audience, understanding how their world works. The best training arcs really nail it – they show us the techniques, the guidance from mentors, and what’s at stake, so we can clearly see how a character improves with each battle. I’ve been thinking about some amazing examples across different genres like action, sports, and shonen, and it’s incredible to see how each studio visually brings that hard work and progress to life. Whether it’s brutal survival training or a more formal academy setting, these arcs beautifully demonstrate how skills are built, step by step.

Hyperbolic Time Chamber in ‘Dragon Ball Z’

In Dragon Ball, Toei Animation introduced a special training chamber where time flows differently – one day inside is equal to a year outside. This allows Goku and his friends to drastically increase their training intensity before big battles. The chamber is incredibly harsh, with intense gravity, limited oxygen, and extreme temperatures, forcing the characters to adapt quickly. Their training involves wearing heavy clothing, practicing energy control, and sparring with a strict time limit. The creators highlight that the chamber is difficult to use and takes a mental toll, which is why it’s reserved for crucial preparation.

Jiraiya’s Apprenticeship in ‘Naruto’

The Naruto series features Naruto training with Jiraiya on a long trip. He learns important skills like summoning techniques and how to better control his chakra. This training includes learning about the toad summoning contract, using chakra through special bonds, and practicing exercises to eventually master the Rasengan. Naruto hones his skills with drills like spinning water balloons and bursting rubber balls, and even puts his training to the test fighting enemy ninja. This period also shows that learning on the go is an important part of becoming a skilled ninja.

Sage Mode At Mount Myoboku in ‘Naruto Shippuden’

This story arc, created by Studio Pierrot, focuses on harnessing natural energy and maintaining balance to prevent being turned to stone. Naruto learns to gather this energy through rigorous training with toads, mastering stillness and control. He then applies this skill in combat using shadow clones to collect energy from a distance. The training improves his senses, increases his strength, and unlocks new abilities powered by natural energy. The limited time and danger of turning to stone highlight the need for careful control when using Sage Mode.

Two-Year Timeskip Training in ‘One Piece’

Toei Animation has the Straw Hat crew split up and training with different teachers in various locations, each focusing on improving their specific weaknesses. Luffy is learning advanced Haki from Silvers Rayleigh, and the others are honing skills like navigation, medicine, engineering, and shooting. The story tracks everyone’s progress using letters and a countdown to when they’ll all meet again at Sabaody. We see the results of this training through new powers, like Observation and Armament Haki, and how each crew member’s role on the ship is becoming more defined.

Heavens Arena Nen Training in ‘Hunter x Hunter’

The Madhouse arc serves as an introduction to the core concepts of Nen, including its different categories, how aura works, and the basic Nen techniques – Ten, Zetsu, Ren, and Hatsu. Wing and Biscuit teach these skills through a structured tower tournament, where students advance by hitting specific goals. The arc features hands-on training like practicing aura protection, emission exercises, and developing unique Nen abilities. Clear rules and rewards connect progress to tangible accomplishments, making the learning process straightforward.

Final Selection Preparation in ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’

ufotable visually depicts Tanjiro’s rigorous training with Sakonji Urokodaki, which includes intense running, navigating tricky obstacles, and mastering the Water Breathing sword techniques. These breathing techniques aren’t magical, but rather a way to control oxygen and enhance physical strength and awareness. A key part of his preparation is splitting a large boulder, proving he’s ready for the challenging Final Selection exam. The training combines practicing sword forms with realistic outdoor challenges, designed to prepare him for fighting demons before he officially becomes a Demon Slayer.

Hashira Training in ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’

The latest training program, beautifully animated by ufotable, puts demon slayers through rigorous challenges designed by each of the Hashira. These circuits focus on specific skills, including stamina, reflexes, and coordination while exhausted. The goal is to standardize techniques across all ranks, improving everyone’s basic abilities before facing new dangers. Training involves rotating stations and increasing difficulty, allowing both squads and individual swordsmen to clearly track their progress.

Gran Torino And Work-Study in ‘My Hero Academia’

Izuku Midoriya’s training with All Might focuses on improving his movement and control over his Quirk. All Might pushes him to release power in focused bursts, helping him move his whole body more effectively and avoid hurting himself. As part of their training, students also work with professional hero agencies, putting their basic skills to the test in real-life rescue operations and emergencies. Their progress is measured by how much stronger their Quirks become, how well they work as a team, and how they perform in the field.

Bankai Training With Yoruichi in ‘Bleach’

Studio Pierrot has revealed a way to quickly unlock Bankai – a powerful ability in the series – in just a few days. This method uses special tools to separate a Zanpakuto’s spirit from its user. To succeed, fighters like Ichigo must defeat their Zanpakuto spirit within a strict time limit, proving they’re ready for more advanced training. The training involves intense physical conditioning, learning to communicate with their spirit, and performing under pressure. This storyline explains why Bankai is so rare and highlights the dangers of trying to gain power too quickly.

104th Cadet Corps in ‘Attack on Titan’

Wit Studio has outlined a comprehensive military training program lasting several years. It covers everything from using 3D maneuver gear and mastering team tactics to understanding titan biology. Recruits practice balance, vertical movement, and supply management in safe training areas. This hands-on experience is combined with classroom learning to assess and rank cadets. Based on their performance, they are then assigned to one of three branches: the Military Police, the Garrison, or the Survey Corps.

Hamon Training With Lisa Lisa in ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency’

David Production’s training for Joseph Joestar focuses on mastering breathing techniques to harness life energy for Ripple attacks. The program includes building stamina underwater, climbing ropes, and practicing synchronized breathing even while under pressure. Students learn how Hamon energy travels through water and metal with hands-on exercises. They’re pushed to perfect their skills through timed tests and guidance from instructors, all in preparation for upcoming fights.

Survival Lessons With Izumi On Yock Island in ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’

In Bones, the Elric brothers are forced to become self-reliant and truly understand the core principles of alchemy. They must master survival skills – like hunting, building shelter, and solving practical problems – which directly improve their ability to perform transmutation. This harsh experience emphasizes the importance of equivalent exchange, making it clear that resources are limited. Developing both physical strength and mental toughness is essential for their future studies and battles.

Genkai’s Spirit Wave Training in ‘Yu Yu Hakusho’

Studio Pierrot’s story arc features a competition to select fighters, followed by training with Genkai to improve their spirit energy. Yusuke learns to not only fire his Spirit Gun, but also to control and use his energy in more versatile ways. This training involves intense nighttime sessions, pushing his physical limits, and practicing meditation. Ultimately, the arc connects true mastery to family history by formally passing down the powerful Spirit Wave technique.

Tokyo Training Camps in ‘Haikyuu!!’

Production I.G carefully records Karasuno’s practice matches and team scrimmages, focusing on skills like serving, receiving, setting speed, and defense. Coaches use this data to track progress and improve quick attacks and blocking strategies. Players adapt to new roles based on this analysis, with training exercises tailored to specific game situations and free balls. Ultimately, these camps lead to noticeable improvements in performance during qualifying tournaments.

Heart Kingdom Mana Method in ‘Black Clover’

Studio Pierrot has created a training system for mages focused on improving their mana control through focused practice. Asta and his friends are each given customized workouts designed to address their specific weaknesses when facing powerful opponents. These exercises involve things like spellcasting using runes, adapting to their surroundings, and working together as a team. The program is designed with clear steps for improvement, ensuring that new spells and defenses are ready for the challenges ahead.

Share your favorite training arc from any series in the comments and tell us why it stuck with you.

2025-11-07 21:20