The Grappler’s Retreat is a Jiu Jitsu Training Sanctuary, built in the woods on a secluded stretch of the rugged Northern California coast.
We take pride in offering an incredible experience centered around world-class training, gathering together for gourmet chef-prepared meals, and connecting in one of America’s most epic natural settings.
Roger Gracie and Nikolai Yakovenko enjoying a game of chess after the day’s training.
Small group size and one instructor per camp — so the teaching theme is consistent all week, and the instructor can take the lessons deeper and deeper as the week progresses.
This is in stark contrast to large camps that pride themselves on a “lineup of champions” that rotate in to teach their assigned time-slot.
Small group training: the learning environment is incredible (Roger Gracie teaching - Summer 2022).
Small group training: the learning environment is incredible (Stuart Cooper teaching - Fall 2023).
The retreat is surrounded by thousands of acres of wilderness, and is only a mile up the hill from the crashing waves of the Pacific ocean. The area is sparsely developed… the nature is epic.
Epic wilderness views throughout the property.
The pristine coastline… just down the hill from the retreat.
Private rooms, gourmet meals, epic setting, and a simple approach to genuine human connection.
Whether you’re a 50+ year-old Jiu Jitsu hobbyist who simply loves it… or a 23 year-old aspiring competitor… come join us. It’s all about deep learning, connecting with good people, and enjoying the journey.
We generally cater to the 30 - 50 year-old crowd (and older!), but ages 18+ are absolutely most welcome (exceptions can be made for experienced and mature youths (ages 16+), so long as they are accompanied by a parent who is also training).
The dining experience is as good as the Jiu Jitsu!
Chef Jack preparing feasts for us at the retreat!
Chef Noi preparing feasts for us at the retreat!
Our 2024 - 2025 instructors include:
Roger Gracie
Xande Ribeiro
Mason Fowler
Caio Terra
Vagner Rocha
Roy Dean
Miles Lukas (Wim Hof Method!)
Nathalie Ribeiro
Vlad Koulikov
Stuart Cooper
and other paragons of the art
The training sanctuary is incredible, and features a beautiful outdoor cedar sauna and a massive luxury hot tub—both sitting among towering redwoods with epic views of the surrounding wilderness.
Watch the short film below to see what it’s like to spend a week with us:
Unlike some other Jiu Jitsu camps which use regular hotels with repurposed conference rooms—or even children’s summer camp facilities—The Grappler’s Retreat was created from the ground up as a BJJ training sanctuary.
We host some of the best BJJ and Grappling instructors from around the world. And group sizes are kept small, so you’ll work extremely closely with these amazing people throughout the camp.
With our newly built Dojo, clubhouse, and guest cottage, the sprawling forested compound offers modern luxury combined with raw Pacific Northwest wilderness.
If you’re looking to get away from the city and experience nature, you’ll love it here… the setting is absolutely awesome.
Enjoy Total Comfort
Our goal is to provide you with a high-end vacation experience, so you won’t be staying in a bunk-house or any sort of shared-room situation. You’ll get your own private, fully furnished modern room at the Retreat… we understand that good sleep is critical, and so is having your own personal space at the end of the day (or whenever you feel like ‘checking out’).
Train
Small group sizes combined with hands-on instruction from some of the best no-gi and BJJ instructors guarantee you'll progress faster than you ever thought possible. Our coaches are among the best in the world, and you’ll work extremely closely with them at the Grappler’s Retreat.
Rest and Relax
Hard training is always better when there's a reward at the end. Our retreats were designed with your relaxation in mind, so whether you're soaking in the spa or sauna, having a beer at the BBQ, walking a coastal trail, or just sunning yourself in our secluded grounds, you're guaranteed to enjoy some much-needed downtime.
Grow Your Tribe
At The Grapplers Retreat we know that you're all about progressing as both a person and a martial artist, and we pride ourselves on fostering an environment where people can learn and grow together with like-minded people. Between the unique and dedicated staff and all of the amazing participants, you'll make incredible new connections that will last a lifetime.
Reconnect with Nature
Located in one of the most beautiful parts of North America, the Grapplers Retreat is nestled among a redwood forest and only minutes away from a coastline that will take your breath away. With some of the most picturesque countryside you’ll ever see and a huge amount of wildlife to enjoy, your time here will melt away all of the stress of city living. It’s a different world out here.
Have a question? Or just want to be updated on our future retreat schedule? Get in touch!
Retreat Location: in the redwoods of deep northern California, just up the hill from the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean and the village of Mendocino.
The historic coastal village of Mendocino
…about a mile from the Retreat
Sunset over Mendocino Village. Photo by Jon Klein.
