“Wise Grapplers” Training Camp: open to men and women ages 45+
April 22-26, 2025: with Rick Ellis
Rick Ellis, BJJ Black Belt and founder of Art of Skill.
While all our camps at Grappler’s Retreat have a super mellow vibe and are for adults of all ages, we decided to host camps specifically for “wise grapplers” (ages 45+).
Mat time will be focused on deep learning. Live rolling will of course be optional, but expect most of our time in the dojo devoted to conceptual deep dives and technical coaching.
Look forward to a room full of like-minded “wise grapplers” (who may not want to roll 8 rounds after class!) — but who will eagerly stay on the mats discussing the nuances of the day’s lessons…
Sunrise over the retreat, April 2023.
All belt levels welcome — we get white belts through black belts signing up (white belts should have some formal academy training before joining)
About the Instructor:
Rick Ellis is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner who received his Black Belt from the legendary Roy Dean. He’s among the best instructors we’ve ever hosted at the Grappler’s Retreat — his skillset is deep, and his ability to teach is truly exceptional.
He’s also a phenomenal artist and storyteller who runs the masterfully produced The Art of Skill channel on YouTube.
In addition to being a fantastic instructor and simply an awesome guy to pass your days with, Rick is living proof that you can start Jiu Jitsu relatively late in life and go on to become a Black Belt. His Jiu Jitsu journey is incredible and inspirational.
Rick explains: “When I was new at BJJ, my strategy was to match my training partner's speed, power, and strength. In fact, if they went hard, I tried to go even harder. But as you get older, that's a terrible strategy, one that will get you injured. Trust me, I know that first hand. Instead, you need technical mastery and efficiency. You need perfect defense, great timing, and a versatile offensive game. I've spent years developing and teaching that style of Jiu Jitsu. And I can help you too…”
This will be Rick’s second visit to The Grappler’s Retreat. His Jiu Jitsu is very high-level — he holds nothing back and loves helping those that come to learn from him… and we couldn’t be more excited to host him in April 2025 for our spring “Wise Grapplers” retreat!
The perfect training-vacation, led by the best Jiu Jitsu instructors of our time.
Private Rooms, Gourmet Meals, and an absolutely Epic Location!
Relaxing on the back deck of the Grappler’s Retreat clubhouse.
With Rick Ellis and the Grappler’s Retreat crew, there will be about 20 of us. This isn’t a huge training camp. Look forward to a relaxed vibe and a world-class BJJ training experience.
We cap all of our retreats at 16 sign-ups… so the learning environment is like no other camp out there, and the level of connection among the instructor and our small group is simple and genuine.
Click the Video below to hear Roger Gracie’s thoughts on the Grappler’s Retreat experience.
An Overview of the Grappler’s Retreat Experience:
Private bedrooms… so you can check out any time you need to relax in your own personal private space, and recharge on your own (no bunkhouses or “group cabins” here). High speed WiFi is in your bedroom and throughout the property.
The dojo, the clubhouse, the guest lodge, and all the amenities have been purposefully built within the Grappler’s Retreat training sanctuary… and everything will be taken care of for you during your stay.
Twice-daily small-group training sessions led by Rick Ellis on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. 16 students max, so the learning environment and level of connection is like no other camp out there.
On a couple of the days, we’ll head out on a gentle coastal hike, a trek to the waterfall, or to the epic Big River estuary — but you’re always welcome to stay put at the forested retreat compound if you’d rather relax on your own between training sessions.
We’ll have a fire roaring in the club house, a massive hot tub sitting amongst the redwoods, and an outdoor cedar sauna to loosen up the muscles and get us ready for the next day’s training sessions.
Evenings are chill: pour yourself a drink and dive into stories with the rest of the crew around the bonfire.
And we’ll be treated to three gourmet chef-prepared meals each day. Get ready for an incredible experience.
Scroll to bottom of the page for detailed schedule, travel logistics, and pricing.
Come solo or come with a friend. In case you’re wondering, 90% come solo... Once you get here, you’re part of the family.
The Grappler’s Retreat is a remote Training Sanctuary, built in the woods on a secluded stretch of the rugged Northern California coast.
The Retreat is surrounded by thousands of acres of redwood wilderness, and situated only a mile up the hill from the crashing waves of the Pacific ocean. The area is sparsely developed. The nature is epic.
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.
Expect a relaxed retreat experience, with mat time focused on deep learning and technical growth.
Gourmet Dining - this isn’t just a Training Camp, it’s a proper Vacation
Schedule (April 22-26, 2025):
Arrive April 22 any time between 3:30pm and 9:30pm... check into your room and make yourself at home! Explore the grounds of the retreat, enjoy a soak in the hot tub, get some sun on the deck, chill with a book in the club house, have a beer around the bonfire, and get to know the rest of the crew as you settle in for an incredible week of training and relaxing in paradise.
Twice daily training sessions Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Plus, between training sessions, we keep the dojo open during the day for anyone interested in spending some extra time on the mat for stretching, drilling, or sparring.
In addition to all the dojo sessions, we’ll mix it up on some of the days and head down the hill for a coastal hike or a trek to the waterfall (the scenery is absolutely epic on the Mendocino coast!)
Every morning we’ll have coffee brewing in the clubhouse, with fresh breakfasts “made to order”. And we prepare delicious lunches every day after the first training session, and gather together for dinner feasts in the evenings… with bonfires most nights.
Depart Saturday April 26 by 12pm after having a gourmet breakfast and taking your time to chill out at the retreat and say your goodbyes…
Where: Mendocino, Northern California at the Grappler’s Retreat Training Compound (about 1-mile from the town of Mendocino)
Getting to the Retreat:
click here for details and travel tips: https://www.grapplersretreat.com/travel
The rugged Mendocino coast, about a mile down the hill from the retreat.
Pricing
And from $1,850 all inclusive… your booking fee includes:
Your own private, modern bedroom… comfortably furnished with fresh beddings, in-room heat, and high-speed wi-fi.
Our own private sanctuary for the week: there will be no one else here except for our small group. The forested retreat compound features: a huge luxury hot tub and outdoor cedar sauna nestled in the woods, a spacious clubhouse, newly built dojo, hillside terraces with awesome wilderness views, private luxurious outdoor and indoor showers with epic views of the surrounding redwood forest, etc. The property is magical… you’re gonna love it here :)
Arrival dinner followed by three chef-prepared meals per day (we use only the best ingredients and have tapped into some incredible cooking talent), plus a constant spread of fresh-baked homemade pastries and snacks, and unlimited coconut waters, juices, sodas, coffees, teas, etc. We’ll keep you very well fed and comfortable! And for those who enjoy wine, Mendocino produces some of the world’s best Pinot Noir!
Twice daily training sessions (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) led by Rick Ellis. We cap our registration at 16, so you can expect some deep learning and hands-on coaching. The learning environment is extremely personal, and infinitely better than that of a packed seminar or large training camp.
Aside from the costs of lodging, fresh gourmet meals, and bringing in world-class instructors who give their best — look forward to us organizing a couple amazing hikes throughout the week, and expect some heartfelt connection and storytelling around the bonfire after our nightly dinners. Rest assured that our approach is easy and flexible to the needs of everyone who joins us. We fully put our hearts into every camp, and we’ve been blessed by so many new friends as a result.
*Discounts available for both ‘non-training’ and ‘training’ spouses. Click “book now” button to see all pricing options.
Small-Group Training Sessions: 16 spots
Small-group training (16 students max) ensures a learning environment like no other camp out there.
Epic Training Camp Location: the Rugged Mendocino Coast
The Mendocino coast, just 1-mile down the hill from the Grappler’s Retreat.
Nestled in the woods only a mile from the coast, the Grappler’s Retreat 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.
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!
About a mile walk from The Retreat, you find yourself in the historic village of Mendocino, built in the mid-1800s on a rugged coastal headland overlooking the Pacific. The cliffs surrounding the village remain undeveloped, covered in wildflowers, and offer an awesome vista from which to view the sunset.
Today, this historically preserved village is a traveler’s outpost, scattered with unique restaurants and cafes, vibrant coffee shops, pubs and roadhouse taverns, and a very well-stocked local grocer and butcher. Mendocino offers everything you’ll need to ensure a comfortable experience on this remote stretch of the northern California coast.
The Jiu Jitsu Experience will be absolutely incredible, but there’s so much more :)
You’ll be visiting one of the most beautiful places in North America, experiencing nature at its purest, connecting with like-minded individuals striving to better themselves in all things, and resting from the stresses of your daily routine. You’ll be surrounded by incredible people at a once in a lifetime gathering, yet you’ll have the sanctuary of your own private comfortable space at the Retreat.
It’s a different world out here. Come join us.
