Part Holistic Wellness Summit, Part Jiu Jitsu Retreat, All For Veterans & First Responders
For the first time in history, holistic healing combines with world-class jiu jitsu to create an experience like no other And whether you’re an FNG white belt or a black belt with multiple tours, this retreat will help you find a new flow - mentally, physically and spiritually.
Top Level Instruction
Sharpen your jiu jitsu skills with daily lessons from Black Belt and retired RCMP Sgt. Major Seb Lavoie. Learn how to take care of your body for the long haul & fix your shit with movement workshops by Doctor of Physical Therapy, David Zwoboda. Foster a deeper connection to body and mind through transformational breathwork sessions led by yoga instructor and psychedelic facilitator Cordi Zwoboda.
Intentional Wellness for Mind Body and Soul
This is not your typical jiu jitsu camp, or even your typical “wellness” stuff. We’re not going to get in an ice bath or sit in an infrared sauna and sip green juice (okay, there might be an ice bath…)
This retreat is all about connection, intention and depth of experience. It’s about wellness in every sense of the word. And through guided meditations, psychedelic breathwork, and a traditional Mayan sweat lodge ceremony you will experience that sense of wellness perhaps more deeply than you ever have before.
An AO in Paradise
Our secluded jungle resort invites you to slow down and disconnect from the worries of the world while you immerse yourself in nature. Chill by the pool or take a dip in our private cenote, wander the lush jungle grounds and watch the sunset over the treetops. If you’re feeling cooped up you can take a short taxi trip to white sand beaches or into tourist-friendly Tulum town.
In addition to our stay at the retreat center, we’ll head off-site to explore ancient jungle ruins, swim in a breath-taking subterranean cenote, and stuff our faces with tacos.
Part Holistic Wellness Summit, Part Jiu Jitsu Retreat, All For Veterans & First Responders
For the first time in history, holistic healing combines with world-class jiu jitsu to create an experience like no other And whether you’re an FNG white belt or a black belt with multiple tours, this retreat will help you find a new flow - mentally, physically and spiritually.
Top Level Instruction
Sharpen your jiu jitsu skills with daily lessons from Black Belt and retired RCMP Sgt. Major Seb Lavoie. Learn how to take care of your body for the long haul & fix your shit with movement workshops by Doctor of Physical Therapy, David Zwoboda. Foster a deeper connection to body and mind through transformational breathwork sessions led by yoga instructor and psychedelic facilitator Cordi Zwoboda.
Intentional Wellness for Mind Body and Soul
This is not your typical jiu jitsu camp, or even your typical “wellness” stuff. We’re not going to get in an ice bath or sit in an infrared sauna and sip green juice (okay, there might be an ice bath…)
This retreat is all about connection, intention and depth of experience. It’s about wellness in every sense of the word. And through guided meditations, psychedelic breathwork, and a traditional Mayan sweat lodge ceremony you will experience that sense of wellness perhaps more deeply than you ever have before.
An AO in Paradise
Our secluded jungle resort invites you to slow down and disconnect from the worries of the world while you immerse yourself in nature. Chill by the pool or take a dip in our private cenote, wander the lush jungle grounds and watch the sunset over the treetops. If you’re feeling cooped up you can take a short taxi trip to white sand beaches or into tourist-friendly Tulum town.
In addition to our stay at the retreat center, we’ll head off-site to explore ancient jungle ruins, swim in a breath-taking subterranean cenote, and stuff our faces with tacos.
Seb Lavoie
BJJ Black Belt | Retired Sgt. Major for British Columbia RCMP| Malligator Dad
Seb retired after 23 years of combined service between the military and police force. He spent 16 years in tactical units before retiring as the Chief Warrant Officer for the British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Building on his two decades of tactical operations experience, Seb now conducts leadership and security consulting for governments and NGO’s the world over through his firm Raven Strategic Inc. When he’s not training foreign forces, he’s training or teaching jiu jitsu at Ascension Martial Arts and raising his Belgian Malinios puppy, Achilles. Get to know Seb & Dave by listening to episode #29 of The Way Broadly Podcast
David Zwoboda
Doctor of Physical Therapy | BJJ Blue Belt | Microdosing Guide | Podcast Host | Sourdough Bread Enthusiast
David got his DPT degree from the University of Delaware, one of the top PT schools in the world. After just about a year of clinical work though, he became dissilusioned with the healthcare system and his practice began to shift away from conventional physical therapy and towards mental and emotional wellness. Now, after years of working independently with clients and working on himself with psychedelics, David is on a mission to bring the healing powers of traditional plant medicines to the jiu jitsu community. He works with civilians looking to become better versions of themselves and with veterans looking to overcome their PTSD and TBI symptoms. David sees jiu jitsu as the ultimate vehicle for self-improvement and spiritual growth, and he is super fucking stoked to put this retreat together.
Cordi Zwoboda
Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor | Psychedelic Guide | Breathwork Facilitator | BJJ White Belt
Cordi is a jiu-jitsu baby, with only a few months of training and one stripe to show for it.
While Cordi is new to martial arts, she is no novice when it comes to mindfulness and plant medicine practices. She spent over 5 years traveling the world while teaching yoga and learning from plant medicine masters of different lineages and cultures. She currently is an apprentice under an indigenous Shipibo Maestra in Peru where she and David facilitate Ayahuasca ceremonies. Cordi offers yoga and meditation sessions with optional plant medicine throughout the week to explore your body, mind, and breath in a new way.
What makes this BJJ camp unique
Honestly, a lot. The FlowState retreats are possibly the first events in human history of holistic healing, spiritual practices and grappling training. Okay, chances are pretty good that the Greeks or Vikings were doing some similar shit, but we don’t have any records of it, so I’m calling this the first of it’s kind. But for real, this event goes so far beyond a jiu jitsu retreat.
Our Jiu Jitsu instructor has over 20 years of tactical leadership experience, and is active in the veteran community advocating for better mental health. We will experience an authentic Mayan sweat lodge ceremony conducted by an indigenous Mexican medicine man. So yea, we think it’s pretty unique.
What's the investment?
Our experience starts at 2150$ USD per person and includes pretty much everything from when you get to the airport to when you leave the retreat. Since we have different rooming options, the total price will vary slightly depending on the room you choose. We are happy to help you choose the best room for you on our call!
Is Funding Available?
You may be eligible for full funding from the VAC through the “Education & Training Benefit”
Please inquire with our team about this option - we’ll walk you through the application,
What is included?
What is NOT included?
How do I get there?
Traveling to Tulum is easy. The nearest airport is Cancun (CUN) International Airport and there are several nonstop connections per day from tons of airports.
From Cancun Airport, it is about a 90min drive to our retreat center Balam-Ha.
We will coordinate with the group to arrange airport transfer as we get closer to the retreat date.
How do I sign up?
To register for the camp, please use the button below to fill out the intake form.Someone from our team will contact you shortly after it is submitted.
We do not allow anyone to sign up without getting on a call with us first to ensure that you understand the specifics of this camp and that it is safe for you to participate. Plus we like to screen out weirdos…
We will take a $500 deposit to secure your spot when you sign up. See bottom of page for full payment terms.
Our Private Jungle Paradise
Tucked away in the lush jungle of the Yucatan, Balam Ha invites you to disconnect from the stresses of society and reconnect with nature. The land is so lush, tranquil and secluded that you would never guess it’s just just a few minutes away from some of the most pristine white sandy beaches of the Riviera Maya, and just a short drive away from all the action in Tulum town. And best of all, we have the entire center to ourselves all week. This is a safe space to explore your connection with yourself, with mother nature, and with the gentle art.
Accommodations
Balam Ha is a large compound with several different lodging building, each with a unique vibe. We offer some shared accommodations for a more cost-effective option, as well as private rooms and casitas.There are four main buildings with different levels and rooming options. Pricing varies between rooms and occupancy - keep reading to check out all the options.
Room Categories