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 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) led by Roy Dean and Ben Dyson. 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.
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 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) led by Roy Dean and Ben Dyson. 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.
Accommodations & Facilities
Training Experience
Wellness Amenities
Dining Experience
Activities & Extras
Special Notes:
Limited to 16 participants to ensure intimate training experience
Roy Dean
Roy is one of the most inspiring martial arts instructors alive today. His education is exceptionally deep and well rounded. He holds Black Belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kodokan Judo, Aikikai Aikido, and Japanese Ju Jitsu. As one of BJJ’s most sought after instructors, Roy travels the world as an ambassador for the art, exposing others to the warrior's way that is the foundation of his Jiu Jitsu. He is a compelling storyteller and author, and has written about his adventures in two best-selling books, "Martial Apprentice" and "Becoming the Black Belt". He continues to be a student of the legendary Roy Harris, and is recognized as a 4th degree Black Belt by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). With over 25 years of experience and a masterful approach to sharing his knowledge, Roy is known for conveying insights into the art that revolutionize the understanding of even seasoned practitioners. He is truly one of a kind, and we’re immensely grateful for his visits to the Grappler’s Retreat!
Ben Dyson
Ben Dyson is among the sport’s most most cutting-edge grapplers. He is a world-class BJJ black belt under the legendary Roy Dean, and is one of the best Jiu Jitsu competitors to come out of Europe. Ben took Gold at the ADCC European trials in 2017, and again had an absolutely smashing performance at the 2022 trials!! He holds a tremendous competition history and is currently ranked among the top competition black belts out of Europe. More importantly, Ben is an incredible instructor with years of experience teaching and mentoring students — while originally from England, Ben is now the head BJJ coach at Kuzushi Grappling in Vancouver, Canada. His love of the sport carries over in his teaching. Ben first visited the Grappler’s Retreat in April 2022, and the experience of training and learning from him was absolutely phenomenal. We’re always excited to host such rare individuals who possess an incredible competition ability alongside a natural gift of connecting with students. And beyond his prowess, Ben is simply a genuine guy and an awesome person to pass the days with. Ben will be teaching everyday, and we’ll have the opportunity to spend the week learning from him in a small-group setting. Sparring is of course optional, but for those who enjoy rolling, Ben loves to go live and is absolutely awesome to roll with! It will be a truly immersive experience, in which we’ll be learning the grappling style that has taken to Ben to the greatest heights of the modern competition scene. By the end of the camp, you will have a deep and clear understanding of Ben’s favorite entries, controls, and finishes - you’ll be among a very small group to learn under the guidance of this caring and methodical teacher who has tested himself (and excelled!) at the highest levels of modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Is there Wi-Fi Internet at the Retreat?
Yes, there are routers in every building throughout the property, with WiFi speeds reaching 700+ mb/s depending on proximity to the nearest router. As far as internet needs, you’ll be just fine!
How do I get to the Grappler’s Retreat?
We will get you to the retreat. If you’re flying in, you don’t need to rent a car if you don’t want to!
Click here for details and travel tips: https://www.grapplersretreat.com/travel
Can I bring my 'significant other' (wife/husband, girlfriend/boyfriend)?
Absolutely! There are discounted prices for a ‘significant other’ who’s sharing your room and also training, and substantially discounted prices for non-training spouses.
Non-training spouses will be 100% welcome in all non-training activities (meals, coastal outings, yoga when offered, nightly bonfires, etc) — we’ll welcome them as part of the family.
Just keep in mind that both must still register, regardless if only one is training or if both are training (prices will be adjusted and discounted accordingly).
Check each of the individual event pages for prices on sharing a room with your partner.
Is laundry service available?
The property has several laundry areas with modern laundry machines, including a dedicated laundry room. You are welcome to use them at your convenience any time. And laundry detergent is provided.
What will accommodations be like? Will I need to share a room?
Our goal is to provide you with a high-end vacation experience, so don’t worry, you won’t be put up in a bunk house or any sort of shared-bedroom situation! We know 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’).
For Room descriptions with pictures, click the links below:
Is this the right training camp vacation for me, or should I consider a different organization?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. The training at Grappler’s Retreat will be absolutely world class, but of course there are other factors to consider:
1) If you think you’d prefer the energy of having a massive amount of participants with countless instructors running classes all day long, you may want to look into another camp. But if you’re more into a boutique small-group setting with focused training sessions, then Grappler’s Retreat will be perfect for you.
2) If you’re looking for nightlife with clubs and a party vibe after training, then there are better options for you. But if your focus is training, chilling, and connecting—and if you love the fact that you’ll be staying in one of North America’s most epic natural settings on northern California’s rugged Mendocino coast—then definitely consider the Grappler’s Retreat for your training vacation.
3) If you’re trying to keep the price tag as low as possible and you don’t mind sleeping in a shared bunk house with a bunch of other guys, and if you don’t really care about the food or dining aspect of your getaway… then perhaps consider another organization’s camp that is more budget-minded. But if your expectations include having your own well appointed private space in an incredible setting, and if you value having the best quality foods and dining experiences alongside some of the best grappling instructors in the world… then look no further.
Is alcohol/marijuana permitted at the Retreat?
Both are now legal in California, and as far as we’re concerned, that’s a good thing. All we ask is that you respect those around you when indulging, that you limit yourself to reasonable enjoyable amounts… and of course don’t drink before training.
If you feel like having a couple beers or glasses of wine around the fire while dinner is being grilled, then go for it and enjoy. It’s our custom to share a few bottles of our favorite wines every evening — and you’re welcome to bring your own (Mendocino village, just a few minutes away, has a great selection of local beers and wines).
For those who enjoy cannabis, you’re welcome to bring your own (or purchase some at a local shop in the Village)… so long as second-hand smoke is kept away from others (don’t worry, there’s plenty of outdoor space here!).
Basically just be respectful and don’t get wasted… and it’s all good :)
What are meals like? Will all my meals be taken care of?
Expect a world-class dining experience! We focus on organic, fresh, and local ingredients. We have relationships with local butchers, ranchers, gardeners, and grocers. We even have our own onsite garden, which we tap into as much as possible.
Everything is included and you won’t have to open your wallet for anything while you’re here with us.
Let us know if you don’t eat meat or if you have any unique dietary needs, and we will accommodate you however we can.
Breakfasts are ‘made to order’ and lunches and dinners are made ‘family-style’.
In addition to meals, we always supply a constant spread of snacks, fresh baked pastries, and organic fruit for guests to enjoy at any time. You can also count on a constant supply of freshly brewed coffee and teas, and an unlimited supply of a large variety of beverages, including: iced teas, juices, various sodas, sparkling water, coconut water, etc
It’s also our custom to share a few bottles of our favorite local wines with our guests every evening. Wine enthusiasts can expect some of the best pinot noir produced in Northern California.
You’re welcome to pick up your own supply of beer, wine, or spirits from Mendocino Village (just a few minutes away).
What is your cancellation/refund policy?
Please see: https://www.grapplersretreat.com/terms
Can I bring my dog (or other pet) with me?
Unfortunately, No. Our resident mascots, George and Lilit, two Armenian Gamprs (Flock Guardian dogs) are quite territorial and like having the place to themselves! So for this reason, other dogs or pets are not allowed on the property.
How much training experience do I need to participate?
Our Jiu Jitsu and No-Gi grappling camps are also for ages 18+ (though our typical guest is 28-55+).
Most Jiu Jitsu retreats have a few black belts and brown belts, several purple pelts, several blue belts, and a few white belts signing up.
White belts are most welcome but must have some basic “beginner” training at a local academy before joining a Jiu Jitsu retreat (we typically recommend 4+ months minimum experience before the retreat starts).
For those with expert knowledge signing up for the retreats (i.e. BJJ black belts), rest assured that you’ll have plenty of engagement with very high-level instructors, and likely several other equally practiced participants.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your participation.
I'm older and have injuries -- should I be worried about joining a camp?
Absolutely not. We often have grapplers in their mid 50s joining our camps… and we’ve hosted several who are in their late 60s. They’ve all told us that they’ve had the time of their life and wished they hadn’t hesitated to sign up sooner.
No one is required or expected to spar or “train live” if they don’t want to. You can go at your own pace and sit out any time if you need to.
What's the daily schedule like? Do I need to participate in everything?
First of all, you can do as much or as little as you want. This is your vacation and we’re not gonna treat you like you’re at a kids summer camp!
Some days we’ll organize a coastal hike or a trek to the waterfall, but if you’d rather stay and chill at the retreat you’re more than welcome to do so.
We train twice per day (mid-morning session and late afternoon session). The training is world-class but it’s not “militant”. If you need a break and want to sit out a session, that’s totally fine.
We have incredible meals together, prepared onsite by our very own chefs. It’s high-end food but the vibe is very laid back. Feel free to join others around the big dining table in the clubhouse, or out on the back deck with epic wilderness views, or take your dinner plate down by the bonfire… or relax on the clubhouse sofa in front of the fireplace. Make yourself comfortable… it’s not assigned seating :)
Use the hot tub or the sauna any time (they’re incredible for recovery, and they’re sitting right amongst the redwoods).
Feel free to bring that book you’ve been meaning to read. It’s good to get some relaxation in between training sessions.
We’ll likely organize a cold plunge or two in the ocean or at Big River Estuary. Again, join us if you want to, or simply chill out at the retreat if that’s you’re preference.
It’s hard to put into words what an average week is like at Grappler’s Retreat — but once you get here you’ll see that it’s magic — every group brings its own unique energy… and a level of community and connection that’s truly special, yet difficult to describe.
What sets Grappler’s Retreat apart from other training camp vacations?
Most BJJ camps aim to sign up 40+ participants. And some of the “mega-camps” book 300+ attendees!!
Some of these Jiu Jitsu “camps” use a local BJJ academy for seminars and simply give you a nearby hotel recommendation and call it a “camp”, while many others use rented children’s summer camp facilities (i.e. you’re sleeping in a bunk bed, and training on a kids basketball court covered in mats), and some even use re-purposed hotel banquet rooms that are quickly set up as a “dojo”.
Some of the big camps you see advertised are like a conference of Jiu Jitsu “celebrities” — you get a series of unrelated seminars, with different instructors rotating in to teach on an enormous mat-space. And outside of training, participants are often just left with either cafeteria food if it’s being run at a kids summer camp... or a list of “recommended restaurants” and “optional activities” if it’s at a tourist area.
Unlike these “camps”, our retreats are all held at the Grappler’s Retreat Training Sanctuary. Our retreat has been specifically developed for high-end BJJ and Grappling training vacations, with a purpose-built Dojo, Guest Cottage, Spa, and all the amenities.
At Grappler’s Retreat, our camps are capped at 16 sign-ups. With the guest-instructor and staff, there will only be about 20-25 of us at the retreat compound. The coaching is focused and deep. Expect genuine connection with the instructor and the rest of the Grappler’s Retreat crew, and a family-like vibe with all of us living at our training sanctuary for the week.
As for comforts: you’ll have your own private bedroom at the retreat (no “group cabins” or bunkhouses), so you can relax in your own personal space any time you need to recharge on your own (high speed WiFi is in your room).
The food is incredible: we’ll gather together for gourmet meals each day, prepared with only the best ingredients. Our head-chef, Jack, is a 58 year-old masters NAGA grappling champion (but his cooking is way better than his Jiu Jitsu)!!
We host some of the best BJJ instructors of our time — and we make sure that every instructor you see on our schedule is not only a world-class grappler and teacher, but also a solid human being and a pleasure to spend the week with.
It’s a different world out here. Come join us.
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.
Arrive July 7 any time between 4:00pm and 10:00pm... 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 Tuesday, 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 July 12 by 12pm after having a gourmet breakfast and taking your time to chill out at the retreat and say your goodbyes…
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