“Wise Grapplers” Training Camp with Brent Burniston is open to men and women ages 45+. All belt levels welcome — we get white belts through black belts signing up (white belts should have minimum 6+ months formal academy training before joining a camp at Grappler’s Retreat)
Ages 45+ only: while all our camps at Grappler’s Retreat have a super mellow vibe and are for adults of all ages, we decided to host a camp specifically for “wise grapplers”. 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 lesson. Training will be limited to a very small group: 16 spots max. With Brent and the Grappler’s Retreat crew, there will be around 20 of us. This isn’t a huge training camp; expect a family-like vibe and a world-class Jiu Jitsu experience.
Brent Burniston, a4th Degree Black Belt, is perhaps the best Gi instructor we’ve ever hosted at the Grappler’s Retreat — he works closely with everyone, and he loves going deep into technical theories and concepts that pave the path toward perfect Jiu Jitsu. He is an elite grappler who received his Black Belt from the legendary Jean Jeaques Machado many years ago. Today, he continues his Jiu Jitsu journey under the guidance of Roger Gracie, who personally awarded Brent with the 4th degree on his Black Belt. The promotion took place at the Grappler’s Retreat in April 2024, while both were visiting and teaching during one of our retreats. This will be Brent’s seventh visit to the Grappler’s Retreat. His Jiu Jitsu is absolutely phenomenal — he holds nothing back and loves helping those that come to learn from him… and that’s why we keep inviting him back.
“Wise Grapplers” Training Camp with Brent Burniston is open to men and women ages 45+. All belt levels welcome — we get white belts through black belts signing up (white belts should have minimum 6+ months formal academy training before joining a camp at Grappler’s Retreat)
Ages 45+ only: while all our camps at Grappler’s Retreat have a super mellow vibe and are for adults of all ages, we decided to host a camp specifically for “wise grapplers”. 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 lesson. Training will be limited to a very small group: 16 spots max. With Brent and the Grappler’s Retreat crew, there will be around 20 of us. This isn’t a huge training camp; expect a family-like vibe and a world-class Jiu Jitsu experience.
Brent Burniston, a4th Degree Black Belt, is perhaps the best Gi instructor we’ve ever hosted at the Grappler’s Retreat — he works closely with everyone, and he loves going deep into technical theories and concepts that pave the path toward perfect Jiu Jitsu. He is an elite grappler who received his Black Belt from the legendary Jean Jeaques Machado many years ago. Today, he continues his Jiu Jitsu journey under the guidance of Roger Gracie, who personally awarded Brent with the 4th degree on his Black Belt. The promotion took place at the Grappler’s Retreat in April 2024, while both were visiting and teaching during one of our retreats. This will be Brent’s seventh visit to the Grappler’s Retreat. His Jiu Jitsu is absolutely phenomenal — he holds nothing back and loves helping those that come to learn from him… and that’s why we keep inviting him back.
Brent Burniston
Brent Burniston received his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from the legendary BJJ icon Jean Jacques Machado. As one of Machado’s top black belts and instructors, Brent was often called upon to teach classes at his prestigious academy in Los Angeles, and was specifically selected to assist in world-renown seminars alongside Jean Jacques.
With a host of other Black Belts now under his wing, Brent established SubConscious Jiu Jitsu Academy in North Hollywood, where he continues to innovate his art and coaches a new generation of practitioners. His teaching style is known in the elite circles of martial arts for his innovation, detailed instruction, and endless encyclopedia of techniques.
Earlier in his career, when Brent wasn’t on the mat, you may have found him traveling abroad protecting some of the world’s most famous and influential people. Since 2001, Brent has been a leader in the field of Executive Protection, working as both a contractor and with Gavin de Becker & Associates, the foremost US Executive Protection firm. With almost 20 years of experience, Brent has led multi-man protective details spanning the globe, including such places as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Central/South America, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
We’ve been fortunate to have Brent visit the Grappler’s Retreat several times over the years, most recently in October 2023. After seeing his incredible teaching ability and the strong connection he immediately develops with everyone he coaches, we knew we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to continue learning from this legend!
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.
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.
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.
From $2,000 all inclusive with on-site bedroom at the retreat (spouses sharing a room are welcome to register at a significantly discounted price for the second person).
Your booking fee includes:
