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. All belt levels welcome — we get white belts through black belts signing up (white belts should have some formal academy training before joining)
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.
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. All belt levels welcome — we get white belts through black belts signing up (white belts should have some formal academy training before joining)
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.
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.
Rick Ellis
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…”
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!
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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 :)
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).
Please see: https://www.grapplersretreat.com/terms
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please see:
The retreat is located in a remote part of deep Northern California, approximately 1-mile from the historic coastal village of Mendocino. This is approximately 3-hour drive north of downtown San Francisco, and 2-hour drive north of Santa Rosa. 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. 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.
The historic coastal village of Mendocino…about a mile from the Retreat
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 local grocers and farmers’ markets.
We take care of everything for you at the retreat… but in case you need anything else, rest assured that the village offers everything you’ll need to ensure a comfortable experience on this remote stretch of the northern California coast.
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
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