Rafael Lovato Jr:

• 2007 Black Belt World Champion (2nd American to win in the Adult Black Belt division)
• 8x Black Belt World Medalist In The Gi (2007-2014)
• 3x Pan Black Belt Champion (2005, 07, 08)
• 10x Pan Black Belt Medalist
• First American to win the Pan in the Adult Black Belt division
• 2007 European Open Champion
• 6x Black Belt Euro Medalist
• First American to win the Euro in the Adult Black Belt division
• 3x No-Gi Black Belt World Champion (2010, 11, 13)
• 2013 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Silver Medalist
• 6x IBJJF Master World Champion
• America's most decorated BJJ Champion
• First person to win the Grand Slam (win all 4 major IBJJF tournaments in same year)

What is included in the cost?

Every camp and package is a little different. Check your individual camp landing page for more detailed information. We also have 'Training Only' options if you'd like to arrange your own lodging.

What's the cancellation policy?

All retreats are non-refundable but fully transferrable to another party for the same camp. No exceptions for injuries or personal circumstances due to upfront costs.

‍Travel & Location

• Closest airport? LIR Liberia Airport (1 hour shuttle to Tamarindo). San Jose airport is over 5 hours away. Airfare and airport shuttle not included.
• Do I need a car? No. Everything in town is walking distance. 50+ bars and restaurants at your front door. Gym is 2 minutes away, beach 10 minutes.

Training

• How much will we train? See schedule for your specific camp. You train directly with the trainer and groups are usually 30-50 people.
• Can I train more? Yes, we can set up extra time. Someone always wants to get some rolls in.
• What's the training space like? Hero Academy is a 3500 sq ft bodega space with Zebra and Dollumar mats, huge barn doors for cross breeze.

Accommodation & Amenities

• Room situation? Everyone gets their own room unless requested otherwise. Rooms include AC, refrigerators, wifi, and TV.
• Is laundry included? Yes! All training gear is washed (must leave at gym after session). No special detergent available, machine dry only.

Companions & Group Experience

• Can I bring a spouse or kids? Yes, family-friendly. Contact for custom pricing. Children under 18 not permitted in retreat sessions but can join kids classes.
• Can I come alone? Yes! Most people make new best friends on the first day. About 70% are returning clients.
• What's the interaction like? Maximum 50 people, most groups around 30. Direct access to instructors. Shared common spaces, group breakfast, optional excursions.

Extended Stay & Activities

• Can I come early or stay extra days? Highly encouraged. Best to add days on one side of camp to avoid room changes.
• What activities are available? Options include volcanoes, mud baths, hot springs, waterfalls, zipline, horseback rides, spearfishing, surf lessons, deep-sea fishing, ATV, Catamaran sunset cruise.
• Will I have time for excursions? Schedule is customized to allow ample time for experiencing Costa Rica. Extra days before/after recommended for more activities.

Location & Budget

• What's Tamarindo like? Legendary Costa Rican beach perfect for beginner to intermediate surfing. Popular tourist destination with bars and restaurants along beach. Very safe, walkable at night.
• How much money should I budget? Options for every budget, from $20/day meals to high-end dining. All businesses accept US Dollars.

About Hero Academy

A non-profit 501c3 in USA and Costa Rica that trains over 150 local kids free of charge. Operating since 2016, running 15-20 events per year. Retreats fund the kids program.

Wyndham Tamarindo:

• Highly rated oceanview property
• Walking distance to beach, gym, and restaurants
• Located in center of Tamarindo
• Option to extend stay at reduced rates

Thursday

• 2:00 PM: Check in at hotel
• 4:00 PM: Sunset on the Beach at El Be Restaurant
• 6:30 PM: Meet and Greet at Hero Academy
• 7:00-9:00 PM: First No Gi session

Friday

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast poolside
• 9:00-10:00 AM: Gi Session at Hero Academy
• 12:00 PM: Suggested Lunch Falafel Bar
• 1:30 PM: Suggested Activity - Surf Lesson with Nacho
• 7:00 PM: Welcome Dinner Agua Salada

Saturday

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast poolside
• 9:00-11:00 AM: No Gi session at Hero followed by ice baths
• 12:00 PM: Lunch Suggestion - El Mercaditio
• 4:00 PM: Hilltop Gi Open Mat
• 7:00 PM: Dinner Suggestion - Dragonfly

Sunday

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast poolside
• 9:00-10:00 PM: Meet the HeroKids and help Coach
• 10:00-11:30 AM: No Gi Session at Hero
• 12:45 PM: Included Sunset Boat Cruise

Monday

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast poolside
• 8:30 AM: Open mat No Gi
• 11:00 AM: Check out

Main Package: $1,799

• Early bird price (Regular price: $2,199)
• Includes 4 nights oceanview accommodation
• All training sessions
• Daily breakfast
• Laundry service
• Concierge services

Add-On Options:

• Training Companion (shared room): +$699
• Non-Training Companion (shared room): +$250
• Oceanview room upgrade: Included (Normally $199)

Training Only Package: $899

• Training sessions only
• Laundry service included
• Welcome to join all activities at discounted rate
• No accommodation or excursions included

Payment Plans Available:

• $500 non-refundable deposit
• Balance due 30 days before retreat