The Grappler’s Retreat is a Jiu Jitsu Training Sanctuary, built in the woods on a secluded stretch of the rugged Northern California coast. Whether you’re a 50+ year-old Jiu Jitsu hobbyist who simply loves it… or a 25 year-old aspiring competitor… come join us. It’s all about deep learning, connecting with good people, and enjoying the journey. Open to Adults, ages 18+. We often cater to the 30 - 50 year-old crowd (and older) — it’s a mellow vibe. Training will be No-Gi. Open to all belts (we get white belts through black belts). This is a relaxed retreat experience — older grapplers are most welcome. We get white belts through black belts signing up (white belts should have some formal training at a local BJJ academy before joining a retreat).
This will be our 5th time hosting Vagner. He loves Jiu Jitsu deeply and brings such a good energy to the retreat. He’s one of the most dominant grapplers of the modern Jiu Jitsu era, his instruction is off the hook, and yet he’s one of the friendliest and most down to earth people to spend a week with. He holds nothing back and loves helping those that come to learn from him… and that’s why we keep inviting him back. With Vagner and the Grappler’s Retreat crew, there will be a little over 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.
The Grappler’s Retreat is a Jiu Jitsu Training Sanctuary, built in the woods on a secluded stretch of the rugged Northern California coast. Whether you’re a 50+ year-old Jiu Jitsu hobbyist who simply loves it… or a 25 year-old aspiring competitor… come join us. It’s all about deep learning, connecting with good people, and enjoying the journey. Open to Adults, ages 18+. We often cater to the 30 - 50 year-old crowd (and older) — it’s a mellow vibe. Training will be No-Gi. Open to all belts (we get white belts through black belts). This is a relaxed retreat experience — older grapplers are most welcome. We get white belts through black belts signing up (white belts should have some formal training at a local BJJ academy before joining a retreat).
This will be our 5th time hosting Vagner. He loves Jiu Jitsu deeply and brings such a good energy to the retreat. He’s one of the most dominant grapplers of the modern Jiu Jitsu era, his instruction is off the hook, and yet he’s one of the friendliest and most down to earth people to spend a week with. He holds nothing back and loves helping those that come to learn from him… and that’s why we keep inviting him back. With Vagner and the Grappler’s Retreat crew, there will be a little over 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.
Vagner Rocha
The Grappler’s Retreat crew first became a fan of Vagner back in 2017, when we traveled to Los Angeles to watch the EBI invitational. At the time, the now world-famous tournament was hosted at a small, intimate venue, where we were able to get a close view of the style and spirit of each of the athletes. Vagner’s approach was incredibly unique and eye-opening, and we instantly became fans as we watched him dismantle some of the word’s best young grapplers.
When we spoke with him in early 2021, we were beyond stoked to hear that he loved the idea of taking a break from his busy competition career to join us for a week of teaching and connecting at the Grappler’s Retreat. And so we first hosted Vagner in June 2022, along with his phenom son Achilles and his awesome wife, Fafa. They were some of the coolest, most genuine people we’ve ever had the pleasure to spend a week with.
We’re obviously huge fans of the man… and in August 2024 we watched Vagner grapple with some of the best young talent at the ADCC Championships in Las Vegas. Vagner showcased his incredible style, and defeated some of the best up-and-coming Jiu Jitsu practitioners of this new generation. At 42 years old, he took Silver in what is considered to be the world’s most prestigious grappling event. The man is a legend.
While Vagner is an absolute monster in competition, he’s a deeply caring and methodical teacher who loves to see the positive impact that Jiu Jitsu has on all of his students, most of whom do not compete. His instruction at our retreats these past few years has been absolutely phenomenal.
In 2021, Vagner was ranked as the #1 Professional Grappler in the world in his weight division (185 lbs). He has made his mark in several championships, including: ADCC, Polaris, EBI, Fight 2 Win, KASAI Pro, and at the IBJJF No-Gi Worlds. His focus today is teaching his students, including his own son and daughter.
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 Wim Hof Method (WHM) camps are open to everyone (ages 18+). Prior experience in the WHM is not required, though we encourage beginners to complete a free online “mini class” after signing up. 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 Grappler’s Retreat is a remote Training Sanctuary, built in the woods on a secluded stretch of the rugged Northern California coast. The Retreat is surrounded by thousands of acres of redwood wilderness, and situated only a mile up the hill from the crashing waves of the Pacific ocean. The area is sparsely developed. The nature is epic. We take pride in offering an incredible experience centered around world-class training, gathering together for gourmet chef-prepared meals, and connecting in one of America’s most epic natural settings. Expect a relaxed retreat experience, with mat time focused on deep learning and technical growth.
ON-SITE:
Standard bedroom at the retreat (downstairs): $2,400
Standard bedroom at the retreat (upstairs): $2,400
Large Bedroom with its own private ensuite bathroom (in retreat clubhouse): $3,100 - Sold Out
Luxury bedroom-cabin at the retreat with private ensuite bathroom, wet-bar, desk area: $3,300 - Sold Out
Luxury bedroom-suite at the retreat (downstairs) with private ensuite bathroom & ensuite laundry machines, wet-bar, desk area: $3,500
Luxury bedroom-suite at the retreat (upstairs) with private ensuite bathroom & ensuite laundry machines, wet-bar, desk area: $3,500 - Sold Out
"Add-on" for NON-TRAINING spouse sharing your bed (includes all meals, retreat amenities, etc): +$500
"Add-on" for spouse sharing your bed and also training: +$1,500
OFFSITE BOOKING:
Registration without Lodging (choose this option if you'll book your own lodging OFFSITE, NO CAR CAMPING AT THE RETREAT): $1,600
When staying offsite (includes gourmet meals every day, twice-daily small-group training sessions with Vagner, enjoyment of the retreat sanctuary’s amenities (hot tub, sauna, clubhouse, fire pit, etc), and other organized activities… just book your own room in Mendocino Village).
*Click here for info on booking your own lodging off-site: www.grapplersretreat.com/lodging
