BJJ  Retreats in Panama

Jiu jitsu and surfing in playa venao

Jiu Jitsu and Surfing: A Match Made in Heaven

Experience a unique and synergistic blend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and surfing at Beach Break Surf Camp in stunning Playa Venao, Panama.

BJJ and surfing are natural companions, each enhancing the enjoyment and skill of the other.  Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or beginner in either BJJ or surfing, our BJJ retreats offer an exhilarating combination of physical training, mental fortitude, holistic health and wellness, and an inspiring group atmosphere.

“If you're looking to shake things up, challenge yourself, complement your skill set, or experience a breakthrough that thrusts you into that next level, merging the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and surfing is your pathway to unparalleled physical and mental growth.”

BJJ Retreat Elements

  • Accommodation: Relax in our modern beachfront accommodations, perfect for unwinding after an action-packed day.
  • BJJ Training: Participate in small group BJJ seminars led by a rotating cast of accomplished instructors from around the world, along with additional training opportunities from our in-house instructors.
  • Surf Lessons: Tailored surf instruction, including theory, in-water practice, and video analysis.
  • Surf Equipment: High-quality boards, leashes, and wax provided.
  • Yoga and Meditation: Daily classes to enhance your flexibility, strength, and mental clarity.
  • Photo and Video Package: Capture your surfing and BJJ moments to share with friends and family.
  • Healthy Meals: Savor locally-sourced, delicious meals catering to all dietary needs.
  • Ice Baths: Revitalize your body with rejuvenating ice baths.
  • Transportation: Stress-free round-trip transportation from Panama City.
  • Recreational Activities: Explore the surrounding landscape through jungle hikes, deep sea fishing, canopy ziplines, whale watching, island hopping, and more.

Upcoming BJJ Retreats

We offer BJJ retreats throughout the year, and are adding new retreat dates all the time. Browse our current upcoming retreats below, and sign up to be notified of new retreats!

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A jiu jitsu class in action with several people lying on the mat

Get notified for upcoming BJJ Retreats

We offer BJJ retreats throughout the year, and are adding new retreat dates all the time. Browse our current upcoming retreats below, and sign up to be notified of new retreats!

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A Jiu Jitsu instructor smiling with her students

Host a BJJ Retreat

Interested in hosting a BJJ retreat? BBSC offers the perfect setting for team bonding and skill enhancement, with hands-on support to ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

About Beach Break Surf Camp

Playa Venao, Panama, isn't just a surfers' paradise; it's also a burgeoning hotspot for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) enthusiasts. If there’s another place in the world that offers such an idyllically balanced blend of both surfing and brazilian jiu jitsu, we haven’t found it!

Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new to BJJ, surfing, or both, this is the place to be. Playa Venao is uniquely suited to both beginner and more advanced surfers, and is blessed with consistent surf conditions year-round. Both our surf and BJJ instructors at Beach Break are experienced in coaching all levels – whether it’s your first time stepping on the mat or surfboard, or your thousandth.

A view of the beach breeak suyrf camp accommodationA wide shot of a person trying to stand up on her surfboard with her teacher right behind herWomen sparring toegether in a jiu jitsu classTwo jiu jitsu trainers sparringJohn Boyle, watching his Jiu Jitsu class in beach Break Surf CampA woman holding her surfboard at sunsetTwo men sparring in a jiu jitsu classInside view of the main living room in one of the beach break surf camp appartments

Meet Your Hosts:

John Boyle, main jiu jitsu guide

John Boyle

Born and raised surfing the Jersey shore, was introduced first to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2007 and moved to Panama in 2013. After moving to Playa Venao and receiving his black belt in 2016, John stepped into the role of General Manager of the surf camp, as well as the jiu jitsu instructor for the ever growing local community of kids and adults. You can find John surfing dawn patrol, on the mats, or chasing his very energetic 3 year old daughter, Marlee.

Brent Hoffman, main surf guide

Brent Hoffman

Brent grew up around LA both surfing and skating from a very young age. In 2014 Brent found his way as a tour guide in the San Blas Islands, living for months at a time guiding guests and staying with the indigenous Kuna Yala. Since joining Beach Break Surf Camp as the head surf instructor in 2018, Brent has given 1000s of hours of quality surf instruction. Combining the martial arts style curriculum with the solid fundamentals of surfing only gained by decades of experience, Brent has forged an amazing program for learning and improving your surfing.

See some of our testimonials for yourself:

Beach Break surf camp is a fantastic place for surfing and being with friends and family. It is also a great place to meet people from all over the world who want to surf and swing in the hammocks and watch the waves. The surf instructors are very good and will teach basic skills and safety, or give you tips to move to a new level if you already know how to surf. The food at the restaurant is extremely good. Vegans and carnivores can find great food. All of the meals were delicious. If you have a chance to rent the Casa Del Mar, you should do it. The house is very pretty and has an amazing view. I highly recommend Beach Break surf camp.

Eden Bentley

from Google Reviews

Awesome staff, hotel, restaurant, views, and location! If you are learning to surf THIS is the spot. Brett, Ron, Rafiq, and all the guys are great teachers, patient and really help you regardless of skill level learn to surf some of the best waves on the planet. Rooms are basic but nice, and the food is great. Awesome breakfast (included) and for the lunch the tuna & shrimp tacos are killer.

Logan Abrams

from Google Reviews

Come here for a week and leave with a new family. We're a group of mature guys with a mix of surf skill levels. Fantastic instruction from Brent. He was able to teach 3 newbie 50+ guys to catch waves on their own in 5 days. More advanced guys were showed where the waves were and offered tips with an instructor escorting them. Awesome service.Everything about this trip to Playa Venao was great. The food at the restaurant was beyond expectation. So much so that we only explored other restaurants on 3 nights.Included in the stay was daily yoga. It was needed after 2 sessions of surfing each day.

Jim Beck

from Google Reviews

We did not stay at the hotel but came to do a surf lesson. We had a senior, adult and child in our group and they were able to cater to us all in the same lesson. We only intended on doing one lesson but ended up booking 2 more. Alexis is literally the best instructor! He is very kind, willing and always smiling. The restaurant next door has just the right menu for when you get done. Highly recommend this place for anyone wanting to learn how to surf!

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Katelyn

from Google Reviews

I cannot speak highly enough about this place! John, Brent, Javier, Diego, and the rest of the team are all incredible teachers and people. They made surfing approachable, simple, and fun! Our whole group of newbies got up the first day and surfed the whole week. All thanks to this amazing group of coaches! You could tell they take pride in their teaching and were all genuinely stoked seeing us get up.The food was amazing and the staff was great! Everyone was so welcoming. Definitely plan on going back!

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Matt Mulcock

from Google Reviews

Let’s Design the BJJ Retreat of Your Dreams
Interested in joining or hosting a BJJ retreat? We’re here to help. Contact us to get the conversation started!

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