The Benefits of Attending a Jiu Jitsu Retreat

April 24, 2023

A Jiu Jitsu retreat can help you develop confidence, and improve or learn techniques by offering multiple opportunities for training in a short period of time. Attending a retreat is also a great way to meet like-minded people and try new things! 

The benefits of attending a Jiu Jitsu retreat go far beyond jiu jitsu training. From practicing healthy habits to connecting with the best Jiu Jitsu instructors in beautiful destinations, here are 5 benefits a Jiu Jitsu retreat will have on your mind and body. 

1. Learn new healthy practices 

One of the major benefits of a Jiu Jitsu retreat is that it usually offers a great crash course on healthy lifestyle. Things like eating fresh local food, practicing yoga, meditation and taking part in small group workshops are often woven into Jiu Jitsu retreats. Attending a Jiu Jitsu retreat can help create new healthy habits, and offer insight on how to maintain a healthy routine even after the retreat is over. Benefits of Jiu Jitsu like improved physical health that comes from strengthening muscles, along with improved cardiovascular and respiratory abilities are often enhanced by a healthy lifestyle. Mental health benefits of jiu jitsu like reduced stress, anxiety can also be strengthened through meditation and breathwork. 

A Jiu Jitsu class in progress with several people sparring under the watchful eye of the instructor.

A holistic guided retreat offers the opportunity to tap into a healthy rhythm, it might be just the guidance you need. Check out our group retreat page to find out more, and see the upcoming retreats at Beach Break Surf Camp. 

2. Connect with World Renowned Instructors 

 Traveling to a new country and meeting new people is a great way to get a unique experience, but attending a retreat is a level up. It's the option to connect with people you actually want to meet. A jiu Jitsu retreat offers you the opportunity to connect with some of the best instructors in the industry, and an international jiu jitsu community. 

Working with a location that specializes in group retreats helps get the most out of the retreat. This is because retreats that are well designed create an environment that encourages learning and growth. This space (the physical space included)  is key to the experience. Choose the best spaces and often you'll find best instruction and wisdom on and off the mat. 

Jiu Jitsu master and professor Gezary Matuda holding a class in Beach Break Surf Camp in Panama

Just steps from the beaches of Playa Venao, BBSC is the ideal location to host or attend a group Jiu Jitsu retreat. This year Groundswell Grappling Camp, a Co-ed family friendly retreat, brings Professors Emily Kwok, Hannette Staack, and Gezary Matuda. Find yourself among like-minded people, talented teachers, and make connections that will last for years to come. 

3. Get out of your comfort zone 

We are creatures of habit, and the way we train is no expectation. It was easy to get comfortable in a certain training regime, and to stop progressing or feeling fulfilled. A Jiu Jitsu retreat is a great way to get out of a rut, whether you train jiu jitsu avidly or if it's something totally new to you. There are so many ways it can help you get out of your comfort zone not only in your training but also in daily life. For one, a Jiu Jitsu retreat is an opportunity to take time away from technology leaving space to breathe and relax.

A view of the beachfront with a single hammock in focus, inviting to a more relaxed state of mind.

 One of our biggest struggles as humans is to take the time to enjoy the moment. A retreat can bring us back to the present moment, having a lasting effect on how we feel and act. Choosing a retreat that is out of your home country is also a chance to learn about new cultures, foods and languages.

4. Learn something new or advance in another practice 

Another great thing about a Jiu Jitsu retreat is that it offers the opportunity to learn something new or advance in another practice like surfing or yoga. Many retreats specializing in Jiu Jitsu also offer surf training, this is because both sports work the body in a similar way, and require quick reactions and mental agility. The ocean also is a great place to "get out of your head" and since it offers new challenges each day, it can enhance your Jiu Jitsu training by helping you find more focus on the mat. 

People surfin in the water while the whole image is a soft orange color due to the sunset happening at the time.

Yoga and breathwork are also often paired with jiu jitsu training in a retreat setting. Benefits of yoga include increased body awareness and lung capacity which comes from techniques like coordinating your movement and breathing. Learning some of these techniques will also cultivate focus that is invaluable in more than just jiu jitsu. 

Experience the magic of surfing and yoga at Beach Break's upcoming retreat that includes 4 small group seminars, 5 surf camp lessons, daily meditation and yoga. Learn more about Groundswell Grappling Camp in Playa Venao.

5. Reset your lifestyle 

No matter where you are in your journey of learning and sharing Jiu jitsu, finding a new class or retreat can breathe some positive vibes and self-discipline into your lifestyle. It's been said many times that jiu jitsu has the ability to change a person's life, and there is no doubt that a jiu jitsu retreat harnesses this power to its full potential. 

On a jiu jitsu retreat all egos are left at the door. It may sound cheesy but there is no room for judgment or comparison, just respect and discipline. It's a pretty cool thing to be a part of and a great way to hit the reset button if you are in need of that. If you choose to attend a jiu jitsu retreat you'll leave feeling part of something bigger, there aren't many sports that offer that access into a culture or community like this one. 

A final word on getting the most out of a Jiu Jitsu Retreat

Not all Jiu Jitsu retreats are created equal. You are more likely to benefit from a jiu jitsu retreat by choosing a retreat that caters to your skill level, travel style and budget. If it's your first time training Jiu Jitsu, you'll also want a Jiu jitsu retreat that offers instruction in a language you're comfortable with, this will ensure you get the most out of the time on the mat. If you're advancing in your training, a retreat can also be a great way to progress in a second language! 

Learn more about group retreats and upcoming retreats at BBSC and start your journey today.

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