Spend Four Days Learning Directly From Marcelo Garcia
A small-group Brazilian Jiu Jitsu immersion (Gi and No-Gi), limited to just 18 guests
Not a crowded seminar.
Not watching from the back.
A small group of only 18 grapplers.
Train with Marcelo twice every day.
Eat together.
Ask all your questions.
Relax between sessions in the redwoods.
Leave a much better grappler.
Marcelo Garcia is a 5-time IBJJF Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and 4-time ADCC No-Gi World Champion. He is widely regarded as one of the sport’s Greatest Of All Time (GOATS).
Location: at the Grappler’s Retreat training sanctuary, on the redwood coast of deep Northern California.
see www.GrapplersRetreat.com/FAQ for address, travel info, and other useful info.
Date and Schedule: arrive July 23, 2027 & depart July 27, 2027 — scroll to bottom of page for schedule details.
Not your typical training camp. Here’s what’s different about Grappler’s Retreat:
1. Personal Instruction
Spend real time with Marcelo. This isn't a series of seminars or a huge training camp where you're one face in a crowd.
With only 18 participants, you'll have repeated opportunities to ask Marcelo questions, receive individual feedback, and build on what you learned each day. Despite his legendary status and crushing competition history, Marcelo is known for being an incredibly down-to-earth and accessible teacher to beginners & experts alike.
2. Learning That Builds Every Day
At Grappler's Retreat, each training session builds on the last.
Five days with the same instructor creates a depth of learning that's difficult to replicate at a crowded camp where multiple instructors rotate in to teach.
3. A Community, Not a Crowd
You'll train, eat, and spend time with Marcelo and the same small group all week.
Many guests leave with new training partners and friendships that last long after the retreat ends.
4. Recover Between Sessions
Learning improves when you're rested.
Between training sessions, unwind in the cedar sauna, hot tub, or peaceful redwood setting before returning refreshed for the next day’s lessons.
Massage therapy is available onsite.
5. Every Detail Taken Care Of
Chef-prepared meals.
Onsite private accommodations.
Onsite dojo with the best mats.
Everything is designed so you can focus completely on improving your jiu-jitsu.
6. Limited to Only 18 Guests
We intentionally limit every retreat to just 18 participants so Marcelo can genuinely interact with everyone. You'll never feel like you're watching from the back of a crowded room.
The Training Experience with Marcelo:
Twice-Daily Training
Every day includes two focused training sessions with Marcelo, allowing concepts to build throughout the week.
Individual Coaching
With only 18 participants, you'll have opportunities to ask questions and receive personal feedback throughout the retreat.
Progressive Learning
Each session builds on the previous one, creating a deep learning experience than could not possibly be offered at a large camp with multiple instructors.
Time to Practice
There's time between sessions to drill techniques, discuss ideas with other participants, and let the lessons sink in before returning to the mat.
A Relaxed and Respectful Retreat Setting
Older grapplers and hobbyists are most welcome — this isn’t a “camp” designed for young competitors. Look forward to a laid-back vibe and a world-class learning experience.
All Skill Levels Welcome
Marcelo’s instruction is personal and deep, and he’ll immensely help every student improve — whether you've trained for one year or twenty.
Recover as Well as You Train:
Private Bedrooms
A quiet place to relax and recharge after each training session. High Speed Wifi is in your room and throughout the entire property, so you’ll have no problem keeping in touch with family.
Chef-Prepared Meals
Nutritious meals prepared for you throughout the retreat so you can focus on training instead of logistics.
Cedar Sauna and Hot Tub
Recover tired muscles and unwind between sessions. Relax after a full day on the mats. The hot tub and sauna are amazing for recovery. Use them any time
Onsite Massage Therapy
Deep tissue massage therapy can be booked Our beautiful therapy room is onsite so you won’t have to go anywhere.
Evening Bonfires
Conversations about life — getting to know everyone beyond the mats.
Spacious Clubhouse - Your Home Away From Home
The clubhouse is our communal space. You’ll always find snacks and a fridge full of drinks. High Speed Wifi is in the clubhouse and throughout the entire property. Lounge on the sofas and relax in the TV room if you just need some mellow downtime. Feel free to skip anything on the schedule and chill out here whenever you feel like it.
The Grappler’s Retreat — A Purpose Built Training Sanctuary for Jiu Jitsu
Everything you need is onsite:
Lodging.
Meals.
Training.
Recovery amenities.
Simply arrive and immerse yourself in five days of jiu-jitsu.
Experience The Most Beautiful Nature You’ll Ever See
Optional Daily Excursions
You’re always welcome to simply stay put at the retreat compound — you may prefer to simply enjoy a hot tub or sauna session after the day’s training, or relax in the clubhouse with a drink. But if you’d like to get off the property and see some incredible nature, one of our crew leads an excursion on most days.
Depending on the time of year, we may catch the sunset on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, explore a trail along Big River Estuary, or enjoy the gentle 1.2-mile hike to Russian Gulch Waterfall.
A Day at Grappler's Retreat
6:00 AM — Coffee is brewing, come on up the the Clubhouse anytime.
7:30 AM - 9:30am — order a fresh breakfast and enjoy redwood wilderness views from the back deck.
*always feel free to start off your morning with a hot tub or sauna session — it’s the best!
10:00 AM — Morning lesson with Marcelo.
11:40 AM — coffee and cookie break.
12:00 PM — Afternoon lesson with Marcelo.
2:00 PM — Lunch feast is served.
*dojo remains open all afternoon & evening for anyone looking to train or drill some more.
2:00PM - All Day — Whatever your heart desires: relax, sauna, hot tub, schedule a massage, or get in some rolls in the dojo. It’s up to you!
5:00 PM — Optional excursion along the rugged Mendocino coast: some of our favorite destinations to explore (all within minutes of the retreat) include the Spring Ranch coastal trail, the Russian Gulch Waterfall, and Big River Estuary.
7:45 PM — Dinner feast is served.
Evening Hours — Whatever your heart desires: join conversations around the bonfire, enjoy the hot tub and sauna, or simply relax in the clubhouse with a book or over a game of chess.
We’ll have wine and spirits to share; feel free to pour yourself a glass. If there happens to be a Jiu Jitsu or MMA event that night, we’ll have it streaming on both TVs in the clubhouse.
*exact schedule will be emailed 2-weeks before arrival.
Schedule (Friday July 23 - Tuesday July 27):
Arrive Friday July 23 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 or a sweat in the sauna, chill with a book in the club house, have a drink 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. Welcome dinner feast served 7:45pm.
Twice daily training sessions (all personally taught by Marcelo Garcia) on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with optional “open mat” on Tuesday morning. Plus, between training sessions, we keep the dojo open all afternoon & evening 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”. We prepare delicious lunches every day after the first training session, and we gather together for dinner feasts in the evenings… with bonfires most nights.
Depart Tuesday July 27 by 12pm after having a gourmet breakfast and taking your time to chill out at the retreat and say your goodbyes… (optional open-mat all morning).
Where: Mendocino, Northern California at the Grappler’s Retreat Training Compound (about 1-mile from the town of Mendocino).
see www.GrapplersRetreat.com/FAQ for address, travel information, and other useful info.
