A small group Jiu Jitsu camp on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches
What’s Different about Pura Vida Jiu jitsu Camp?
1.) LOCATION. Our training area is right next to the sand, not in a room at a beach town. The area itself is one of Costa Rica’s most picturesque. It’s not crowded but has amenities and proximity to nightlife.
2.) INSTRUCTORS. Our instructors are truely world class and they are on the mats generally at every session. We usually have two high profile instructors and 2-4 lesser known teachers helping.
3.) EXPERIENCE. We’ve been running great camps for over 7 years! We have unmatch local knowledge that other camps in the area have followed.
In the years since we started Pura Vida Jiu Jitsu camp (est. 2015) the concept of a vacation with jiu jitsu has proliferated so many camps. Here are some unique details of Pura Vida Jiu jitsu camp.
- A unique setting. We train in an open air roofed platform right next to the beach. Some camp are at the beach or other great settings but the training is in a room much like your school back home. They 4 star small Boutique hotel is right next to one of Costa Rica’s most picturesque beaches. So you can walk a couple steps to the pool or the ocean after training and get a drink from the outdoor lounge bar or pool bar.
- We are a small group camp. Normally we accept 18 or 16 participants. This allows for more personalized instruction, a more intimate group dynamic It makes it easier to do group activities like waterfall or boat excursions.
- We have truly world class jiu jitsu instructors (past included Daniel Gracie, Shawn Williams, Garry Tonon and others). We do alot of jiu jitsu! Generally all instructors are on the mats for most sessions. We also have a few Costa Rican instructors and competitors join us typically.
- We have a great time! The area where the camp is held is widely considered one of the top beach vacations spots anywhere. Warren, has family in the area and has been visiting regularly himself for 20 years. We do some great adventures to out of the way beaches, hikes to waterfalls, and/or rafting/kayaking trips. We also enjoy some nightlife locally and in nearby Tamarindo. For most of you who own schools an added bonus is that you can write most of your trip off so that the government pays for some of your vacation 😉
What are the Details and Logistics?
Dates and Stay
Our next camp will be March 25-31st. These are checkin-checkout dates. The first jiu jitsu session will start the afternoon of the 25th and the last session will be the evening of the 30th. We suggest participants stay in Bahia Del Sol Hotel where the camp is. We have a block of rooms for check in on the 25th and check out on the 31st at Bahia Del Sole. There are some other lodging options nearby that are cheaper. We do have a block of rooms at the hotel and a discount. We are always willing to help but it is participant’s responsibility to arrange for and pay for your stay.
Getting to the Camp
The Liberia Airport (LIR) is about 50 minute car ride from the camp. Liberia is a small city that you can spend an evening in if you are flying in on the day before the camp starts. If you fly to Liberia you can take a taxi for 60-75 USD. We may be able to arrange free pickup for some depending on flight times. A rental car is an option but certainly not necessary. Some also choose to fly to San Jose (SJO) airport which is 4-5 hours drive or 45 minute flight from the camp. Getting to the camp is the Participants responsibility and cost. We cannot be responsible for delays or missed flights. Please plan accordingly.
Food and What to bring
Bahia Del Sol Hotel has a good restaurant on site. They also have an outdoor tapas bar. There are several other good restaurants within walking distance. There is a pharmacy and grocery a short walk from the hotel also. Weather is beach tropical with 80-90 degree F days and 75-80 degree nights being typical. We will have some gear including gis rashguards and shorts for sale. Doing Laundry is possible but can be a bit of a hassle. I suggest 3 gis and 4 no gi kits as well as swimwear, shoes or boots for hiking, sandals. USD is widely accepted as are credit cards. Local colones can be exchanged via ATM’s or at the airport and are used for smaller transactions.
Camp Cost
The camp tuition is $985 USD. We can accept PayPal, crypto currency, Venmo, CashApp, or mailed check for payment. We are limiting this with a hard cap of 16 participants so don’t wait if you are interested. Secure your spot as soon as possible.
We are happy to help with suggestion and question including specific questions about the camp or suggestions for extending your stay in Costa Rica past the camp. Please contact us via our contact form. We will send out more information such as daily schedules after we get in touch.
Instructors and Other presenters
Confirmed instructors for next camp are Shawn Williams, Daniel Gracie and Warren Stout. We may announce more instructors and there is always the small possiblity that one of the above cannot make the camp (we’ll let you know right away if this happens). We will most likely have another world class instructor and most likely some excellent instructors attending the camp as participants. Past instructors have included: Daniel Gracie, Shawn Williams, Garry Tonon, Warren Stout, Javier Valenciano (Costa Rica), Fernando Moya (Costa Rica), Juan Barrantes(Costa Rica). We will update business presenters closer to the camp date.
Warren Stout
Warren was a former DI wrestler for Lehigh. Although in his mid 40’s, Warren still competes from time to time at top level jiu jitsu events including ADCC trials, Grappling Industries major events, and IBJJF tournaments at the Adult/Open age level. His past competition experience includes medals in both gi and no-gi IBJJF competitions in adult Blackbelt division at middle and open wt. For the past 12+ years Warren has been owner and head jiu jitsu instructor at Stout PGH- Team Renzo Gracie academies in Pittsburgh www.stoutpgh.com . Stout PGH currently has 4 locations. Warren is a Blackbelt under Renzo Gracie. Warren lived in Costa Rica for over 5 years in the past, and is the camp organizer.
Shawn Williams
Shawn has been called “the teacher’s teacher”. He is widely known as one of the most technically knowledgeable teachers in Jiu jitsu. He is a senior instructor of Team Renzo Gracie. He has worked with MMA greats like George St. Pierre and some of Team Renzo’s best jiu jitsu competitors in a coaching capacity. He is a regular commentator on Flo Grappling and is the creator of “Williams Guard” and many other jiu jitsu innovations. He does seminars all over the US and Canada. Shawn had a successful academy in Los Angles for many years before selling it in 2019 to a group of his students. He is the founder and owner of the premium jiu jitsu gear company called Carbyne https://carbyneindustries.com. Shawn also has an extensive online techniques teaching platform used by jiu jitsu students of all levels worldwide https://jiujitsuedu.com. He is currently the owner and head instructor at the fast growing Renzo Gracie Nashville https://www.renzogracienashville.com.
Daniel Gracie
Daniel had great success in both Jiu Jitsu and MMA carrying the Gracie family banner in top events like Pride and Belator. He also won multiple Jiu jitsu titles in Brazil as well as international competition such as IBJJF world championships. More recently he has coached great jiu jitsu competitions and has an amazing record coaching UFC fighters to 18 victories. Daniel currently teaches in Las Vegas.
Our best testimonial is our many repeat participants. We have had several people do 2-5 of our past 7 years of camp.
“This camp was amazing. I loved every part. The group had great energy and Shawn helped pull the training sessions together into a cohesive unit. This year was just as good if not better than last year. Just bring back the boat trip! I look forward to this camp all year.”
-Jeff Zayas (Jiu Jitsu Purple belt)
Some things I liked about the camp where the coaches, the location, and the itinerary. The Q & A sessions where great. The location, excursions, the overall thoughtfullness, and intimacy of the camp transports you to a happy relaxing experience.
-Maureen ONeill ( Jiu Jitsu White belt)
Our best testimonial is our many repeat participants. We have had several people do 2-5 of our past 7 years of camp.
“This camp was amazing. I loved every part. The group had great energy and Shawn helped pull the training sessions together into a cohesive unit. This year was just as good if not better than last year. Just bring back the boat trip! I look forward to this camp all year.”
-Jeff Zayas (Jiu Jitsu Purple belt)
Some things I liked about the camp where the coaches, the location, and the itinerary. The Q & A sessions where great. The location, excursions, the overall thoughtfullness, and intimacy of the camp transports you to a happy relaxing experience.
-Maureen ONeill ( Jiu Jitsu White belt)
More Info
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