Rio BJJ Retreat with Caio Terra: 8 Days of Training & Culture

Caio Terra has been running this Rio retreat since 2016, and over seven editions it has built a following of people who come back repeatedly — some three or four times. The 2026 dates are Session One from 22–29 November and Session Two from 29 November–6 December. Both run for eight days and seven nights from the Rio Othon Palace, a five-star hotel on Copacabana Beach with a rooftop infinity pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, fitness centre, and dedicated beach service. Rooms are at the hotel for the full week; all meals, tours, transport, and security are included in the price.

Training is led by Caio Terra himself, a 12-time World Champion, with guest instructors from Rio's top academies joining across the week. Sessions cover both Gi and No-Gi and are open to complete beginners as well as black belts — there is no rank or team requirement, and you do not need to be a Caio Terra Association member. You'll also train at other iconic Rio gyms where many of the sport's legends have rolled. Between sessions, unlimited fresh juices and açaí are available. Most days include two or three training blocks, though you can sit any of them out.

The food is treated as seriously as the training. Every restaurant on the itinerary has been picked by Caio, who grew up in Rio, and the lineup includes a Michelin-recognised restaurant, Brazilian barbecue with cuts you can't get outside the country, Brazilian sushi (which the organisers rank first after visiting 70+ countries), Amazonian and coastal seafood, and an all-you-can-eat pizza night that includes dessert pizzas. Vegetarian salad bars and vegan options are available, and dietary restrictions can be flagged when you book.

Sightseeing is shaped by the group — participants vote on which activities to include before the trip. The shortlist includes Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain by cable car, beach tours of Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Arpoador, a guided favela tour, Tijuca Forest, a soccer match at the Maracanã, the Pedra da Gávea hike, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Museum of Tomorrow, the Botanic Garden, Telegraph Rock, Fort Copacabana, and the Ponte Rio–Niterói. Entrance fees and transport for all of it are covered.

What sets this apart from a standard BJJ camp is the combination of a native local's access and a security detail. Caio plans the days around the best times to visit each spot and uses his own contacts to avoid queues and crowds, and a professional security team accompanies the group throughout. The organisers are explicit that the safety record within the group has been perfect across seven retreats, and they advise against arriving early or staying on alone in Rio.

The trip is conducted in English, with a translator available for interactions with locals. The price is $2,950 USD per person, with a ,000 non-refundable deposit and the balance payable in monthly instalments. Group sizes are kept small enough that spots fill quickly, and the 2026 edition is not expected to be repeated before 2028 or 2029.

What's included

- 7 nights at Rio Othon Palace, 5-star hotel on Copacabana Beach - All meals at personally curated Rio restaurants, including at least one Michelin-recognised experience - Daily BJJ classes and seminars with Caio Terra and elite guest instructors - Training sessions at iconic Rio academies - All guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees - All transportation from arrival in Rio until departure - Professional security accompaniment throughout - Unlimited fresh juices and açaí during training sessions - Airport pickup and drop-off - Access to hotel rooftop infinity pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, fitness centre and beach services

What's not included

- International airfare - Visa fees (if required) - Alcoholic beverages - Spa treatments at the hotel (available at extra cost) - International travel and medical insurance - Extra hotel services such as laundry - Lost or stolen items