Moroccan Martial Arts & Sufi Meditation Retreat: 7 Days in Marrakech

A typical day here starts early, because that's when the training happens before the heat builds. You'll do a supervised Shaolin session — stances, basic forms, partner drills depending on the group — then breakfast, then a Sufi meditation session. Afternoons are lighter: sometimes more practice, sometimes rest, sometimes time in the medina. The exact schedule depends on the group, but it's a full week, not a holiday with a couple of classes bolted on.

What separates this from other martial arts retreats is Sham's background. He's described as an heir to a 32-generation Sufi lineage, and the meditation here isn't generic mindfulness — it's Sufi practice taught by someone raised in the tradition. The martial arts side is Taoist Shaolin, which pairs with it. You're getting two traditions from a teacher who actually lives inside them.

Marrakech itself does a lot of work here. The retreat center is in the city, and the medina, the light, the food, the noise — it's all part of the week. Some afternoons you'll have free time to walk into the old city, and the contrast between that and the morning's silent sitting is part of the point.

Training is supervised and adjusted to who's in the room. If you've never done martial arts, you'll start with the basics. If you have, you'll be pushed further. The retreat runs for 7 days and there are two room options: a private room with a shared bathroom, or a private suite with its own bathroom. Longer versions of the same retreat — 14 days, 30 days, 90 days — are also run by the same center, so this is effectively the short introduction.

Group size and exact arrival/departure mechanics are confirmed with the leader when you book. Prices start at €1,199 per person for the 7-day version.

What's included

- 7 days of accommodation at the Koom Martial Arts Retreat Center (private room or private suite) - Daily supervised Taoist Shaolin martial arts training - Daily Sufi meditation sessions led by Sham - Meals throughout the retreat, tailored to the group's dietary needs - Full daily program structure - Access to the retreat center facilities

What's not included

- International flights to Marrakech - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Airport transfers (confirmed with leader) - Optional upgrades and extras - Anything not explicitly confirmed by the leader at booking