Experience Snapshot
Hero's first family-focused retreat — Jiu-Jitsu, surf lessons, and quality time together in Tamarindo.
This Is What Your Family Retreat Could Look Like
Train together, surf together, and explore Costa Rica as a family — this isn't just a camp, it's a shared adventure for parents and kids alike.
A retreat built for the whole family — on the mats and in the water
This retreat is designed around parents and kids sharing the experience together — Jiu-Jitsu training side by side, three surf lessons included for the whole family, and plenty of time to enjoy Tamarindo together between sessions.
Leah Stumpf
3rd-Degree Black Belt • World Champion • Family & Kids Curriculum Specialist
Leah Stumpf is a full-time coach at Straight Blast Gym of Montana and one of the most experienced family-and-kids instructors in the sport. She's built her career around helping people of every age — including parents and their kids training side by side — become stronger, more confident versions of themselves.
Credentials & Experience
Read full bio
Leah's path into martial arts started as a senior in high school, inspired by her mother, and she earned a black belt in Tatsu do karate in 2004. Before turning to Jiu-Jitsu full-time, she spent over a decade as a science educator in both outdoor and classroom settings, along with several years working as an Alaskan wilderness ranger — experience that continues to shape how she coaches today.
Her search for a more functional martial art eventually led her to Straight Blast Gym and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she found the fit she'd been looking for. She went on to become an adult World Champion as a blue belt and has since won multiple Masters World titles at the black belt level, earning her 3rd-degree black belt under Matt Thornton and Travis Davison.
As a coach, Leah has built a reputation for making Jiu-Jitsu genuinely accessible to families — she's developed age-specific curricula for kids and helped pioneer a dedicated women's Jiu-Jitsu program at her academy. That same approach is what shapes this retreat: a week built for parents and kids to train, surf, and grow together on the mats.
Train With Leah Stumpf
Spaces are intentionally limited to keep this family retreat personal, high-quality, and focused on real learning — for parents and kids alike.
Who This Family Retreat Is Perfect For
Hero's first family-focused retreat is designed for parents and kids who want to learn Jiu-Jitsu together, catch some waves, and share a real adventure — not just a vacation.
Parents & Kids 10+
Built for families training together — kids age 10 and up train alongside their parents in a supportive, all-levels setting.
All Belt Levels
From complete beginners to experienced practitioners. Training is structured so every family member can learn and improve together.
First-Time Surfers Welcome
Three surf lessons are included for the whole family — no experience needed, just a willingness to get in the water together.
Training + Family Time
Train together in the morning, then enjoy the beach, the pool, and Tamarindo's laid-back pace as a family in the afternoons.
People Who Value Purpose
Proceeds go to HeroKids — funding free training and mentorship for local kids since 2016.
A Family Trip Worth Remembering
A vacation your family will actually remember — training, surfing, and quality time together in Costa Rica.
Secure your family's spot before this retreat fills
Choose your experience below. Most families reserve with a $500 deposit and finalize details later.
What's Included
Train in paradise.
Help change a kid's life.
Every Hero retreat helps fuel the HeroKids Program — proceeds from this retreat benefit HeroKids, providing free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, mentorship, and positive community for local children in Tamarindo since 2016.
When you attend this retreat, you're not just taking an unforgettable trip — you're helping create opportunities, mentorship, and positive role models for the next generation of Costa Rican kids.
What Past Attendees Say
Beautiful surroundings, great facilities, kind training partners and the opportunity to train with the all-time greats of BJJ. Hugely recommended. Update! I came back for a second retreat and still can't speak highly enough of what Ron and Hero have created here. The support is second to none and the atmosphere is fun and electric. I'll be back next year - if you're thinking about a HeroBJJ retreat and worried it all sounds too good to be true, don't worry, it really is that awesome.
The best jiu jitsu vacation ever! Ron is such a fantastic host in every possible way. Everything was well organized in terms of schedule, itinerary, social, logistics and more! He also brings the best BJJ coaches in the world. Henry Akins is the best of the best and his insight is truly special in a way that changes your mindset completely. We had such an amazing group of people who were so eager to learn and pick Henry's brain that every session was full of mind-blowing details. I cannot speak highly enough of Ron and Hero Academy Camps!!!
First time to a Hero BJJ seminar, blew away expectations. Tamarindo is a fun, diverse, beautiful and tasty town and an incredible place to have an academy. But not just any academy. Ron and his team have a huge kids class that trains free of charge! It sets up a culture of giving and connectedness that comes through every pore of the place and people. This has been a truly exceptional experience and I already can't wait to come back.
This retreat will definitely be one of the most memorable moments in my BJJ journey. The hospitality at Hero is absolute and genuine. The instruction by my favorite legend of the game was World class. The new friendships I trust will be enduring. In just the few days of this camp, my love of the art was reinvigorated. So it's going to prove to be one major driving force to the evolution of my skill set. This retreat should be on the bucket list of every jiu jiteiro.
This is my second time down here to a Hero BJJ Retreat, and again, it did not disappoint. Ron Jarman is the best retreat host hands down. They have it dialed in at Hero BJJ to make sure everyone has a great time. The quality of instruction was world class, and everyone training was super cool. Lots of skill across the board. Did the waterfall tour this time around, and it was amazing! Good times, good rolls, amazing food in Tamarindo - 100% will be back again!!
If you're on the fence Hero BJJ Retreats. Don't be. Just do it! This was my first trip to Costa Rica and first-ever BJJ retreat. Both on and off the mats, the trip was an incredible experience from start to finish. Of course, it was a pleasure not only to learn techniques from GOAT Xande Ribeiro but also to gain insight into how he trains and approaches the game. He was extremely accessible - what an awesome treat. And Ron was an amazing host, making sure we all were comfortable and had all the right information.
First time in Costa Rica and attending a retreat. This BJJ experience was awesome! Great training with legend Xande Ribeiro, a super fun group, and a solid mix of gi and no-gi sessions. Ron, who runs Hero Academy, is an awesome host and makes sure everyone has a great time. Our hotel was just a short walk from the gym and had incredible ocean views. Waking up with my espresso and that view every morning was the best.
Had an incredible time at this BJJ retreat! It was my first trip to Costa Rica, and the whole experience was amazing — great training, beautiful scenery, and an awesome group of people with world class BJJ. Shoutout to Ron for making this a seamless experience. Highly recommend it for all belt levels!
Hero Academy is such an amazing place to train. The camps they put on are top-notch, full of fun activities on top of the Jiu-Jitsu, and they also offer great instruction. Nacho is a great instructor, and Ron is such a great guy. Can't recommend Hero enough!
This was an amazing experience! Open air gym in paradise! I was here for Roy Dean who is absolutely amazing. His instruction is detailed and simple to understand. The day before we got there Dan Hart was having his retreat, and after decided to just stick around!!! I got to meet and roll with both Dan and Roy. The highlight of the experience was getting to work with the Hero kids. Something happened with the transportation so only about 10 of them showed up. Most rewarding part of the entire week. Ron and Nacho run an amazing place.
Just finished my 3rd camp this year at hero and my 4th visit this year. Never disappoints. This trip was the Dan Hart Charity seminar. Ron and company may saved the best for last. Good group, good jiujitsu, good location all for a good cause. Don't miss a chance for a hero event in 2022 or if you can't get away consider supporting the cause.
One of the best trips ever. Ron and his team were the best hosts. Anything we needed they were able to accommodate. Great recommendations for activities and food and shopping. We will be back for sure!
This is the 3rd time we have come out for a camp at Hero and won't be our last! It's a great facility with a great cause behind it. Ron always makes sure everything runs smoothly from airport pickups to hotel rooms. Plenty to enjoy in the beautiful city of Tamarindo when you are not training. You will not be disappointed.
Traincation! Embrace the Pura Vida of Costa Rica. Top level instructors in a super chill dojo. We made friendships & memories that will last a lifetime.
Quick Answers Before You Book
The essentials most people ask before reserving a spot.
What’s included in the retreat?
Training sessions, curated schedule, and on-the-ground support from our team. Your exact inclusions depend on the package you choose.
Tip: Scroll up to “What’s Included” and the hotel section for full package details.
What airport should I fly into?
Most guests fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR). It’s the easiest option for Tamarindo.
If you’re unsure, message us and we’ll help you choose the best routing.
Can I come alone?
Yes — solo travelers are very common. We keep groups small and the atmosphere welcoming, so people usually make friends quickly on and off the mats.
Can I bring a spouse or family?
Yes. Many guests bring a companion and turn the trip into a full vacation. Tamarindo is easy for non-training partners with beaches, restaurants, and excursions nearby.
If you need help coordinating rooms, companion options, or extra nights, we’ve got you.
How do I reserve my spot?
You can secure your spot with a $500 deposit. The remaining balance is due 45 days before the retreat.
Most guests reserve early with the deposit so they can lock in their place without paying in full upfront.
What’s the cancellation / transfer policy?
We keep booking flexible because we know plans can change.
60+ days before retreat: full credit toward any future Hero retreat, valid for 12 months.
30–59 days before retreat: 50% credit toward a future Hero retreat.
Within 30 days: your spot is fully transferable or can be resold.
If something comes up, message us directly. We’ll always do our best to help you find a solution.
Your early access pricing ends in
Reserve now for the best available pricing on the Leah Stumpf family retreat before your current offer expires.