Hero Retreats Logo

"Hidden Jiu-Jitsu" Retreat in Costa Rica with Henry Akins

5 Day Seminar Feb 4-8, 2026
Tamarindo, Costa Rica

New Landing Page | Hero Academy

Join us for an unforgettable BJJ experience in Costa Rica

Where elite training, adventure, and community come together for the trip of a lifetime.

What's Included Component

What's Included

5 days / 4 nights private ocean-view room
Daily prepared breakfast
Small group training
Welcome dinner included
Full concierge service
Give back to the local community
Optional organized activities
Bring a companion and make it a vacation
Daily laundry service for training gear

See What Past Attendees Are Saying

bjj student in costa rica

Reba Ann

3 Stripe White Belt

'I've only been training for about a year but this retreat was perfect. Good mix of skill levels, great group of people and it was all just perfect'

Derek

Derek Bryan

Black Belt

'In my 10+ years of training, my trips to Hero Academy in Costa Rica are the highlights on this journey. Every trip I have had was incredible'

two men training

Gabe Meyer

Purple Belt

'I'd recommend this trip to anyone that does Jiu Jitsu. The instruction is always top notch. I go to about 5 seminars a year and Hero is the best'

HBJJ Coach Profile - Henry Akins
Henry Akins
Guest Instructor

Henry Akins

Rickson Gracie Black Belt

Henry Akins is the third American to receive a Black Belt from Rickson Gracie and is widely regarded as one of the best Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world. He is the founder of "Hidden Jiu-Jitsu".

Rickson Gracie Black Belt
Founder of Hidden Jiu-Jitsu
Former Head Instructor (Rickson HQ)
World-Class Seminars

Credentials & Lineage

Rickson Gracie Lineage 25+ Years Experience Concept-Based Teaching
Read full bio

Henry Akins began his training in 1995 at the Rickson Gracie Academy in West Los Angeles. Fascinated by the effectiveness of the art, he dedicated himself to the academy, training directly under Rickson Gracie. In 2004, he became the third American to earn a Black Belt from the legend himself.

Henry served as the head instructor at the main academy for years, refining his ability to convey the deepest technical details of the art. He is known for teaching "Hidden Jiu-Jitsu"—the invisible concepts of weight distribution, connection, and leverage that make the techniques effortless and undeniable.

Often referred to as the "Jiu-Jitsu Computer," Henry's teaching style emphasizes understanding the "why" behind the movement, allowing students to apply techniques effectively regardless of size or athleticism.

Schedule Component

Tentative Schedule

Wednesday
2:00 PM Check in at Hotel
4:00 PM Sunset on the Beach at El Be Restaurant
6:30 PM Meet and Greet at Hero Academy
7:00 - 9:00 PM First No Gi session
Thursday
8:00 AM Breakfast poolside with your fellow retreat goers
9:00 - 10:00 AM Work with the HeroKids
10:00 - 12:00 PM Gi Session at Hero Academy
1:30 PM Optional Activity: Surf lesson with Nacho
4:30 PM Sunset meet-up - Chringito
7:00 PM Welcome Dinner Aqua Salada
Friday
8:00 AM Breakfast poolside with your fellow retreat goers
9:00 - 10:30 AM Gi session at Hero
12:00 PM Optional lunch - El Mercaditio
4:00 PM Hilltop No Gi Sunset Open Mat
7:00 PM Dinner Suggestion - Dragonfly (Reserve on your own)
Saturday
8:00 AM Breakfast poolside with your fellow retreat goers
9:00 - 11:00 AM No Gi session at Hero Academy
12:45 PM Optional activity: Sunset Boat cruise (Reserve using link in email)
Sunday
8:00 AM Breakfast poolside with your fellow retreat goers
8:30 AM Open mat No Gi
11:00 AM Check out of the Hotel and catch your shuttle. Thank you for coming and see you again soon!
HBJJ Hotel Partner
🏨 Hotel Partner

Wyndham Tamarindo

A boutique, ocean-view retreat overlooking Tamarindo Bay—designed for comfort, recovery, and effortless adventure between training sessions.

Perched above one of Costa Rica’s most vibrant beach towns, Wyndham Tamarindo blends natural beauty with modern luxury. You’re minutes from the gym, the beach, restaurants, and some of Guanacaste’s most iconic surf breaks—while still enjoying a peaceful, elevated escape.

🌅 Ocean views 🏊 Infinity pool 🍳 Free breakfast 🍽️ Restaurant & bar 📶 Free Wi-Fi ⚡ EV charging
  • Shuttle service every 60 minutes to the beach and Tamarindo town
  • Exclusive access to Langosta Beach Club dining & events
  • Minutes from Tamarindo Airport (TNO), short drive from Liberia (LIR)
  • Easy excursions: surf beaches, rainforests, zip-lining, volcanoes
  • Complimentary transfers to select local attractions
Want to extend your stay? Add extra nights at reduced rates or explore Playa Conchal, Avellana, and Flamingo. Our team will help coordinate everything.
Register Now

Early Bird Pricing ends in

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to save up to $150 dollars on your first retreat?

Special offer for first time customers. Fill out this form for your code.