ROY DEAN
JIU-JITSU RETREAT
Train with one of the most respected instructors in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — in paradise. World-class coaching, small group energy, unforgettable experience.
Experience Snapshot
High-level instruction, a premium schedule, and the best of Tamarindo — without an exhausting itinerary.
Join us for an unforgettable BJJ experience in Costa Rica
Proceeds from this retreat benefit the HeroKids non-profit, providing free training to over 1500 kids since 2016.
Learn about the HeroKids Program and Our Retreats
What's Included
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.
Roy Dean
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt & Academy Founder
Roy Dean is a world-renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt known for his technical precision, instructional clarity, and dedication to preserving the philosophical roots of the art.
Credentials & Lineage
Read full bio
Roy Dean began his martial arts journey studying traditional Japanese arts before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, becoming a devoted student of Roy Harris, one of Rickson Gracie’s most respected American black belts.
Over decades of teaching and competing, Roy has become widely known for his methodical approach to technique, emphasis on principles, and commitment to character development through martial arts.
Secure Your Spot on the Mats
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure a personalized experience.
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Tentative Schedule
5 days • training + adventure • limited spots
Is This Retreat Right For You?
Most people attending are hobbyists who want world-class training and an unforgettable experience.
Perfect For You If
- ✔ You love jiu-jitsu and want to train with legendary instructors
- ✔ You want a vacation with training built in
- ✔ You enjoy meeting new people who share the same passion
- ✔ You’re traveling solo, with friends, or with a partner
- ✔ You want structured training without a brutal competition camp
- ✔ You like the idea of surf, beach, food, and adventure between sessions
Probably Not For You If
- ✖ You’re looking for a hardcore competition training camp
- ✖ You only want to train and have zero interest in the destination
- ✖ You prefer large seminars with hundreds of attendees
- ✖ You want a silent retreat instead of a social training trip
Wyndham Tamarindo
Ocean-view retreat overlooking Tamarindo Bay—built for comfort, recovery, and adventure between training sessions.
Minutes from the gym, beach, restaurants and surf breaks while still enjoying a quiet hilltop escape.
- ✓Shuttle every 60 minutes to Tamarindo
- ✓Access to Langosta Beach Club
- ✓Minutes from Tamarindo Airport
- ✓Easy excursions: surf, jungle, zip-line
- ✓Transfers to select attractions
Train in paradise — and come home better.
This is a high-touch retreat built around small-group training, real recovery, and a community you’ll actually want to travel with.
- All levels welcome • Small groups
- Ocean-view stay option • Training-only option
- Concierge support • Charity impact through HeroKids
Early Bird Pricing ends in
Experience Hero Academy
Moments from our world-class BJJ retreats in Costa Rica
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 (hotel, meals, etc.) depend on the package you choose.
Tip: Scroll up to “What’s Included” and the hotel section for full 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 pick the best routing.
Can I come alone?
Yes — solo travelers are very common. We keep groups small and the vibe is welcoming, so you’ll quickly make friends on and off the mats.
Can I bring a spouse or family?
Yes. Many guests bring a companion and turn it into a vacation. Tamarindo is easy for non-training partners (beach, restaurants, excursions).
If you need help coordinating rooms or add-on nights, we’ve got you.
How much training is there?
Expect structured sessions with plenty of time to recover and enjoy Costa Rica. The schedule is designed to be high quality — not exhausting.
Exact session times are listed in the schedule section above.
What’s the cancellation / transfer policy?
Because spots are limited, purchases are typically non-refundable, but we’ll do our best to help with a transfer if something comes up.
For anything time-sensitive, message us directly and we’ll respond quickly.
Your Vacation Can Change a Life
Join world-class instructors in paradise while supporting free BJJ training for 1500+ kids. Spots are filling fast for the training experience of a lifetime.