How does 5 days of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, winter sports, incredible scenery, and exclusive accommodation sound? Like a winter BJJ fairy tale, no doubt. Well, we can make this fairy tale a reality. Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp offers you the ultimate escape from everyday life from the 13 to the 18th of March 2024 at an exclusive ski resort in Bansko, Bulgaria!
Travel, train Jiu Jitsu, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Pirin Mountains! You can book your spot at BJJ Camp Finder but first, keep reading to find out why this BJJ winter camp will be so special.
Jiu Jitsu Legacy Winter Camp: A BJJ Vacation Experience Imagined
It is late March. Spring is just around the corner, but hasn’t yet arrived. The sun shining through the curtains gently brings you out of sleep. You’re greeted to a vista of snow-covered mountain peaks from your hotel window. The air outside is crisp and cold, but there’s no need to venture into it yet.
Instead, you don a pair of spats, shorts, and your rashguard and head out of your room towards the gym. It is only a short elevator trip away – no need to step out in the bracing cold as you head towards your first training session of the day. This first session, a restorative yoga class, will gently warm you up and prepare you for your upcoming day of training.
Afterwards, feeling limber and awake, you head over to the breakfast buffet and fill your plate to your heart’s content. Downing the last of your mug of strong, black coffee (or heavily milked and sweetened, the choice is yours) you’re ready to start grappling.
The next seminar is a gi class, and you didn’t bring your gi to yoga. No big deal, just pop up back to your room and gather your gear for the first BJJ seminar of the day.
Yesterday there were two seminars back to back followed by an open mat. Today, however, the open mat immediate follows the first seminar. This slightly shortened day of training is a welcome relief – days of training add up quickly! Instead of a second class, today there is a snowmobile tour of the soaring peaks that you can see from your hotel-room window.
Gi off, snow gear on, and it is time to jump on the bus that’s waiting to take you to the Ski zone. Once there, you jump on a snowmobile and from there it is pure adrenaline, speed, the freshest air you’ve felt in a long time, scenery that make you wonder whether you’re really awake or just dreaming!
Returning to the hotel, you opt for a relaxing sauna session in the hotel’s ultra-modern spa before finishing up your day with another training session.
A quick shower and a change of clothes are followed by yet another satisfying meal. After dinner you’ve got a choice: keep the energy high and go to tonight’s party or head over to the lounge bar for a calmer way to wind down from another day of camp.
At the Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp, this choice will be yours.
Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp Guide: Not Your Everyday BJJ Camp
What is the Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp?
The Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu winter camp that offers a unique experience blending traveling, BJJ training, winter sports, and social activities which you will remember for life.
Where Does The Camp Take Place?
Bansko, a town in southwestern Bulgaria, is the location for the 2024 Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp. The town is known for some of the best ski resorts in Europe, and is situated at the foot of the incredible Pirin mountains 1000m above sea level. The slopes rise to 2600m and include 70km of ski runs.
A popular destination for winter tourism, Bansko provides excellent ski and snowboard facilities, a unique history, and architecture which spans the centuries offering both a historical and a modern downtown. Bansko’s nightlife is also a big attraction, particularly during the ski season months.
Bansko is easily reached from Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, which is just a 2-hour drive away.
The accommodation is in a luxury 4-star hotel located in the center of Bansko. The hotel has easy access to both the slopes and Bansko’s nightlife.
When is Jitsu Legacy Camp Happening?
The camp takes place in March 13th-18th, 2024. This is one of the best times of year to visit a winter sports destination like Bansko. The weather this time of year is clear, there is plenty of snow, and the days are getting longer, providing ample daylight to enjoy everything the town has to offer.
Registering for camp means you get to spend 6 days (5 nights) in this magical town. If you’re interested in arriving a couple of days early (or staying a few days afterwards!) to get in some extra time on the slopes, this can be arranged.
Who are the Professors?
Of course, when you’re going to a Jiu Jitsu camp you’d like to know who the professors are going to be. The professors we’ve got lined up for this camp offer a breadth of knowledge, covering gi, no-gi, standing, competitive tactics, teaching methodology, and everything in between!
Robert Nestor
Robert is a black belt under Nick Brooks and runs BJJ Akademie in Berlin, Germany. He is a full-time academy owner and coach, with huge experience that he has gathered from around the world in academies like the Gracie Torrance Academy and the legendary Renzo Gracie NY Academy.
Priit Mihkelson
For 25 years, Priit Mihkelson has been deeply involved in martial arts, with a focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, and MMA. Through his extensive experience and expertise, he has developed a distinct and highly effective training approach called “Functionalistic Minimalism”. Currently coaching at Estum Jiu-Jitsu in Tallinn, Estonia, Priit’s training philosophy is centered around fundamental postures and movements that are essential for all grapplers and MMA fighters to know. Priit’s name has become synonymous with defense, and his innovative defensive concepts have profoundly impacted the sport.
Liló Asensi
Lilo is from Spain and for the past several years, she has been teaching at Artesano Fight Sport Academy in Hamburg, Germany. An experienced competitor with many medals at high-level tournaments, she is an amazing BJJ instructor and is currently active on the competition scene as a referee. Lilo is the first female to earn a BJJ Black Belt in Spain.
Other Professors: TBA
This list of professors is incomplete – we have at least 2 more names yet to be announced.
What is the Class Schedule?
BJJ Seminars
During your 5 days in Bansko, you will have the opportunity to attend 12 seminars. The seminars will take place from days 2 – 4, and are scheduled around the variety of trips and excursions that are included in the camp program.
On non-excursion days, you can expect three seminars per day. Training is going to be lighter on days when there are activities that will take us outside of the hotel.
Yoga
In addition to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, morning yoga sessions will start each day limber and ready.
Open Mats
The Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp begins with an open mat on the very first day, right after check-ins are complete. From then on, open mats times are non-stop until the final day. This means there will be dedicated mat space to roll and drill 24/7 for the duration of the camp – you can jump in any time you want.
Traveling to Bansko
Airport Transfer
Bansko is 160 km (100 miles) from Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Sofia’s international airport is easily reached from all major cities in the world, so flying in from anywhere is straightforward and there are plenty low-cost companies offering cheap tickets.
Once you are in Sofia, there are plenty of ways to reach the camp; the organizer will provide a variety of options for an airport transfer which will bring you to the hotel in Bankso.
Those that are feeling adventurous or would like a bit more independence during their stay can rent a car at the airport or try to share a ride. Parking spots are available at the hotel.
Getting Around Bansko
Bansko is not a huge town and getting around is easy. Walking is a great way to explore the town and enjoy the ski-season buzz. Transport to all the excursions on the agenda will be provided by the organizer, as well as daily transportation to the Ski Zone.
Hotel Amenities
The hotel where you will be staying will also include: breakfast and dinner buffets, mat space for classes and rolling, and access to a 2000 m² luxury spa complex. The best part about it is that you can go from your room to the spa facilities in your swimming trunks – no need to go outside in heavy winter gear.
- Massages And Spa Facilities
In addition to the spa, massages will also be available for purchase for those looking to get rid of knots or simply relax in between training sessions.
Buffet Style Breakfast and Dinners
Having 5 days of seminars, unlimited open mats, skiing and excursions mean a lot of calories burned! The rich daily buffets are going to satisfy your appetite! Vegetarians and vegans won’t being going hungry either! A huge variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes will be available.
- Kids Playground
If you and your partner are training BJJ, and also have kids, the organizers have got you covered. There will be an child care provided during training sessions and there is a special playground for the kids near the gym.
- Pulse Fitness
For those that just can’t live without lifting weights and doing conditioning, there is access to Pulse Fitness, the biggest and most modern fitness gym chain in Bulgaria.
What Can you Expect at Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp In addition to BJJ?
This Winter BJJ Camp offers much more than skiing/snowboarding and BJJ. Bansko offers a ton to do and the organizers have taken full advantage of all the fun activities that are available.
Some of the non-grappling extra activities include:
- Open-Air Hot Springs (Included in the camp ticket)
The perfect way to unwind after a hard day’s training – in a warm pool filled with natural mineral water, getting few beers or sipping on a cocktail, while enjoying the view of snow-covered mountain slopes just meters away.
- Snowmobiles (extra cost activity – additional charges apply)
This is one activity you won’t want to miss! The snowmobiles tour through the natural beauty of Pirin National Park is an experience like no other, and one that is a perfect fit for BJJ folks – the more control you have, the faster you can go!
Oh, and just in case mother nature decides to spoil the snowmobile tour (i.e. there’s inadequate snow coverage) there’ll be ATVs on hand to replace the snowmobiles.
- Snowshoeing (extra cost activity – additional charges apply)
Have you ever tried snowshoeing? Even if you haven’t, you’ve most likely seen people in movies or documentaries walking around deep snow with tennis racket-like contraptions attached to their shoes.
Okay, modern-day snowshoes look more like shorter and wider skis than tennis rackets, but it is still an amazing way to get out and experience the beauty of Bankso in winter.
- Ski Zone (extra cost activity – additional charges apply)
Of course, being the popular winter resort it is, Bansko has numerous skiing/snowboarding tracks of different difficulty levels available in the ski zone. Daily transport to the ski zone is provided by the camp organizer. No worries if you don’t have ski/snowboard gear the hotels offer a full ski wardrobe rentals with everything you will need. Camp participants will receive discounted prices on rental gear.
- Camp T-shirt
The Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp might be a winter camp, but you’ll be thinking about it even when the weather gets warm – especially when wearing the custom T-shirt that is included in your camp welcome package.
- Parties and Events
At the Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp you will be having lots of fun on the mats and in the snow, but why stop there? Bansko offers an amazing nightlife experience and we know all the best places to party!
How To Book Your Spot?
Booking your ticket for the Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp is as easy as visiting BJJ Camp Finder and selecting your package!
Packages
At the moment, there are 4 different packages available:
- Full package with a shared double room;
Coming with a friend or companion? Then this is the best package for you. If you are traveling by yourself you still can choose this package and the organizer will assign you roommate of the same gender to share the room with.
- Full package with a private double room;
If you want to stay alone in the room then this package is for you.
- Seminars only package (you can attend all the training sessions and activities, but need to find accommodation yourself)
If you want to be more independent, you know Bansko, or are on a tight budget then Seminars Only package is a great choice.
- Special Two people package (perfect for bringing along a significant other who doesn’t train Jiu Jitsu or a close friend).
The amazing hotel amenities and the 2000 sq. meters SPA are the perfect reason you should bring your better half and make this camp the perfect family vacation.
Cancellation Policy
A full refund is available for cancellations until the 31st of December 2023.
Early Bird Sale
If you want to get the best possible deal for any of the four packages available for the Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp, hurry up and make the most of the super early bird sale period! Keep in mind that on 1st October the price will increase.
Have More Questions?
If there are any questions you might have about the Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp 2024, visit the very detailed FAQ section at BJJ Camp Finder. Still not finding the answer you’re looking for? Contact BJJ Camp Finder on their website and they’ll be happy to answer any linger questions.
What Are You Waiting For?
The Jiu Jitsu Legacy Camp is more than just a training camp – it is a full winter vacation experience you won’t soon forget! See you on the mats and on the slopes!
We care about Jiu Jitsu so much that we decided to create this page for all the people like us – that eat, breath and live the Jiu Jitsu Lifestyle! We truly hope our content will make every one of your days better, on the mat and off the mat!