THE LODGE

frequently asked questions

  • June 13 – 15, 2025. Friday, June 13, check-in between 3:30 to 4:00 PM. The camp runs for three days, with a full schedule of training, activities, and downtime to connect and recharge.

  • The Lodge will be held at a stunning, secluded campsite in Shakespeare Park, located on the Gulf Harbor Peninsula, New Zealand — right near a kiwi bird reserve and close to the beach. It’s the perfect mix of nature and focus.

    • All accommodations and meals

    • Daily BJJ sessions with world-class instructors

    • Guided hikes, wilderness games, and beach activities

    • Time to connect with other passionate young athletes

  • This camp is designed specifically for intermediate to advanced young Jiu-jitsu athletes, ages 9 to 15. It’s a great opportunity for kids who are serious about their training and want to take things to the next level.

  • Thalison Soares – a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Cicero Costha and a representative of the Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem (PSLPB) Team, who worked extensively with Murilo Santana (Unity BJJ).

    Team/Association: The Academy Byron Bay / Art Of Jiu-Jitsu (AOJ)

    Lineage:Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Marcelo Behring > Waldomiro Perez > Roberto Godoi > Marco Barbosa > Cicero Costha > Thalison Soares

    His main achievements as a black belt are:

    1st Place IBJJF World Championship (2022)
    1st Place IBJJF Pan Championship (2022 / 2024)
    1st Place IBJJF World Championship NoGi (2019)
    1st Place IBJJF European Open (2022 / 2023 / 2024)
    1st Place IBJJF Pan Pac Championship (2019 / 2023)
    2nd Place IBJJF World Championship (2023)
    2nd Place UAEJJF Grand Slam, Moscow (2019)
    2nd Place IBJJF European Open (2020)
    3rd Place AJP Abu Dhabi World Pro (2023)

    He’ll be covering three key systems:

    • Guard Passing

    • Guard Retention & Attacks

    • Submissions

    • 🇳🇿 Plus two elite-level guest instructors from New Zealand

  • This is a gi-only camp. Athletes should bring at least 2 gis for training sessions. (White or Black Gis only)

  • To sharpen your skills, challenge your mindset, and connect with other focused young athletes in a distraction-free environment — surrounded by nature and guided by world-class instruction.

  • The schedule includes:

    • Early morning hikes

    • Beach games & wilderness exploration

    • reflection time

    • Free time to chill and connect

  • Campers will stay in shared cabins on-site at Shakespeare Park.

    • Boys and girls will be housed separately, with groups organized by age.

    • Each cabin will have adult supervision, including camp staff or coaches.

    • The cabins are comfortable, bunk-style lodging with nearby bathroom and shower facilities.

    • Athletes will need to bring their own sleeping bag, pillow, and personal bedding.

    We’ve designed the sleeping setup to help athletes rest well, stay safe, and bond with others in their age group.

  • All meals are included and catered to fuel active kids — nutritious, fresh, and athlete-friendly.

  • To help everyone stay focused and present, we encourage a low-tech environment. Plus, there is no mobile reception at the camp site, which makes it a perfect chance to disconnect.
    Devices will be collected during certain hours and returned in the evenings if needed, but we recommend leaving them at home where possible.

    • 2 (or more) gis (black or White only)

    • Athletic clothes for hiking, Swimming and outdoor games

    • Water bottle

    • Towel, toiletries, sleeping bag or bedding

    • Winter jacket and rain coat

    • Wetsuit (optional)

    • Sandals and closed-toe shoes (hiking boots or trail runners)

  • We are currently taking Expressions of Interest rather than direct sign-ups.

    Because “The Lodge” is designed for intermediate to advanced athletes, we want to ensure that each participant has the right training partners and environment to grow.

    This helps us consider:

    • Skill level & technical experience

    • Competition background

    • Age & size

    • Gender (to help with cabin and partner pairings)

    Our goal is to create a safe, well-matched, and inspiring environment for everyone attending.

    Once we review your expression of interest, we’ll get in touch with:

    • Confirmation of your child’s eligibility

    • Full camp details

    • Camp fee and payment information