BJJ CAMP

ASHEVILLE, NC

Spend your vacation in Asheville, North Carolina doing jiu-jitsu, meeting new people, and exploring the Appalachian Mountains.

- Four days of BJJ training and seminars -

- 24/7 access to 1,300+ square feet of mats -

- A Welcome Cookout on your first night -

- Soak in the funky, unique Asheville vibe -

- Access to more breweries than you can count -

- Camping/ pseudo-glamping and hanging out at the Baying Hound Campground, just steps away from the gym -

- Memorial Day Edition: Optional White Water Rafting -

Asheville Activities

- Hike to Mountaintop Views and Waterfalls -

- Drive the Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway -

- Tube down the French Broad River -

- Breweries Galore -

- Top Rated Restaurants -

ASHEVILLE, NC

1/1

If you haven't heard about Asheville before, all you have to do is mention it to one of your friends and their response will be, "You're going to Asheville? Oh, I LOVE Asheville." Really. Try it.

It's got mountains, waterfalls, the third oldest river in the world, a bustling downtown, live music galore, murals around every corner, renowned restaurants and so. much. beer.

When you're not doing jiu-jitsu, there's plenty to explore. We'll have organized activities to guide you to the best places or you're welcome to venture off on your own.

----

Checking out plane tickets? Here are nearby airports and their approximate distance to the gym:

*Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) = 20 minutes

*Greenville/Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) = 1.5 hours

*Charlotte International Airport (CLT) = 2 hours

FACILITIES

THE GYM: OPEN SOURCE JIU-JITSU

1/1

1,378 sq feet/ 128 sq meters of mat space
Mats are on a custom made sprung-floor on over 100 repurposed tires
Lots of ventilation with doors on opposite sides, large garage door and plenty of fans
Indoor shower and outdoor solar-heated shower at the gym
Outdoor, Rocky-style weightlifting equipment available

BAYING HOUND CAMPGROUND

1/2

Our BJJ-themed campground shares the same property as the gym, allowing folks to enjoy a bit of nature while taking a break from the mats. Our "full package" camp option includes lodging, food and laundry.

Campground features a fire pit, deck, hammocks and multiple chill zones
Indoor shower and outdoor solar-heated shower
Indoor kitchen, dining area and hangout spots at the campground bunkhouse
Unique structures made from upcycled materials
Hostel-style indoor lodging - shared bunkhouse bedroom for 6 people
Tent sites for you OG campers
Indoor toilets and rustic outhouse
WiFi and indoor workspace

EXPLORE OUR TENT-LESS CAMPING OPTIONS

*Camp Grappalachians will have access to additional facilities not listed in this link: indoor hot showers, communal kitchen and dining area.

INSTRUCTORS

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND [MAY 27-30]

Heather Raftery

Black belt awarded by Andre Galvao in June 2017
2x IBJJF No-Gi Worlds Silver Medalist
2x ADCC U.S. Trials medalist
IBJJF World Master Silver Medalist
Used to live in her 1970 VW bus
Undiagnosed Napoleon complex, especially when running competition class
BA in Anthropology and Journalism, MA in International Development
Amateur potter, lifelong knowledge seeker, world traveler

>> @livewildandwonder

456B8909-6E30-45C0-936C-4BCAE793D02C - Rich Sab.jpeg

Rich Sab (AKA Dominick R. Sabatino)

BJJ Black Belt 2nd Degree (Team Combat Base)(Team Edge)
Personal Fitness Trainer and Nutritional Coach
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Professional Actor, Musician, and all around swell guy

>> @richsab

32387017-E34E-4D70-8B9C-56851C149561 - Kaitlin Wonder_edited.jpg

Kaitlin Carlucci (Wonder)

Hi, I’m Kaitlin! I am a Black belt under Diego Bispo and train out of the Diego Bispo Academy in Virginia Beach. I’ve been training for over 15 years and love to compete. My game is passing and top game heavy with some sneaky moves added in there as well . Outside of jiu jitsu I’m a full time mom and social worker for the Navy specializing in educating children and families. In my free time I like to surf and spend entirely too much time at the beach on weekends.

>> @mommygrappler

Steve Austin

Steve Austin is a 3rd Degree Black Blelt who is a Philadelphia native and is the owner and operator of Sion Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Bucks County PA. Born with a degenerative hip disease, he was confined to leg braces as a child, and had multiple surgeries. Due to his limitations, he was the target of bullying, leading him to Tae Kwon DO, Kempo, and finally Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Steve received his blue belt from Marco Santos, his purple belt from Helio Seneca, and his brown and black belt from Alison Juca Brites.

Steve currently competes in local tournaments, pro level events, and is a FIGHT TO WIN Competitor. He currently trains with some of the biggest names in the industry, inc. Henry Akins, Ryron, and Rener and Kroyler Gracie, to name a few. Since opening Sion in 2014, the company has grown into an apparel brand, gym and worldwide retreat company. Over the past 20 years, Steve has consistently challenged himself in daily life and in MMA. Now his goal is to pass his knowledge on to others and help them become what they were meant to be.

>> @steveaustinbjj

Joshua Janis

From Wisconsin, United States
BJJ black belt
10 yrs instructor experience
Meditation fanatic
Guillotine specialist
Wim Hoff enthusiast
Company Culture and Professional Skills coach
Entrepreneur since age 22
Very Punny
Thinks Rich Sab is a really Ok dude!

>> @joshuaj_bjj

LABOR DAY WEEKEND [SEPT 2-5]

We're currently getting a group of badass instructors together for you! Check back for more updates.

Here's who we've got confirmed so far:

Rich Sab (AKA Dominick R. Sabatino)

BJJ Black Belt 2nd Degree (Team Combat Base)(Team Edge)
Personal Fitness Trainer and Nutritional Coach
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
Professional Actor, Musician, and all around swell guy

Mary Holmes

Black belt awarded by Royce Gracie
Started training in 2008
2018 Pan Am Master 2 Lightweight and Absolute Silver Medalist
2017 Brown Belt World Master 2 Lightweight Gold Medalist
2016 Master World Brown Belt Master 2 Lightweight Silver Medalist and Absolute Gold Medalist
2016 Pan Ams Purple Belt Master 1, Light weight and Absolute Gold Medalist [this was prior to expanding the female masters division, so there was only Adult and Master 1]
Pisces, lover of puppies, good food, and true crime podcasts

Screen Shot 2021-06-27 at 3.43_edited.jpg

Brad Wolfson

Brad is the owner of Soulcraft Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and BJJ in Paradise retreats and the first American black belt promoted under Coral Belt Marcio Stambowsky in 2011. His love affair with jiu jitsu began in the late 90’s and has brought him to more than 45 countries around the world to share the art. As a frequent teacher at BJJ Globetrotters camps, Brad loves to explore new places and use jiu jitsu as a way to make friends and build community.