A life-changing, 10-day jiu-jitsu
& breathwork retreat in Japan
Embark on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery led by two world-class masters.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience blends the ancient wisdom of Japanese martial arts with cutting-edge breathing techniques, promising a profound transformation of both mind and body.
Immerse yourself in a unique cultural experience that will challenge your limits, expand your consciousness, and leave you forever changed.
An adventure into the heart of jiu-jitsu
A journey to self-knowledge
WHO IS THIS FOR?
The Musashi Experience was tailored made for jiu-jitsu fans seeking a transformative adventure.
Embark on this journey if you're ready to:
RENEW YOUR MIND
Break free from your routine and invigorate your mind by immersing yourself in Japan's unique fusion of tradition and innovation, sparking creativity and expanding your worldview with fresh perspectives and inspirations.
IMPROVE YOUR JIU-JITSU
Elevate your jiu-jitsu with world-class instruction from renowned 4th-degree black belt Nicholas Gregoriades, while exploring the art's roots in its historical birthplace.
BALANCE YOUR BODY
Learn science-based breathing practices with neurobiologist and breathwork master Max Whittle, gaining powerful tools to optimize your physical and mental well-being.
FIND ADVENTURE
Embark on an exhilarating journey, where every day brings new thrills - from scaling ancient temple steps to navigating futuristic cityscapes, discovery awaits at every turn.
FORGE FRIENDSHIPS
Build lasting connections through shared experiences and cultural discoveries, transforming fellow adventurers into lifelong friends.
EXPERIENCE TRUE BEAUTY
Experience Japan, one of the most beautiful places on Earth, where stunning natural landscapes meet exquisite cultural aesthetics.
TRAIN. EVOLVE. DISCOVER.
The Musashi Experience is built upon three pillars: elite jiu-jitsu training, cutting-edge breathwork, and immersion in Japanese culture.
This unique fusion creates a journey far greater than the sum of its parts.
1. JIU-JITSU
[柔術]
/train where it all began
This journey offers a rare chance to elevate your jiu-jitsu to new heights under the guidance of Nicholas Gregoriades, a 4th degree black master and Roger Gracie's first black belt.
His world-class instruction will refine your technique, deepen your understanding of the art, and push your skills to the next level.
But that's just the beginning.
You'll have the privilege of training at some of the most renowned dojos in the world, walking the same mats as legendary martial artists.
Additionally, you'll discover hidden gems - intimate, 'best-kept-secret' dojos known only to locals, where you'll experience the heart and soul of Japanese martial arts culture.
By training in Japan, the birthplace of judo and a crucial influence on Brazilian jiu-jitsu, you'll gain insights into the art's roots and discover a new flavor of grappling.
You'll absorb the principles of efficiency and technical effectiveness that are cornerstones of Japanese martial arts.
This immersion in both high-level modern BJJ and its historical origins will give you a holistic perspective that will transform your practice.
Whether you're drilling on tatami mats in a traditional dojo or exchanging techniques with local grapplers, every session will expand your jiu-jitsu repertoire and philosophy.
2. BREATHWORK
[呼吸法]
/connect your body and mind.
Embark on a journey to balance your body through cutting-edge breathwork practices guided by neurobiologist and master practitioner Max Whittle.
Max has 30 years of daily meditation, zen and breathwork practice under different masters.
This unique opportunity combines ancient wisdom with modern science, offering you powerful tools to optimize your physical and mental well-being.
Max's expertise will demystify the intricate connection between breath, brain, and body, teaching you scientifically proven techniques to reduce stress, enhance focus, and boost overall health.
You'll learn a diverse array of methods that will improve your jiu-jitsu and every other aspect of your life.
These transformative practices, set against the serene backdrop of Japan's natural beauty, will equip you with lifelong skills to regulate your nervous system, increase energy levels, and find calm amidst life's chaos.
Return home with not just memories, but with a personalized breathwork toolkit to continue your journey of physical and mental optimization.
3. JAPAN
[日本]
/experience a world beyond imagination
What sets this experience apart is your exclusive access to Japan's hidden treasures. Thanks to your guides' unique connections and deep understanding of the culture, you'll get to enjoy sights and experiences that many foreigners never encounter.
Japan is considered a pilgrimage site for martial artists worldwide, and for good reason. It's the birthplace of numerous martial arts, including judo, which heavily influenced the development of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Training here means tapping into this rich lineage, absorbing not just techniques, but the philosophy and spirit that have shaped martial arts for generations.
Japan isn't just a location for this experience — it's an active participant in your journey, providing the perfect ecosystem for profound personal transformation through the pillars of jiu-jitsu and breathwork.
This carefully curated adventure offers you a rare glimpse into the soul of Japan, promising an authentic and transformative experience that goes far beyond the surface of typical tourism.
Imagine having a VIP pass to the most authentic and unspoiled elements of the country — this is far from your average tourist-trap vacation. Instead, it's an adventure into the very heart of Japan and its rich culture.
MEET YOUR GUIDES
-
Nicholas Gregoriades
4TH DEGREE JIU-JITSU BLACK BELT & AUTHOR
Nicolas Gregoriades is a renowned jiu-jitsu master with over 25 years of experience in the art. Born in South Africa and later based in the United Kingdom, he holds the distinction of being the first practitioner promoted to black belt by Roger Gracie, widely regarded as the greatest grappler of all time.
An accomplished competitor, Gregoriades has claimed national championships in both South Africa and England. His expertise extends beyond the mat, as he is the author of two highly respected books on jiu-jitsu: "The Black Belt Blueprint" and "Beyond the Black Belt." His instructional videos are also highly regarded within the jiu-jitsu community.
Gregoriades is known for his holistic, concept-focused teaching approach, which emphasizes the philosophical and spiritual aspects of jiu-jitsu alongside its physical techniques. This unique perspective is showcased in his "Spirit of Jiu-Jitsu" and "Soul of Jiu-Jitsu" short films, which have garnered significant attention in martial arts circles.
Throughout his career, Gregoriades has taught jiu-jitsu to thousands of students worldwide, earning a reputation as one of the best instructors in the field. His teaching philosophy goes beyond mere technique, aiming to help students develop a deeper connection to the art and its principles.
In addition to his jiu-jitsu expertise, Gregoriades is known for his interest in personal development and holistic health practices. He has explored and incorporated various spiritual and philosophical concepts into his teaching, including meditation and breathing techniques.
Training with Nicolas Gregoriades offers more than just physical instruction; it provides an opportunity to gain an elevated understanding of jiu-jitsu's broader applications to life and personal growth. His approach aims to foster not only technical proficiency but also mental resilience and spiritual awareness in his students.
-
Max Whittle
BREATHWORK EXPERT & NEUROBIOLOGIST
Max, born in the UK in 1976, is a renowned expert in breathwork and meditation with over three decades of experience. His journey began at age 15 when he started meditating regularly, accumulating more than 30,000 hours of practice under various teachers across different cultures and traditions.
Having lived in Japan for over two decades and achieving fluency in Japanese, Max offers unique cultural insights that go far beyond surface-level observations. He guides visitors through hidden treasures and local experiences, providing an authentic insider's view of "secret" Japan that transforms mere sightseeing into genuine cultural immersion.
Driven by a personal quest to overcome anxiety and depression, Max pursued a multifaceted educational path. He studied Biological Sciences with a focus on neurobiology at Oxford University, providing him with a strong scientific foundation. This academic background was complemented by immersive experiences learning Zen mindfulness techniques in Japan and practicing meditation in India, before ultimately discovering his passion for breathwork.
Through years of research and practical application, Max developed the innovative Enactivate approach. This method distills breathwork to its essence, focusing on practical, scientifically-backed techniques to create balance in mind and body. Max is known for his ability to teach both the theory and application of breathing exercises, making complex concepts accessible to a wide range of students.
The Enactivate program has gained widespread recognition and acclaim. Graduates of Max's training now teach and apply his methods in diverse settings across Japan, including schools, birthing centers, and corporate environments. This broad application demonstrates the versatility and effectiveness of his approach.
Max's teaching style combines scientific rigor with practical wisdom, offering students not just techniques, but a comprehensive understanding of how breathwork can enhance overall well-being. His courses provide a transformative experience, helping participants achieve greater mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical vitality.