Mallorca BJJ and Yoga Festival Review

Mallorca BJJ and Yoga Festival Review

The Mallorca BJJ and Yoga Festival is a unique blend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, yoga sessions, and wellness activities set against the stunning backdrop of Mallorca, Spain. Founded by Joe Notebaert, a black belt and head instructor at Mallorca BJJ, this event brings together grapplers and yogis from around the world for a six-day immersion in paradise. Held twice a year—in spring and fall—the festival features world-class instructors, oceanfront training, and a mix of martial arts, recovery practices, and social events. I attended the Fall 2025 edition from October 22-27 at the H10 Blue Mar Hotel in Camp de Mar, booking my spot in advance via the official website. The package included accommodation, all activities, and meals, with early bird pricing making it accessible for enthusiasts. After signing up and receiving confirmation, I was ready for what promised to be a transformative experience combining sweat, serenity, and the Mediterranean sun.

Arrival and Check-In

Mallorca is easily accessible via Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), with flights from major European cities taking just a couple of hours. I flew in from London and took a short 40-minute taxi ride to the H10 Blue Mar Hotel, a boutique 4-star property overlooking quiet beaches and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea. Arriving a day early to beat jetlag, I checked in at the front desk where festival organizers had a dedicated welcome area. They provided a wristband, event app access for the schedule, and directions to my ocean-view room. The hotel was exclusively reserved for festival guests, creating an immediate sense of community. Facilities were spotless—think pristine pools, beach access, and outdoor spaces for training—with vegan-friendly breakfast options at the poolside restaurant. The weather was perfect in late October, warm but not overwhelming, though I heard spring editions can be even more idyllic.

Review of Activities at Mallorca BJJ and Yoga Festival

The festival kicks off with an opening dinner, setting a relaxed tone for the week. Each day offers a packed yet flexible schedule: at least four BJJ seminars, three open mats, and four to five yoga/meditation classes, plus extras like breathwork, ice baths, cacao ceremonies, and freediving. I started with a sunrise yoga class led by Helena Rosenthal, an Ashtanga Vinyasa expert, which flowed seamlessly into mobility drills—perfect for prepping the body for grappling.

My first BJJ session was a no-gi fundamentals class taught by Ross Nicholls, an ADCC European Trials Champion known for his precise techniques. The warm-up was technical and engaging, focusing on guard passes without unnecessary cardio. We then drilled submissions from dominant positions, and rolling was light and skill-focused—6-7 rounds with partners of varying levels, emphasizing technique over strength. As a hobbyist purple belt, I appreciated the gentle taps and learning opportunities, even when getting out-grappled by a skilled black belt.

Afternoons brought variety: I joined a Wim Hof ice plunge for recovery, led by Luke Wills, which was invigorating and helped with soreness. Later, a women's BJJ seminar by Natalie Day empowered participants with guard work tailored for smaller frames. Evenings wound down with salsa and bachata dancing or sound healing sessions. One highlight was freediving in the Mediterranean—three daily sessions with small groups, guided by Julian Chapman. The festival's barefoot, oceanfront vibe made everything feel integrated with nature.

I also attended an advanced gi class with Clark Gracie, grandson of Carlos Gracie Sr., where we broke down closed guard breaks. Rolling here was more intense but still positive, with partners from diverse backgrounds sharing tips post-round.

Instructors and Notable Moments

The instructor lineup is a major draw, featuring BJJ stars like Tarik Hopstock, Dan Strauss, and Jon Thomas, alongside yoga gurus such as Cameron Shayne (founder of Budokon) and Jelena Lieberberg with her dynamic "KICK ASS YOGA." A standout moment was rolling with Rafael Lovato Jr. during an open mat—he dominated from mount but shared valuable insights afterward, making it a fun, ego-free learning experience. Other notables included arm wrestling challenges with Daniel Vivas and intuitive dance workshops that blended movement and mindfulness. The co-founders, including Joe Notebaert, were hands-on, ensuring smooth operations.

Atmosphere

The vibe is incredibly welcoming— a mix of serious grapplers, yoga enthusiasts, and wellness seekers creating a supportive community. No cliques or intimidation; everyone was patient, positive, and eager to connect. With the hotel exclusive to attendees, relationships formed quickly over poolside chats or closing dinners. It's a big event (up to 180 participants), but the flexible schedule allows for personalization, whether you're there to train hard or relax. The emphasis on sustainability, like beach clean-ups and eco-friendly practices, added a feel-good layer.

What Others Say

Testimonials rave about the festival. Stefanie H. gave it 5 stars: "Amazing time with special interesting people, nice and clean rooms, tasty food and even more amazing workshops!" Jessica C. echoed: "Loved every moment... fantastic activities, quality BJJ and yoga instructors, beautiful location, great people." On blogs, Chris Bulls from Evolve Now Yoga described it as the perfect combo of vacation, yoga, and BJJ, highlighting cacao ceremonies and rolling with pros like Lovato. Consensus: Worth the hype for cross-training in paradise, though some note it's pricier but delivers value.

The Gentle Art Guide Festival Score

Technical level & quality of instruction: 5/5

Facilities and location: 4.5/5

Atmosphere and community: 5/5

Accessibility and visitor friendliness: 4.5/5 (International travel required)

Value for money: 4/5 (Packages start around €1,290, inclusive of everything, there's more Jits than you can possibly absorb, but it does come at a price!)

Overall: 4.8/5 — A world-class fusion event that elevates your practice and rejuvenates the soul.

The Gentle Art Guide Conclusion

The Mallorca BJJ and Yoga Festival lives up to its reputation as Europe's premier yoga, BJJ, and wellness getaway. Book via the site, download the app for the schedule, and prepare to level up your skills while soaking in Mediterranean bliss. Ideal for all levels—drill, roll, stretch, or just vibe. Highly recommended for grapplers seeking a holistic experience. Train with intent, breathe deeply, and enjoy.

Oss!