Do for Life – Retreat Portugal 2026

21–28 June 2026, Algarve (near the Atlantic). Small group (max. 15), non-contact practice, English-speaking.

This is the deeper Do for Life retreat: a week designed for inner transformation through martial arts philosophy, beyond style, origin and the purely athletic perspective.

Not fighting. Not performance.
Instead: What can martial arts teach us about who we become?

We combine movement practice, silence, dialogue, reflection and a supportive community so that the philosophy is experienced, not just understood.

Micro-facts: small group (max. 15); non-contact practice (no sparring or contact); English sessions; daily vegetarian meals (vegan options); solidarity pricing and optional payment plan; beginners welcome (min. age 18).

What makes Portugal different

Our Heidelberg Experience gives you the core principles. Portugal goes further with more time, depth and integration. We don’t rush. We let the practice reshape you over the course of a week, affecting your body, nervous system, relationships and inner direction.

What we actually do

A typical day feels like this:

• Sunrise practice (movement and calm focus; non-contact).
• Breakfast and spacious downtime
• Midday workshop (practical philosophy: boundaries, attention, decision-making and inner alignment).
• Rest/silence/sea time
• Late afternoon practice (partner drills without contact and solo practice).
• Evening ritual (integration: circle, journaling, silence, gentle reflection).

Important: we train, but this is not a boot camp. There are real breaks. Listening to your body is part of the practice.

The philosophy we embody
We explore core, style-independent principles such as:

• Yin and Yang — dynamic balance (not either/or).
• Wu Wei: action without forcing (timing, clarity, less pushing).
• Mushin: a mind that clings to nothing (calm, responsive and present).

You will experience how these principles manifest in real-life situations such as conflict, leadership, intimacy, stress and change.

What you’ll take home

• a steadier nervous system (less reactive, more present).
• 2–3 embodied tools for setting boundaries and taking clear action
• a simple daily practice that you can maintain for 30 days
• an authentic sense of community: safe, honest and supportive — no performance required

Who it's for (and who it's not)

For you if you...

• want depth and real change, not just a “nice week away”
• want to practise martial arts as a path of inner development
• want a safe space to practise truthfully (whether you're a beginner or advanced).

Not ideal if you…

• want performance metrics, boot camp intensity or sparring
• want quick fixes without putting in the work

Not sure? Write to us and we'll help you decide.

The venue

A private villa near the Atlantic in the Algarve, with terraces for sunrise practice, quiet corners for rest and shared tables for unhurried evenings.
(Exact address and access information will follow.)

Weekly rhythm

• Sunday: 14:00 arrival and opening practice
• Monday–Saturday: start at 06:00, end at approx. 21:00
• Sunday: start at 09:00, closing circle until approx. 13:00.

(Final schedule to follow.)

We start early to practise during the cooler hours of the day. Expect shade, water breaks and proper rest. You can opt out at any time. We're training for sustainability, not toughness.

What’s included

• 7-day/6-night retreat programme at a private villa
• All sessions (practice, workshops, circles and evening rituals).
• Daily vegetarian meals (with vegan options)
• Accommodation
• Retreat materials and a printed workbook
• A pre-retreat intention call and a post-retreat follow-up.
• Safe, non-contact practice with clear guidance
• Small group
• English-speaking facilitation

Not included

• Travel to/from Portugal
• Airport/rail transfers and local transport
• Travel insurance and personal extras

Accessibility and participation

Please tell us about any access needs or health considerations as soon as possible, as we can adapt where necessary. You may opt out at any time.

Important: This is not medical or psychological therapy and does not replace professional care.

Language

English, with a focus on showing rather than over-explaining.

Signal Messenger (mandatory)

For logistics, updates, materials and safety check-ins, we use Signal, which is end-to-end encrypted. You will receive a group invite after booking. Please join at least seven days before the retreat and send a short 'hello'.

Cancellation and refunds

• Up to 30 days before: 90% refund (10% admin fee).
• Less than 30 days: no refund (free ticket transfer up to 48 hours before the start)
• If we cancel, you will receive a 100% refund.

Have any questions before booking?
Get in touch — or book a short call. We're happy to help!