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Have you ever dreamed of combining an amazing vacation with high-level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training? If so, it’s time to consider heading to the stunning city of Cagliari, Sardinia, for BJJ Summer Week—an unforgettable martial arts getaway packed with seminars, excursions, and camaraderie.
Whether you’ve never heard of BJJ Summer Week or are just curious about what it offers, this blog post will give you an inside look based on my own personal experience. And trust me—once you hear about everything it offers, you’ll seriously consider adding it to your BJJ bucket list.
Table of Contents
14 Reasons BJJ Summer Week Is a Must Go
1. Meet People from Around the World
BJJ Summer Week brings together a global community of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. During my trip, I met people from the U.S., U.K., Germany, Brazil, Italy, and more. If you’re someone who enjoys making new friends, networking, and exchanging stories and techniques with people from different cultures, this event is for you.
Beyond the mats, it’s not just about training—it’s about building lifelong connections through a shared passion.
2. There are Different Seminars to Attend
One of the biggest highlights is the incredible lineup of world-class instructors. The BJJ Summer Week team does a phenomenal job curating a list of elite Black Belts to run daily seminars. Here are some names that stood out:
Bianca Basilio
Bernardo Serrini
Demian Maia
Maggie Grindatti
Daniel Strauss
Nathalie Ribeiro
Michelle Nicolini
Paulo Miyao
Flavio Santiago
Robson Moura
Nicola Danadio
Kaynan Duarte
Every seminar brings unique styles and techniques, giving you the chance to absorb knowledge from legends of the sport.
The black belts listed are just a handful of the many amazing instructors out there. With so many seminars happening, it’s hard to catch them all.
Meet The Black Belts
Bianca Basilio
For those who don’t know who Bianca Basilio is, she is a multiple-time IBJJF World Champion and ADCC veteran from Sao Paulo Brazil. She is known for her aggressive guard passing, fast submissions, and fierce competition spirit.
She has also competed in one of the most popular fight organizations One Championship to showcase her phenomenal grappling skills.
Bernardo Serrini
Bernardo Serrini is a highly respected Italian BJJ black belt known for his technical precision, calm demeanor, and deep understanding of the art. A fourth-degree black belt and former professional MMA fighter, Serrini brings a high level of experience to every aspect of his teaching and training.
In his seminar, he showcases a style that emphasizes control, leverage, and intelligent transitions—demonstrating a clear preference for strategy and efficiency over brute strength.
Demian Maia
A true legend of the sport, Demian Maia is a 5th-degree BJJ black belt and a veteran UFC fighter with one of the best grappling records in MMA history. His seminar focuses on practical BJJ for self-defense and MMA.
Maggie Grindatti
Maggie Grindatti is a black belt under Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu . She is known for her dynamic movement and pressure passing, which brings a modern and competitive edge to her teaching during her seminar.
Daniel Strauss ( The Rasberry Ape)
A black belt from the UK under Roger Gracie, Daniel Strauss is well known for his strongman background and no-nonsense approach to grappling.
His game blends old-school pressure with modern strategy, and he’s a crowd favorite for his entertaining teaching style which has been shown in his seminar.
Nathalie Ribeiro
A rising star in the competitive scene, Nathalie Ribeiro is a black belt with multiple IBJJF medals to her name. Her guard game is aggressive and fluid, and she’s known for her creative setups and transitions, in both gi and no-gi.
Michelle Nicolini
An 8-time IBJJF World Champion and ADCC Champion, Michelle Nicolini is one of the most decorated women in BJJ history. A black belt under Robert Drysdale, she’s renowned for her technical spider guard, triangles, and submission chains.
Her seminar focused on world class modern guard work to set up different submissions.
Paulo Miyao
One of the most technical and accomplished featherweight competitors in modern BJJ. Paulo Miyao has won multiple IBJJF World and Pan American titles.
His seminars are packed with innovative guard work and transitions, ideal for grapplers who love playing from the bottom or want to sharpen their movement-based style.
Flavio Santiago
Known for his fluid style and technical finesse, Flavio “Peroba” Santiago is a Brazilian black belt who emphasizes smooth transitions, strong fundamentals, and smart positional play. His approach is perfect for grapplers who enjoy a mix of flow and control to look for leg attacks.
Robson Moura
A 6th-degree black belt under Andre Pederneiras and a legendary competitor with multiple world titles, Robson Moura is known for his innovative guard work, sweeps, and ability to break down complex techniques into accessible movements for all belt levels.
Nicola Donadio
A respected figure in Italian BJJ, Nicola Donadio’s seminar focused on technical precision, solid fundamentals, and detailed breakdowns that help students improve their understanding of position and control.
Kaynan Duarte
An ADCC and IBJJF World Champion, Kaynan Duarte is a black belt under André Galvão and one of the top competitors in the world today. His seminar focused on dominant top game strategies, pressure passing, and tournament-proven techniques to achieve victory.
Seminar Aftermath: Skills, Insights, and Growth
After each seminar with these elite black belts, you’ll walk away a transformed grappler. Each time, you’ll discover new insights as every instructor brings a unique perspective, helping you learn how to adapt your game to deal with a variety of opponents and styles.
From pressure passing, to guard retention, to tricky submissions, you’ll gain valuable tools to elevate your Jiu-Jitsu.
Moreover, if you’ve ever struggled against overly aggressive opponents, these seminars are especially beneficial. Through expert guidance, you’ll learn how to stay calm under pressure, neutralize forceful tactics, and turn chaos into control.
Speaking of aggressive styles, be sure to check out our article:
“The 6 Cons of Being Overly Aggressive in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training.”
It breaks down why this approach can be risky—and how it might actually hold you back on the mats.
3. Drill with Diverse Training Partners
During the seminars, you’ll pair up with people you’ve never trained with before. This gives you valuable experience in adapting to various body types, energy levels, and grappling styles—an essential skill for any serious BJJ practitioner.
4. Live Sparring at Open Mat Sessions
BJJ Summer Week Open Mat is where the magic happens. You’ll get to roll with practitioners of all belt levels and styles. It’s a great opportunity to test techniques learned in seminars and improve your live game.
If you love challenges, the Open Mat sessions will leave you inspired and humbled—in the best way.
5. Delicious Food Options & Refreshments
After grinding through intense seminars and open mat, refueling is key! BJJ Summer Week offers a wide selection of food options, including fresh, energizing Açaí bowls. The one with protein balls is highly recommended—both tasty and great for recovery!
For those who enjoy a drink, there’s also beer and alcoholic options available during the social events.
6. Fun and Unique Excursions
Beyond the mats, this event offers a packed schedule of social activities and excursions that let you enjoy the culture, food, and natural beauty of Sardinia. Highlights include:
Pizza & Bar Night
Wine Tasting Night
Vineyard Grape Picking
Buffet Night
Beach Day
Cagliari City Tour
BBQ Farewell Night
Each of these experiences gives you a chance to bond with other attendees and create lifelong memories!
7. Unforgettable Pizza & Bar Night
After a day of training, nothing hits the spot like authentic Italian pizza. The event organizes group dinners across several restaurants in Cagliari. The pizza? Fresh, delicious, and light enough that you won’t feel sluggish after!
After enjoying a delicious meal of authentic Italian pizza, the whole group heads to a local bar in the heart of Cagliari for a lively night of dancing, drinks, and laughter.
What makes the evening even more special is that many of the black belt instructors and athletes join the fun—mingling with everyone, sharing stories, and connecting on a personal level beyond the mats.
It’s a rare chance to see the lighter side of these world-class grapplers and bond over more than just Jiu-Jitsu.
8. Wine Night with Local Flavor
Italy is famous for its wine, and this is your chance to sample some of the best. Wine Night is relaxed, social, and filled with laughter as you wind down with great company and local flavors.
9. Vineyard Grape Picking
Yes, you actually get to pick grapes in a vineyard! It’s a surprisingly fun and peaceful activity, and tasting the sweet grapes fresh off the vine is a simple pleasure that makes this trip feel special.
10. Buffet Night
Buffet Night is another unforgettable experience—not just for the delicious variety of food, but also for the lively entertainment. Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy live music and dance performances that bring energy and culture to the atmosphere.
One of the standout highlights is the freshly made Italian nougat station, where you can watch it being prepared right in front of you—and even sample it fresh off the slab. It’s a fun and flavorful way to cap off a day of training and exploration.
11. Steak Night
If you’re a steak lover, don’t miss out on Steak Night—a memorable culinary experience arranged by the event organizers.
The steak served at the local steakhouse in Cagliari offered a distinct flavor that sets it apart from what you might be used to elsewhere in the world.
Perfectly cooked and full of rich, savory taste, it’s a must-try for anyone who appreciates quality meat and good company.
12. Beach Experience
A two-hour bus ride takes you to a pristine beach outside Cagliari. You’ll feel like you’ve entered paradise. Whether you want to relax, swim, or play volleyball with your new BJJ friends, it’s a perfect day off the mats.
For those who still want to roll—yes, they even have beach wrestling.
13. Cagliari City Tour
Exploring the beautiful city of Cagliari is one of the highlights of BJJ Summer Week. You have two great options: join the organized group tour with the BJJ crew or venture out on your own with friends.
If you choose the group tour, you’ll follow a curated itinerary put together by the event organizers. It’s a fun way to explore historical landmarks, scenic spots, and local gems—while bonding with fellow attendees.
Prefer to go at your own pace? No problem. If you go independently, you and your friends can customize your day—whether that means visiting specific attractions, stopping at cozy cafes, or just strolling through the charming streets of Cagliari.
Either way, it’s a great opportunity to soak in the culture, architecture, and Mediterranean vibes that make this city so special.
14. Final Party: BBQ Night
To close out the week, BJJ Summer Week hosts a huge BBQ farewell party. It’s the perfect send-off—great food, cold drinks, and all the people you’ve connected with throughout the week celebrating together.
Conclusion: Why You Should Attend BJJ Summer Week
BJJ Summer Week in Cagliari is more than just a Jiu-Jitsu camp—it’s an experience of a lifetime. You’ll grow as a martial artist, meet amazing people, and create memories that stay with you forever.
If BJJ is a big part of your lifestyle, don’t miss this. Whether you’re a white belt or a seasoned competitor, this event offers something for everyone.
Check out the official BJJ Summer Week website to learn more and sign up. It usually takes place in mid-September each year—perfect weather, perfect vibes.
If you have any more questions about BJJ Summer Week, please leave a comment or leave a message.
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Hi there! I’m Austin Hoang, an editor and writer specializing in martial arts. As a lifelong martial artist, I have trained in various disciplines and competed in amateur boxing, wrestling tournaments, and Muay Thai/Kickboxing tournaments. Through my experiences, I aim to share valuable insights and ideas about martial arts. Thanks for visiting my page—I hope to inspire and educate you on the impact martial arts can have on life!
