Nirvana Jeet Kune Do Retreat
March 10th - 15th, 2026
El Zonte, El Salvador
Experience Jeet Kune Do like never before; experience The Nirvana Way.
Experience The Nirvana Way
At Nirvana Jeet Kune Do, we believe in the holistic development of the martial artist: mind, body and spirit. To be great in one area, we must tend to all areas equally. We have designed this retreat to give you a peak into our way of training and our way of life.
Join us for 5 nights and 6 days of an all-inclusive retreat (flight not included) filled with Jeet Kune Do and holistic wellness:
Learn with 2 days of intensive Jeet Kune Do training.
Connect with our tribe! Share with like-minded martial artists.
Immerse yourself in nature with 2 days of excursions to a volcano and a waterfall.
Nourish your body with an all-inclusive meal plan with healthy meals, beverages and snacks.
Revitalize mind and body with invigorating breathwork and ice baths sessions.
Rest and recharge with a massage on the day of your choice.
Relax in a luxury beachfront hotel with gorgeous sunrise and sunset views.
El Salvador
MARCH 10TH - 15TH, 2026
The Venue
Located in El Zonte beach in El Salvador, one of the best surfing beaches in the world, Puro Surf is a wellness hotel that hosts health and wellness retreats year-round. The facilities include:
1 infinity pool overlooking the ocean
1 24-meter lap pool for training (available to book in advance)
Fully equipped gym
Martial arts room with mats
Health-focused restaurant serving meals cooked with fresh and local ingredients
Beachfront design inspired by the local culture
Click HERE to learn more about Puro Surf.
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, known for its stunning Pacific coastline, lush volcanoes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. El Salvador has undergone significant changes in recent years, improving safety and infrastructure.
It’s becoming a popular tourist destination due to:
World-class surfing at beaches like El Sunzal, El Tunco/La Bocana and El Zonte.
Ecotourism in volcanoes, forests, and national parks.
Rich history and culture, from ancient Mayan ruins to colonial towns.
A growing reputation for being safe, affordable, and less crowded than other Central American destinations.
Recent government efforts to promote tourism and improve security have played a key role in its rising appeal. El Salvador is currently Level 1 on the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories.
Click HERE to see El Salvador’s current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory.
What’s included?
We have designed this retreat to be ALL-INCLUSIVE. This means, you book your flight and we will provide accommodation, meals, airport transportation and other activities for 5 nights and 6 days.
2 full days of intense JKD training/seminar
Opportunity for 1:1 training with Sifu Jesse Ohliger
Transportation from and to the airport (flight not included)
Accommodation for 5 nights in a beachfront hotel
3 meals/beverages a day
Snack bar on 2 seminar days
2 days of hikes to Cerro Verde volcano and Tamanique waterfalls
3 breathwork sessions
2 ice bath sessions
1 massage
We want all guests to experience what the Nirvana JKD lifestyle is about! This is the JKD lifestyle and philosophy Sifu Jesse Ohliger has curated over 30 years for himself and now passes down to all his students at Nirvana Jeet Kune Do Society.
Experience The Nirvana Way
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Physical Health
Jeet Kune Do training and body conditioning in nature.
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Power of the Mind
We’ll use breathwork and ice baths as a tool to train your mind to level up on and off the mat.
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Spirit and Soul
Grow, connect and get inspired by our community.
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Tribe
Connect with practitioners who share the same interest: use no way as way and no limitation as limitation.
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Nutrition
All meals are thoughtfully crafted with fresh local ingredients to fuel your body for intense days of training.
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Rest and Recharge
Learn the power of proper rest that will keep your energy tank full so you can keep showing up everyday.
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Optimal Environment
Hosted in Puro Surf, a wellness hotel optimized for athletes. Experience how curating the proper environment everyday can help you flow like water and be your best self.
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Personal Development
Self-actualize. Learn from Sifu Jesse Ohliger’s approach on JKD as a lifestyle.
ACCOMODATIONS
PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE!
Registration ends November 30, 2025. Booking after this date is subject to availability.
Have the room for yourself. Ultimate privacy featuring a king-size bed, a private bathroom and a serene outdoor balcony offering the best ocean views.
Share the room with 1 other guest. The room includes 2 full size beds, a private bathroom and a serene outdoor balcony offering views of the lush tropical landscape with a partial view of the ocean.
Share the room with 2 other guests. Featuring 3 full beds, this room includes a private bathroom and a serene outdoor balcony offering views of the lush tropical garden.
A bed in a small shared apartment with one room that accommodates up to 6 people with 3 bunk beds. This suite includes common areas: bathrooms, living room and kitchenette.
All prices reflect payment platform fees. If you wish to save the cost of these fees, we have a payment through PayPal option available. Please contact us directly at nirvanajkd@gmail.com if you wish to pay through PayPal.
Book Your Spot Today!
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Book Your Spot Today! ☆
Limited Time Only
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
Get in early with a flexible payment plan. Secure your spot with as low as*
$258 USD
by September 15th, 2025.
Break the remaining balance into 5 installments over 4 months making it easier and more affordable for you!
Deposit amount depends on selected room. Deposit required to secure a spot increases after September 15th, 2025. See Terms & Conditions for more information.
Limited spots available!
All prices reflect payment platform fees. If you wish to save the cost of these fees, we have a payment through PayPal option available. Please contact us directly at nirvanajkd@gmail.com if you wish to pay through PayPal.
Meet your host
Sifu Jesse Ohliger
Sifu Jesse Ohliger started his training in Jeet Kune Do (JKD) under Sifu Richard Torres of The Jeet Kune Do Martial Arts Institute in 1995 at age 13. He has over 25 years of experience and became a fully certified instructor in 2010. Jesse is a third generation Bruce Lee student. The lineage goes as follows; Bruce Lee, Ted Wong, Richard Torres, Jesse Ohliger. Jesse has had the honor to travel around the United States and receive supplemental training by many of Bruce Lees’ original students including; Ted Wong, Taky Kimura, Steve Golden, Greglon Lee, Jesse Glover, Jerry Poteet, Leo Fong and Danny Inosanto.
Jesse holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing and works as a registered nurse in mental health for military veterans. He has extensive experience in acute psychiatric settings under high stress crisis situations where using developed skills in verbal de-escalation and personal safety is required.
Jesse has studied and experienced the immense benefits of breath-work practice as a tool for healing, emotional regulation, athletic performance and overall health. Jesse became a certified Breathwork instructor to provide this amazing practice to his martial art students and anyone else interested in learning.
Jesse advocates for a holistic approach to martial arts, integrating mind, body, and spirit. He refers to this philosophy as The Nirvana Way. By combining his martial arts, life, and professional experiences, he offers a truly comprehensive and balanced martial arts journey at this retreat.
The Details
When
Check in: March 10th, 2026.
Check out: March 15h, 2026.
5 nights and 6 days.
Where
Hosted at Puro Surf hotel located at El Zonte beach in El Salvador.
Who
The Nirvana JKD Retreat is open to JKD practicioners of all levels.
Testimonials
FAQs
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Flights
Extra food and activities outside the resort. We will make sure to have some “free time” for you to explore El Salvador beyond the hotel. All related to these “free time” activities expenses are not included in your retreat package.
Private excursions outside the resort besides the ones we have planned for you
Surf lessons or any other services/lessons offered by the hotel that are not included in the itinerary
Travel insurance
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You will have to fly into El Salvador International Airport Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (SAL), as it is the only airport in the country. Your round-trip airport transfer to/from the hotel is included in your retreat package, covering your arrival on March 10th, 2026 and departure on March 15th, 2026.
Once you arrive at El Salvador International Airport, our private shuttle will be there to greet you and take you to Puro Surf Hotel. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic, and offers a scenic drive.
Please note:
•Airport transfers are only provided to and from El Salvador International Airport.
To make your arrival as smooth as possible, we’ll send out detailed shuttle instructions closer to the retreat date.
If you have any questions about flights or transport options, feel free to get in touch!
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Whether you need a visa to travel to El Salvador depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Here’s a quick guide:
If you're a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. However, upon arrival by air or sea, you are required to purchase a tourist card for $12 from immigration officials. This card is typically valid for 90 days, though in some cases, it may be valid for up to 180 days depending on your passport validity and purpose of travel .
Nationals from the following countries must obtain a visa prior to arrival:
Africa: Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and others.
Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen, and others.
Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Americas: Haiti.
Oceania: None specifically listed; however, travelers should verify current requirements.
Entry Requirements:
Passport Validity: Your U.S. passport must be valid at the time of entry.
Tourist Card: A $12 tourist card is required upon arrival by air or sea. This card is valid for 90 days, and in some cases, up to 180 days depending on passport validity and purpose of travel .
Additional Considerations:
Central America-4 (CA-4) Agreement: El Salvador is part of the CA-4 Border Control Agreement with Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This allows U.S. citizens to travel freely among these countries for up to 90 days total without additional visas .
Vaccinations: If you're arriving from Panama, South America, or Africa, you must have received the yellow fever vaccine at least 15 days before your trip to El Salvador .(elsalvador.travel)
Currency Restrictions: Any currency in excess of $10,000 USD must be declared upon entry and exit .
Always check with the El Salvador Embassy or Consulate in your country for the latest requirements based on your nationality.
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Yes. As of April 8, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has designated El Salvador as a Level 1 destination, advising travelers to "Exercise Normal Precautions." This upgrade reflects a significant decrease in gang activity and violent crime over recent years, attributed to security measures implemented by President Nayib Bukele's administration.
El Salvador has become a desirable destination for both tourists and foreign investors.
I have personally travelled to El Salvador on multiple occasions and even visited the hotel where we’re gonna be staying. My experience has been extremely positive and this is why I chose this destination. Rest assured that both the hotel and the area are safe and peaceful. Additionally, we will be traveling with my partner, who was born and raised in El Salvador and will help us take all necessary precautions to stay safe while enjoying all the best parts of her beautiful culture at all times.
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In March, El Salvador experiences dry season weather, making it one of the best times to visit. Here’s what to expect:
Temperature: Warm and sunny, with daytime highs around 30–34°C (86–93°F) and nighttime lows around 20–23°C (68–73°F).
Rain: Very little to no rainfall—March is typically dry and clear.
Humidity: Lower than in the rainy season, though still moderately high in coastal and lowland areas.
Skies: Mostly sunny with minimal cloud cover, ideal for outdoor activities.
March is a great month for beach trips, volcano hikes, and cultural sightseeing, thanks to the reliable weather and lush landscapes just before the rains return in May.
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Yes! Here’s a proposed payment plan for a single person.
Proposed Payment Plan
To secure your spot, a deposit of 30% of the total cost per person is required by October 27, 2025. The remaining balance is divided into 4 installments:
First Installment: Amount: 25% of remaining balance. Due Date: November 10, 2025.
Second Installment: Amount: 25% of remaining balance. Due Date: November 30, 2025.
Third Installment: Amount: 25% of remaining balance. Due: December 20, 2025.
Final Installment: Amount: 25% of remaining balance. Due: January 10, 2025.
Early Bird Special
Our early bird special will run from the date we launch the retreat until September 15, 2025. If signing up with early bird special, you can split that deposit into 2 payments. The full 30% deposit must be fully paid by October 27, 2025. See early bird special payment schedule below:
Deposit 1: Amount: 15% of total package cost. Due Date: Upon booking.
Deposit 2: Amount: 15% of total package cost. Due Date: October 27th, 2025.
The remaining balance is divided into 4 installments:
First Installment: Amount: 25% of remaining balance. Due Date: November 10, 2025.
Second Installment: Amount: 25% of remaining balance. Due Date: November 30, 2025.
Third Installment: Amount: 25% of remaining balance. Due: December 20, 2025.
Final Installment: Amount: 25% of remaining balance. Due: January 10, 2025.
Participants will receive reminder emails one week prior to each due date. If payments are not received by the deadlines specified above, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and offer the spot to another participant. Please note: We will make every effort to assist you in meeting payment deadlines and will reach out prior to and on the day of the balance due date to avoid any issues.
Please read the Terms & Conditions about our payment plans and cancellation policy to find out more.
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If paying in full: Select your room in the ‘ACCOMODATIONS’ section and press ‘Book Now’.
If paying a deposit for a payment plan: Select your room in the ‘EARLY BIRD SPECIAL’ section and press ‘Pay Deposit Now’.
After the payment, you will receive a confirmation email with a receipt within 24 hours.
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Absolutely! Sifu Jesse Ohliger has thousands of hours of teaching experience and offers countless options and variations so everyone can practice at their own level. The focus is on training and learning more about the science, art and philosophy of JKD under professional guidance.
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The daily itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions, energy levels, and other factors. A typical day looks like this:
Morning:
7:00 am – 9:00 am: Breakfast and coffee
9:00 am – 1:00 pm: JKD seminar and training
Afternoon:
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Lunch
2:00pm - 6:00pm - JKD seminar and training
Hiking / Excursions / Open gym and supplemental training / Relaxation
Evening:
Stretching class / Breathwork / Ice bath (Except on excursion & seminar days)
6:00 – 8:00 pm: Dinner
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If you wish to cancel your retreat you must notify via email at nirvanajkd@gmail.com. In the event of cancellation before or by November 30, 2025, we offer the following refund policy:
We will offer a 75% refund of total amount paid if you decide to cancel by November 30, 2025.
We do not offer any refunds if you cancel after November 30, 2025. At this point, exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for ANY reason, including weather, terrorism, civil unrest, health changes, personal emergencies or otherwise. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
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The local currency in El Salvador is the US dollar (USD). You can pay with any debit or credit card almost everywhere you go but we recommend bringing cash in case you want to buy souvenirs or food from local street vendors.
Most retailers and restaurants take Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Always double check with your bank for any foreign transaction fees applied to purchases with your debit/credit card.
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Puro Surf offers activities such as surf and yoga lessons.
You can find other services listed here: PURO SURF SERVICES
GET TO KNOW US!
