A 16th generation ninja and samurai will host a four-night mindfulness retreat at Broughton Sanctuary’s wellbeing centre – Avalon – for the first time in the UK.

Sensei Zen Takai will share how centuries-old Shinto traditions are relevant to modern life during the Way of The Zen Samurai experience, between 28 May and 1 June.

The Sensei is the last heir of the 'Zen' samurai lineage. Zen Buddhism had a strong influence on samurai culture and the martial arts of Japan. Sensei Zen Takai's ancestors were part of an elite team created by Hattori Hanzo, the ninja who served and protected Tokugawa Ieyasu – the first shōgun to unify Japan. The visiting Sensei is dedicated to preserving the ancient teachings of his lineage, training students to self-regulate and unlock their potential.

Guests will discover the principles of Bushido – ‘the way of the warrior’ – including discipline, integrity and mental resilience through mindfulness sessions. Martial arts inspired by samurai and ninja training will be on offer, as well as silent meditation and guided forest walks. The Sensei will apply samurai teachings to daily challenges to enable guests to cultivate a more intentional and purposeful mindset.

The price of the retreat starts from £1,000 (US$1,367 €1,167) for one person or £2,400 (US$3,207, €2,800) for two, including accommodation costs.

Sensei Zen Takai is the leader of an organisation called The Zen Samurai. This community of the Sensei’s students has led similar experiences around the world previously. For example, Sensei Zen Takai led a four-day Modern Samurai event at ChoZen Eco Sanctuary in Florida earlier this year.

"We're aiming to attract people who want to cultivate clear thinking, inner strength and a deeper sense of purpose in both work and life," Broughton Sanctuary's Annmarie Whatmough told Spa Business.

Broughton Sanctuary is a 2,500-acre property with a philosophy of wild wellbeing through activities and retreats. Its central hub for residential retreats and wellbeing, Avalon, has a swimming pool, sauna, steamroom, fitness training studios, a Somadome meditation pod, plus daily yoga and meditation sessions. The samurai retreat complements a menu of treatments including acupuncture, ayurvedic therapies, herbal medicine, psychotherapy and trauma release. They also have access to flotation chambers and sound baths.

Read more about how retreats at Avalon account for approximately 50 per cent of Broughton Sanctuary’s revenue in an interview with Roger Tempest from the Q2 2024 edition of Spa Business here.