We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sam Jusino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sam thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The story behind my mission is rooted in years of martial arts training, instructing, and personal growth. Shotokan Karate gave me more than just physical strength – it became a way of life, shaping how I approach challenges, relationships, and self-discipline. But there came a point when I realized that the real value of what I’d learned wasn’t just in the dojo. It was in how these principles – focus, resilience, and mindfulness – could help people in all aspects of life.

After living in Asia and experiencing how different cultures approached wellness and balance, I wanted to bring something deeper to the world. That’s why we founded The Path Retreats. We offer more than just relaxation; we guide attendees through transformative experiences. Whether it’s through breathwork at sunrise or martial movement overlooking the Mayan Ruins, our goal is to guide others toward self-discovery and healing.

The Path Retreats is about creating space for people to reconnect with themselves, push their limits, and leave feeling stronger and more grounded.

We don’t just host retreats – we design journeys. It’s an honor!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Sam Jusino, Co-Founder of The Path Retreats, a wellness experience company designed to guide people toward transformation, self-discovery, and growth. My background is rooted in martial arts, where I’ve spent over 15 years training, competing, and instructing. I hold a black belt in Shotokan Karate, and the discipline and resilience I’ve developed from martial arts have shaped everything I do.

My journey into the wellness industry was organic. I didn’t start out with the goal of hosting retreats – I started by seeking something deeper for myself. After several years living in Asia and experiencing different cultures, philosophies, and approaches to balance, movement, and mindfulness, I realized I wanted to share what I’d learned with others in a more holistic way. The result was The Path Retreats, where my Fiancée Samara and I blend the physical intensity of martial arts with the mental clarity of meditation and the emotional release of breathwork, movement, and community connection.

At The Path Retreats, we provide immersive wellness experiences that go beyond leisure. We help attendees reconnect with themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually through martial movement, sound healing, Pilates, yoga, and our signature breathwork sessions. Our retreats are held in stunning locations like Caye Caulker, Belize and the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, where terrain enhances the transformative experience.

What sets us apart is the depth of what we offer. We don’t just host retreats where people come to unwind; we offer journeys that challenge, inspire, and empower. We guide participants to tap into their inner strength, overcome mental blocks, and leave with tools they can use in their daily lives long after the retreat ends.

I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built around The Path Retreats. It’s a space where people from all walks of life can come together, support one another, and grow. Whether it’s through martial arts, meditation, or simply connecting with like-minded individuals, our goal is to create an environment where people can heal, learn, and thrive.

The thing I want people to know most about The Path Retreats is that it’s not just about escaping the everyday grind – it’s about returning to it with a renewed sense of purpose, strength, and clarity. Every aspect of what we do is intentional, from the movement practices to the mindfulness workshops, all designed to help participants embrace their full potential.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was five years old, my father woke me up one morning, telling me we were going on a “mission.” Naturally, I was thrilled – what kid wouldn’t be excited to help their dad with something so important? But what unfolded during that early morning drive became a defining moment for me, and not in the way I expected.

We ended up in the parking lot of his favorite bar, a place I was already familiar with, though I didn’t fully grasp its significance at the time. He asked me to stand on the passenger seat and keep watch while he rummaged through another car parked next to us. I was too young to understand the full scope of what was happening, but I knew something wasn’t right.

After we left, my dad casually explained that he had stolen several items from the car, and then he told me something that stuck with me for life:

“Don’t ever do what I do, because I’m a bad person.”

That experience shattered the admiration I had for my father and left me feeling confused and heartbroken. It also planted a seed in my mind about the choices we make in life. Even as a kid, I realized that we all have the power to choose our own path, no matter where we come from or what we’re exposed to. That moment didn’t just teach me about right and wrong – it taught me about resilience. I had to grow up quickly that day and learn that just because someone you love makes poor decisions, it doesn’t mean you have to follow in their footsteps.

That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life and shapes the way I approach everything I do, including The Path Retreats. I believe in empowering people to recognize their own strength and make conscious choices that lead them to live more authentic, fulfilling lives. It’s not about where you start, it’s about where you choose to go.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

One book that has profoundly influenced my entrepreneurial philosophy is ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ by David Goggins. Goggins’ journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultra-endurance athlete is nothing short of inspiring. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his mantra of embracing discomfort resonates deeply with my own experiences in martial arts and wellness.

Goggins emphasizes the power of mental toughness and resilience, which are crucial qualities in both leadership and entrepreneurship. He stresses the importance of taking ownership of your life and decisions, which aligns perfectly with the values we instill at The Path Retreats. We encourage our attendees to be responsible for their own journeys, to push through their limits, and to embrace the discomfort that comes with growth.

‘Can’t Hurt Me’ serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential in any entrepreneurial endeavor. It has shaped not only how I view challenges, but also how I lead others, fostering an environment where we all strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thepathretreats.co/
• Instagram: @thepathretreats
• Other: Instagram: @samjusino