Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, UK
The Zen Samurai

The Female Samurai

A leadership retreat for women
Led by Sensei Zen Takai – 16th-Generation Samurai & Ninja Master

12 - 15 November 2026

APPLY NOW
Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, UK
The Zen Samurai

The Female Samurai

A leadership retreat
for women

Led by Sensei Zen Takai
16th-Generation Samurai
& Ninja Master

12 - 15 November 2026
APPLY NOW
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Leadership through stillness

Across four transformative days at Broughton Sanctuary, you will explore 1,000 years of Samurai conscious leadership alongside modern executive practice. This retreat is a return to presence, clarity, and authority that does not depend on force.

  • Sword Training as Moving Meditation – develop clarity, balance, and precision through embodied practice.
  • Five Element Philosophy – Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Sky practices for grounding, adaptability, vitality, intuition, and purpose.
  • Samurai Meditation & Breathwork – support focus, emotional regulation, and mind-body alignment.
  • Blindfolded Sensitivity Practice – heighten awareness, listening, and non-verbal influence.
  • Calligraphy, Energy Control & Nature Reflection – cultivate leadership through grace, form, purpose, and intuition.
Each day follows an elemental journey, combining training, reflection, and integration. You will explore posture, breath, and grounding; flexibility and emotional regulation; intention and decisive action; and perspective, intuition, and leadership commitments. Optional recovery time at Avalon Wellbeing supports restoration throughout the retreat.
APPLY NOW

Leadership through stillness

Across four transformative days at Broughton Sanctuary, you will explore 1,000 years of Samurai conscious leadership alongside modern executive practice. This retreat is a return to presence, clarity, and authority that does not depend on force.
  • Sword Training as Moving Meditation – develop clarity, balance, and precision through embodied practice.
  • Five Element Philosophy – Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Sky practices for grounding, adaptability, vitality, intuition, and purpose.
  • Samurai Meditation & Breathwork – support focus, emotional regulation, and mind-body alignment.
  • Blindfolded Sensitivity Practice – heighten awareness, listening, and non-verbal influence.
  • Calligraphy, Energy Control & Nature Reflection – cultivate leadership through grace, form, purpose, and intuition.
Each day follows an elemental journey, combining training, reflection, and integration. You will explore posture, breath, and grounding; flexibility and emotional regulation; intention and decisive action; and perspective, intuition, and leadership commitments. Optional recovery time at Avalon Wellbeing supports restoration throughout the retreat.

The Female Samurai is not an escape. It is a return to presence, coherence, and leadership rooted in life itself.

THE ZEN SAMURAI

The Female Samurai is not an escape. It is a return to presence, coherence, and leadership rooted in life itself.

THE ZEN SAMURAI
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The wider web of life

In ancient times, female Samurai such as Empress Jingu and Himiko were the leaders of society. They led with presence, sensitivity, and calm authority.
LESSONS FOR TODAY'S LEADERS
  • Strength through stillness, influence without force, and emotional mastery in high-stakes environments.
  • In a world of noise, distraction, and burnout, Samurai principles offer a timeless guide for clarity, balance, and effective leadership.
  • New perspectives for inspiration and purpose.

This retreat is held for women only — a deliberate container for depth and trust.

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The wider web of life

In ancient times, female Samurai such as Empress Jingu and Himiko were the leaders of society. They led with presence, sensitivity, and calm authority.
LESSONS FOR TODAY'S LEADERS
  • Strength through stillness, influence without force, and emotional mastery in high-stakes environments.
  • In a world of noise, distraction, and burnout, Samurai principles offer a timeless guide for clarity, balance, and effective leadership.
  • New perspectives for inspiration and purpose.

This retreat is held for women only — a deliberate container for depth and trust.

The wider web of life

In ancient times, female Samurai such as Empress Jingu and Himiko were the leaders of society. They led with presence, sensitivity, and calm authority.
LESSONS FOR TODAY'S LEADERS
  • Strength through stillness, influence without force, and emotional mastery in high-stakes environments.
  • In a world of noise, distraction, and burnout, Samurai principles offer a timeless guide for clarity, balance, and effective leadership.
  • New perspectives for inspiration and purpose.

This retreat is held for women only — a deliberate container for depth and trust.

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The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025

About Sensei

SENSEI ZEN TAKAI GREW UP SURROUNDED BY SWORDS

He was born in Fukuoka, Japan, in a family of 16 generations of Samurai and Ninjas, chosen by Hattori Hanzo to defend the Shogun's capital during its move from Kyoto to Tokyo.

He learned Samurai arts from his father alongside profound selfexploration, mastering 18 practices to become Sensei. Influenced by Zen meditation, Bushido, and Shinto traditions, he developed The Zen Samurai Way - a moving meditation for life leadership.

Sensei is the last of the Zen Samurai lineage. With no children to inherit his legacy, he has dedicated his life to sharing this wisdom and practice with people from all walks of life, worldwide.

The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025

About Sensei

SENSEI ZEN TAKAI GREW UP SURROUNDED BY SWORDS

He was born in Fukuoka, Japan, in a family of 16 generations of Samurai and Ninjas, chosen by Hattori Hanzo to defend the Shogun's capital during its move from Kyoto to Tokyo.

He learned Samurai arts from his father alongside profound selfexploration, mastering 18 practices to become Sensei. Influenced by Zen meditation, Bushido, and Shinto traditions, he developed The Zen Samurai Way - a moving meditation for life leadership.

Sensei is the last of the Zen Samurai lineage. With no children to inherit his legacy, he has dedicated his life to sharing this wisdom and practice with people from all walks of life, worldwide.

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Sensei Zen Takai — Sensei’s Experience

Over recent years, Sensei has trained more than 280 senior leaders and entrepreneurs across three continents, guiding executives from organisations including Oxford University, Mastercard, Nestlé, and Breitling, as well as over 5,000 practitioners worldwide.

His experience includes:

  • Executive sessions at Oxford University.
  • Leadership intensives across South America.
  • Programs for YPO chapters and global leadership groups.

He has also been invited to speak and teach at prestigious wellness events and global platforms such as Mindvalley University, Younity, and Summit Series

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Sensei Zen Takai — Sensei’s Experience

Over recent years, Sensei has trained more than 280 senior leaders and entrepreneurs across three continents, guiding executives from organisations including Oxford University, Mastercard, Nestlé, and Breitling, as well as over 5,000 practitioners worldwide.

His experience includes:

  • Executive sessions at Oxford University.
  • Leadership intensives across South America.
  • Programs for YPO chapters and global leadership groups.

He has also been invited to speak and teach at prestigious wellness events and global platforms such as Mindvalley University, Younity, and Summit Series

Sensei Zen Takai — Sensei’s Experience

Over recent years, Sensei has trained more than 280 senior leaders and entrepreneurs across three continents, guiding executives from organisations including Oxford University, Mastercard, Nestlé, and Breitling, as well as over 5,000 practitioners worldwide.

His experience includes:

  • Executive sessions at Oxford University.
  • Leadership intensives across South America.
  • Programs for YPO chapters and global leadership groups.

He has also been invited to speak and teach at prestigious wellness events and global platforms such as Mindvalley University, Younity, and Summit Series

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Retreat intent + outcomes
Flexibility = Possibilities
Command Respect
Without Force
posture, breathing, and presence
Emotional
Mastery
lead without being swayed by pressure
Sustainable
Energy
maintain performance without burnout
Non-Verbal
Influence
shift the atmosphere without words
Intuitive
Decision-Making
sharpen business instincts
Self
Mastery
find your inner balance to focus
Command Respect Without Force
posture, breathing, and presence
Emotional
Mastery
lead without being swayed by pressure
Sustainable
Energy
maintain performance without burnout
Non-Verbal
Influence
shift the atmosphere without words
Intuitive
Decision-Making
sharpen business instincts
Self
Mastery
find your inner balance to focus
Command Respect
Without Force
posture, breathing, and presence
Emotional
Mastery
lead without being swayed by pressure
Sustainable
Energy
maintain performance without burnout
Non-Verbal
Influence
shift the atmosphere without words
Intuitive
Decision-Making
sharpen business instincts
Self
Mastery
find your inner balance to focus
The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025
The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025
The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025
The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025
The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025
The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025
The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025
The Zen Samurai Retreat - Purpose Makes Correct Balance, Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, Skipton, UK, 2025
Programme overview
12 November - DAY 1
Ground & Arrival (Earth)
  • Arrival at Broughton Sanctuary from midday, and welcome
  • Lunch and settling into the estate
  • Opening circle: The Female Samurai and the Five Elements
  • Samurai opening ritual and leadership philosophy
  • Ground element practice: posture, stance, and breath
  • Dinner and evening reflection by the fire
  • Samurai sleep ritual for grounding and integration
13 November - DAY 2
Sensitivity & Flow (Water)
  • Morning Samurai meditation in nature
  • Water element philosophy: flexibility and responsiveness
  • Samurai practice: sensitivity, balance, and controlled movement
  • Blindfolded awareness and perception training
  • Solo and paired reflection in the landscape
  • Optional Avalon Wellbeing recovery window
  • Evening practice: non-verbal communication and subtle influence
  • Samurai sleep ritual
14 November - DAY 3
Expression & Vitality (Fire)
  • Sunrise meditation and breathwork
  • Fire element training: intention, vitality, and decisiveness
  • Sword practice as moving meditation
  • Calligraphy and energy control practice
  • Learning from Nature immersion: observation, reflection, and dialogue
  • Fireside evening session: leadership expression and restraint
  • Samurai sleep ritual
15 November - DAY 4
Perspective & Integration (Wind & Sky)
  • Morning movement and meditation
  • Wind element practice: perception, intuition, and timing
  • Sky element reflection: perspective, meaning, and purpose
  • Integration circle: translating insights into leadership commitments
  • Closing ritual, lunch, and departure from midday
12 November - DAY 1
Ground & Arrival (Earth)
  • Arrival at Broughton Sanctuary from midday, and welcome
  • Lunch and settling into the estate
  • Opening circle: The Female Samurai and the Five Elements
  • Samurai opening ritual and leadership philosophy
  • Ground element practice: posture, stance, and breath
  • Dinner and evening reflection by the fire
  • Samurai sleep ritual for grounding and integration
13 November - DAY 2
Sensitivity & Flow (Water)
  • Morning Samurai meditation in nature
  • Water element philosophy: flexibility and responsiveness
  • Samurai practice: sensitivity, balance, and controlled movement
  • Blindfolded awareness and perception training
  • Solo and paired reflection in the landscape
  • Optional Avalon Wellbeing recovery window
  • Evening practice: non-verbal communication and subtle influence
  • Samurai sleep ritual
14 November - DAY 3
Expression & Vitality (Fire)
  • Sunrise meditation and breathwork
  • Fire element training: intention, vitality, and decisiveness
  • Sword practice as moving meditation
  • Calligraphy and energy control practice
  • Learning from Nature immersion: observation, reflection, and dialogue
  • Fireside evening session: leadership expression and restraint
  • Samurai sleep ritual
15 November - DAY 4
Perspective & Integration (Wind & Sky)
  • Morning movement and meditation
  • Wind element practice: perception, intuition, and timing
  • Sky element reflection: perspective, meaning, and purpose
  • Integration circle: translating insights into leadership commitments
  • Closing ritual, lunch, and departure from midday

Broughton Sanctuary

The retreat will be held here at the 2500 acre Broughton Sanctuary, just outside Skipton, at the foothills of The Yorkshire Dales, one of the most picturesque parts of the country. Established in 1097, Broughton Hall is a house of transformation, home to the Tempest family for over 900 years, and enjoys a rich history stretching back over the millennium.

The Sanctuary is also home to one of Britain’s most exciting nature recovery projects, a heartfelt commitment to address one of our deepest contemporary crises, based upon an extensive tree-planting and rewilding programme. We welcomed beavers to the Sanctuary in 2025 alongside our native cattle and Iron Age pigs. Subscribe to our Rewilding Broughton Youtube channel to learn more.

Avalon, our state-of-the-art wellbeing retreat centre is the beating heart of the Sanctuary. With extensive indoor and outdoor resources the building exists to serve the inner voyage of mind, body, spirit. During your stay you may unwind in the state-of-the-art biophilic designed Pool Suite; including a clear 20-metre pool, steam room and sauna, plus hydromassage pool. Beyond the building itself, the Sanctuary grounds offer a chance to return to source, from meditation labyrinths, wild swimming reservoirs, a cosmic garden and much more.

We have a large variety of rooms available, whether in Broughton Hall itself, or throughout our eclectic collection of 20 stunning guest houses, including converted barns, former coachhouses and gatehouses.

Rooming

The retreats offers a variety of accommodation across a collection of retreat houses and our 16th Century historic home, Broughton Hall.

Please note: the images below are examples of the type of room you will be booking, all rooms are subject to availability.

Rooms in Broughton Hall

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Broughton Hall, our Historic Home

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Broughton Hall - Bow, super king, ensuite

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Broughton Hall - North, super king, ensuite

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Broughton Hall - Oak, super king, ensuite

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Broughton Hall - Captain's, super king, ensuite

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Broughton Hall - Chapel Flat Tower, super king, ensuite

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Broughton Hall - Garden, super king, ensuite

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Broughton Hall - Penthouse Park, double/twin, shared bathroom

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Broughton Hall - Amber, superking, ensuite

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Broughton Hall - Portico, super king, ensuite

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Broughton Hall - Smiths, king, ensuite

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Broughton Hall - Buff, double, shared bathroom

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Broughton Hall - Copper Beech, double, shared bathroom

Rooms in Retreat Houses
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The Manse

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The Manse, conservatory

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Barnhouse

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Barnhouse, living space

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Poverty Hill

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Poverty Hill, living space

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Eden

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Eden, living space

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Top Lodge

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Top Lodge

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Stable Cottage

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Stable Cottage, living space

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The Manse - Rumi, ensuite

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The Manse - Tolle, ensuite

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The Manse - Teresa, ensuite

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Barnhouse - Trust, ensuite

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Barnhouse, example bathroom

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Barnhouse - Kindness, ensuite

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Eden - Chestnut, ensuite

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Eden - Lime, shared bathroom

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Eden - Beech, shared bathroom

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Top Lodge - Gatekeeper, private bathroom

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Top Lodge, example bathroom

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Top Lodge - Head Gardener, private bathroom

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Top Lodge - Pugin, private bathroom

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Poverty Hill - Pendle, ensuite

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Poverty Hill - Quaker, ensuite

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Stable Cottage - Saddle, ensuite

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Stable Cottage - Jockey, shared bathroom

Details & Application
DATES + LOCATION

12 - 15 November, 2026
Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, England, BD23 3AE.

12 - 15 November, 2026
Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire,
England, BD23 3AE.

Investment
New students £2,600 | * Early Bird £2,300, plus 20% VAT and a £370 equipment fee. Returning students £1,800, plus 20% VAT.
Capacity
Limited spaces for depth of practice, personal attention, and group coherence – by application only.
What’s Included
  • Four days of Zen Samurai training with Sensei Zen Takai.
  • Three nights’ accommodation at Broughton Sanctuary.
  • All meals, including plant-based, locally sourced menus and alcohol-free botanical drinks.
  • On-site transport.
  • Full Samurai attire and practice equipment.
  • Access to Avalon Wellbeing, including sauna, steam, natural bathing, and pool spaces.
Not Included
  • Travel to and from Broughton Sanctuary.
  • Optional bodywork and therapies at Avalon Wellbeing.
If you are interested, please note that participation is by application only. Apply now to secure your place in this intentionally small retreat for women. Full details are available here: 2026 – Female Samurai Leadership Retreat.
APPLY NOW
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National Location
Road and Rail