Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, UK

The Zen Samurai Retreat

28 May - 1 June, 2025
Ancient Teachings for a Focused Life
BOOK NOW
Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, UK

The Zen Samurai Retreat

28 May - 1 June, 2025
Ancient Teachings for a Focused Life
BOOK NOW
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Purpose makes correct balance

Join Sensei Zen Takai, 16th Generation Samurai & Ninja, for an immersive 4-night retreat at the serene 3,000 acre Broughton Sanctuary, Yorkshire, UK. Delve into ancient teachings blending samurai philosophy, mindfulness, and nature to cultivate a focused and purposeful life. Explore timeless arts and practical wisdom through guided sessions that harmonise mind, body, and spirit.

Set against the breathtaking natural backdrop of Yorkshire Dales countryside, this unique experience offers profound insights and personal transformation. Reconnect with yourself, embrace simplicity, and find clarity through the way of the Zen Samurai.

"a training that teaches you not to win, but to find your own balance and potential”

@thezensamurai

Navigate life with purpose, balance, and resilience

In a world where true connection and focus are gradually fading due to the overwhelming amount of information we absorb, the Samurai principles offer a timeless guide to not only mastering martial skills but also fostering unity, empathy, and harmonious coexistence. Meditation helps you to develop your intuition and to learn who you are. Samurai and Ninja techniques help you to connect with the elements and move forward. The Zen Samurai method helps you to integrate it into your daily life.

Samurai and Ninja training instills timeless values that enhance self-discipline, emotional strength, and harmonious relationships. These principles empower individuals and families to navigate life with purpose, balance, and resilience, creating a positive impact on both personal and collective wellbeing.

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Who is Zen Samurai?

Sensei Zen Takai grew up surrounded by swords. Born in Fukuoka, Japan into a family comprising 16 generations of Samurais and Ninjas, selected from a special team created by Hattori Hanzo. Learning deep self studies and exploration from his father, he mastered 18 arts to become a Sensei.

Influenced by the Zen meditation, Bushido and Shinto tradition, Sensei developed his method of mindfulness, “The Zen Samurai Way”, a moving meditation for life leadership that started in the Samurai Ninja dojo in Tokyo. He is the last of the Zen Samurai lineage. He has no children, therefore his father asked him to travel across the sea, to share this method all over the world, so that it would become his life mission.

LEARN MORE
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Who is Zen Samurai?

Sensei Zen Takai grew up surrounded by swords. Born in Fukuoka, Japan into a family comprising 16 generations of Samurais and Ninjas, selected from a special team created by Hattori Hanzo. Learning deep self studies and exploration from his father, he mastered 18 arts to become a Sensei.

Influenced by the Zen meditation, Bushido and Shinto tradition, Sensei developed his method of mindfulness, “The Zen Samurai Way”, a moving meditation for life leadership that started in the Samurai Ninja dojo in Tokyo. He is the last of the Zen Samurai lineage. He has no children, therefore his father asked him to travel across the sea, to share this method all over the world, so that it would become his life mission.

LEARN MORE
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Samurai Ninja Experience
A transformative program led by sensei Zen Takai that combines ancient teachings of Samurai & Ninja techniques and Bushido principles, to face the challenges of modern life.
Samurai ninja arts taught through interactive workshops, philosophy and one-to-one sessions are used to apply the Bushido mindset to your daily life.
Drawing inspiration from Samurai's discipline and strategic approach, the core practice is a moving meditation and philosophy to enhance focus, self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
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Ninja Hand Sign

"Meditation for the organs"
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Samurai Calligraphy

"Express your energy in paper"
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Sword Training

"Moving meditation"
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Samurai Philosophy

"Participation Key Note"
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Ninja Hand Sign

"Meditation for the organs"
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Samurai Calligraphy

"Express your energy in paper"
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Samurai Sword Training

"Moving meditation"
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Samurai Philosophy

"Participation Keynote"
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Welcome to Broughton Sanctuary

The retreat will be held here at the 3000-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. This year in 2025, we welcome beavers to the Sanctuary 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 Retreat Houses, including converted barns, former coachhouses and gatehouses.

Rooms in Broughton Hall

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

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Broughton Hall Deluxe, Ensuite. Super King Bed.
Couple Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Deluxe, Ensuite. Super King Bed.
Couple Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Deluxe, Ensuite. Super King Bed.
Couple Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Superior, Ensuite. Super King Bed.
Couple Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Superior, Ensuite.
Double Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Standard, Shared Bathroom.
Double Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Deluxe, Ensuite.
Single Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Deluxe, Ensuite.
Single Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Deluxe, Ensuite.
Single Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Superior, Ensuite.
Single Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Superior, Ensuite.
Single Occupancy

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Broughton Hall Premium, Shared Bathroom.
Single Occupancy

Rooms in Retreat Houses

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

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The Manse
Retreat House

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The Manse
Retreat House

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Top Lodge
Retreat House

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Redberry
Retreat House

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Poverty Hill
Retreat House

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The Farm House
Retreat House

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Stable Cottage
Retreat House

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Holiday Home Deluxe, Ensuite.
Double Occupancy

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Holiday Home Superior, Private Bathroom.
Double Occupancy

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Holiday Home Deluxe, Ensuite.
Single Occupancy

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Holiday Home Deluxe, Ensuite.
Single Occupancy

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Holiday Home Superior, Ensuite. Private Shower/Bathroom.
Single Occupancy

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Holiday Home Superior, Ensuite. Private Shower/Bathroom.
Single Occupancy

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Holiday Home Superior, Ensuite.
Single Occupancy

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Holiday Home Deluxe, Shared Bathroom.
Single Occupancy

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Holiday Home Deluxe, Shared Bathroom.
Single Occupancy

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Holiday Home Deluxe, Shared Bathroom.
Single Occupancy

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Holiday Home Deluxe, Shared Bathroom.
Single Occupancy

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Holiday Home, Shared Bathroom.
Single Occupancy

Book Your Place

For information regarding daily activities, rooming and pricing, and any other questions you may have, please email annmariewhatmough@broughtonsanctuary.co.uk or call our team on +44(0)1756 799608

Join Our Community
Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming retreats at Broughton Sanctuary.

Join Our Community
Subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about upcoming retreats at Broughton Sanctuary.

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