Meet Sam Jusino | Martial Arts Champion & Co-Founder of The Path Retreats

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sam Jusino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and its capacity for transformation. I draw energy from watching people push beyond their perceived limits, whether it’s in a dojo, during a retreat, or in everyday life. Witnessing someone shed old fears, embrace growth, and step into their potential is nothing short of magic to me.

My martial arts journey has been a cornerstone of my inspiration. The discipline, respect, and persistence I cultivated through Shotokan Karate taught me that the path to mastery is a lifelong pursuit. Competing in Japan and the U.S. allowed me to see the universality of determination and passion, regardless of culture or background. Those experiences remind me that challenges aren’t obstacles—they’re opportunities to grow stronger, mentally and physically.

I’m also deeply inspired by my upbringing and its complexities. The lessons I learned as a child, even from challenging or morally ambiguous situations, shaped my understanding of choice and the power of intentional living. They fueled my belief that no matter where we start, we all have the ability to rewrite our narrative.

Travel is another massive source of inspiration. Experiencing the richness of diverse cultures, landscapes, and traditions has given me a profound appreciation for connection and shared humanity. It’s why retreats like those we host at The Path Retreats — in places like Belize, Mexico, and Southern California — resonate so deeply with me. They’re a celebration of stepping outside comfort zones to find meaning and transformation.

Ultimately, I’m most inspired by people: their stories, their strength, and their ability to overcome adversity. Whether it’s a participant in one of our retreats finding clarity or a martial artist landing their first kata, it’s these moments of personal triumph that fuel my drive to keep creating spaces for growth and healing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The Path Retreats is a wellness experience company built to inspire transformation, self-discovery, and growth.

The idea for The Path Retreats came naturally, born from my own journey for deeper connection and meaning. With over 15 years of dedication to martial arts, my life has been shaped by discipline, resilience, and the pursuit of balance. These qualities were refined over several years while living in Asia, where I immersed myself in diverse cultures and philosophies, learning to embrace balance through movement, mindfulness, and intentional living. When I met my fiancée, Samara Ariel, our shared passions sparked the vision for retreats that integrate these life-changing lessons into unforgettable experiences. Together, we combine elements of Yoga, Dance, Pilates, Martial Arts, and Mindfulness to create something truly unique.

What sets The Path Retreats apart is the depth of what we offer. Our retreats are far more than a chance to unwind; they are opportunities for personal transformation. Through martial movement, breathwork, sound healing, and immersive workshops, we help participants reconnect with their inner strength, confront mental barriers, and embrace growth in mind, body, and spirit. Hosting these experiences in breathtaking destinations enhances the transformative power of each retreat, aligning nature’s serenity with our mission.

While building The Path Retreats has been deeply fulfilling, it hasn’t always been easy. Creating something meaningful requires vulnerability and persistence. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that challenges are part of the process—they shape you and your vision. Every hurdle has reinforced the importance of staying aligned with our core values: authenticity, connection, and intention.

The community we’ve cultivated is what I’m most proud of. Seeing people from all walks of life come together, support one another, and return home feeling empowered is incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a breakthrough moment in a breathwork session or bonds formed during group reflections, The Path Retreats creates an environment where real transformation happens.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is an awesome question! Here are two itineraries, one for Caye Caulker, Belize and the other for Mérida, Mexico.

Caye Caulker, Belize Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Island Vibes
• Check into a cozy beachfront hotel or bungalow.
• Dinner at Pelican Sunset for the island’s best ceviche and stunning sunset views.

Day 2: Snorkeling Adventure
• Take a guided tour to snorkel at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and swim alongside rays, nurse sharks, and turtles at Shark Ray Alley.
• Relax with a Caribbean-style dinner at Shado Beni, featuring incredible Trinidadian dishes.

Day 3: Yoga & Local Culture
• Start the day with a yoga class and healthy brunch at Namaste Café & Yoga.
• Rent bikes to explore the island, and enjoy local treats like Belizean fry jacks from a food stall.

Day 4: Sunset Catamaran Cruise
• Spend the morning swimming or lounging by the water.
• In the evening, take a sunset catamaran cruise complete with rum punch and music.

Day 5: Explore the Split
• Visit The Split, the island’s iconic swimming and social spot.
• Lounge in hammocks and enjoy drinks at The Lazy Lizard.
• Indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant to round out the day.

Day 6: Island Hopping
• Take a short boat trip to San Pedro for lunch at El Fogon.
• Watch planes take off from Tropical Island Restaurant & Bar.
• Dinner under the stars back in Caye Caulker.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch
• Treat yourself to a farewell brunch with tropical smoothies and delicious coffee at Namaste Café before heading home.

Mérida, Mexico Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Yucatán Cuisine
• Check into a charming boutique hotel in Mérida’s historic center.
• Dinner at Holoch for a culinary journey through modern Mayan cuisine.

Day 2: Exploring Mérida’s Heart
• Stroll the Paseo de Montejo, visiting museums and colonial landmarks.
• Lunch at Chilakilez, where their signature chilaquiles are legendary.
• Enjoy an evening at Acervo Mezcalero, sipping mezcal cocktails.

Day 3: Cenotes & Ruins
• Take a day trip to explore nearby cenotes (underground sinkholes) for a refreshing swim.
• Visit Uxmal, a breathtaking Mayan archaeological site.

Day 4: Local Markets & Street Food
• Tour the vibrant Lucas de Gálvez Market for Yucatecan street food and souvenirs.
• Evening at Bird, enjoying craft beers, pizza, and an all-vinyl DJ set in a laid-back atmosphere.

Day 5: Day Trip to Progreso
• Head to Progreso Beach, just 40 minutes away, for a relaxed day by the Gulf of Mexico.
• Feast on fresh seafood at a beachfront palapa.

Day 6: Mérida’s Nightlife
• Explore Mérida’s vibrant nightlife, starting with live music in the plaza and ending with cocktails at a rooftop bar.

Day 7: Relax & Reflect
• Savor a slow morning at a café, journaling and reflecting on the trip, before heading to the airport.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If there’s one person I’d like to dedicate this Shoutout to, it’s my fiancée and co-founder, Samara Ariel. Samara is the heart and soul of The Path Retreats. Her boundless creativity, passion for movement, and dedication to personal growth inspire not only me but everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Samara’s journey has been shaped by a lifelong love for dance and performance. From choreographing routines as a young girl to earning degrees in Musical Theatre and Personal Development, she’s always embodied the art of presence and connection. But her brilliance goes far beyond her impressive credentials—it’s in her ability to light up a room, to listen deeply, and to empower others to discover their inner strength.

At The Path Retreats, Samara has transformed her love for Yoga, Pilates, Mindfulness, and Community into an experience that’s as soulful as it is transformative. Whether she’s leading a barre session or creating an unforgettable retreat itinerary, her attention to detail and genuine care shine through. She’s the perfect balance to my martial arts mindset—bringing grace, warmth, and an unshakable belief that life is meant to be lived in the moment.

Samara, thank you for being my partner in life, love, and this wild, beautiful journey of building The Path Retreats. Your vision and spirit make everything we do possible, and I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone else. This Shoutout is for you—my Co-Founder, my muse, and my greatest inspiration!

Website: https://www.thepathretreats.co

Instagram: @thepathretreats

Other: IG: @samjusino

Image Credits
@troy_page
@samjusino
@samaraariel