Koom Retreat & Training Center is on a 2 Acre family olive farm with the mission to teach martial arts, self-defense, meditation, and promote cultural exchange.
Holidays (13)
2 Weeks of Martial Arts, Detox, Cultural Exchange and Meditation in Marrakech
Available all year round
from US$ 858
30 Days of Martial Arts, Self Defense, Meditations, and Cultural Exchange in Marrakech, Morocco
Available all year roundfromUS$ 1,800
US$ 1,440
10 Day Holistic Martial Arts and Meditation Retreat in Marrakech, Morocco
Available all year round
from US$ 750
7 Day Muay Thai and Boxing Training With Meditation in Marrakech, Morocco
Available all year round
from US$ 900
4 Day of Initiations to Martial Arts, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Sufism and Cultural Exchange in Marrakech
Available all year round
from US$ 300
7 Days of Detox, Chinese Martial Arts, and Crystal Hunting in Marrakech, Morocco
Available all year round
from US$ 900
7 Day All-Inclusive Martial Arts Training, Culture and High Atlas Mountains Trekking in Marrakech
Available all year round
from US$ 1,000
4 Days of Initiations with Masters of Martial Arts, Meditations, and Cultural Exchange in Marrakech
Available all year round
from US$ 580
7 Days of Martial Arts, Self Defense, Meditations, and Cultural Exchange in Marrakech
Available all year roundfromUS$ 750
US$ 675
1 Year Retreat of Martial Arts, Meditation & Teacher Training in Marrakech
Available all year round
from US$ 19,416
3 Months of of Martial Arts Training, Self Defense, and Cultural Exchange In Marrakech, Morocco
Available all year round
from US$ 6,675
2 Hours Online Initiation to Sufi Meditation & Qi Gong
Available all year round
from US$ 68
Sufi Therapy to Bring Healing, Purpose, and Identity with 2 Online Private Sessions
Available from September till July
from US$ 113
Videos (9)
Instructors (3)
Hicham Essadki
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Certified by School
Shengjing Shan
Born in Morocco and a 46th Generation Sufi, speaker of 5 languages, educated in the French system and holder of a bachelor's degree in finance, Sham lived for 20 years in California. After a successful career in real estate financing & restaurant operations, Sham has been called to live and learn from live masters from Hindu, Taoist, Sufi and Buddhist traditions in China and Morocco. In June 2017, he received authorization by his Taoist and Sufi masters to share and teach the techniques he learned.
Khalid Jamoudi
Master Khalid was born in 1971 in Marrakech. He has taught Kototama, Qi Gong, Chakra yoga, Aikido, and Kyosho (art of self-defense). He was fortunate to have teachers who received their teaching directly from the source. He started Aikido at a very young age, 13 years old, and was able to draw all the secrets of this discipline to become today an Elkidoka with verified aptitudes. He is today a recognized aîkidoka with tested powers and skills. At the source of Aikido, there is Kototama, an art form which Master Khalid was able to discover inochi therapy and create his own art Aikishendo.
Hicham Saki
Blackbelt in kickboxing, tae kwon do and certified body builder coach, Hicham is one of the first Brezilian Jiu Jitsu Instructors and Practionners of BJJ in Moroccan and Africa. His gentle style and peaceful attitude makes knowledge transmission easy and fun.
Reviews (60)
Lucas Klapdor
from Switzerland, August 2024
"Eat, train, meditate, sleep!"
The training with Hicham is amazing, very intense, but it varies a lot and he takes care of the daily shape from the participants.
The home cooked food is as well a dream and the culture exchange is very inspiring!
The location is simple equipped and a bit far off, so perfect to disconnect and to focus on training, meditation, eating and sleeping 😊
I enjoyed my stay a lot and can highly recommend it for people who wants to go deeper with their body and mind!
Jack Lord
from Great Britain, July 2024
"Great experience!"
I arrived at this retreat not knowing what to expect, but I was blown away by the kindness of Hisham and his family as they welcomed me as one of their own. The food was great, I met some really nice people and the training was hard but rewarding. I left the retreat feeling better in myself mentally and physically. I will be back 100%. Thanks again
Sky Adams
from Great Britain, July 2024
Overall good exercise and way to disconnect from every day stress, people were very nice and welcoming.
Donny Singh
from Netherlands, July 2024
"Great experience"
The trainings were great also the host is very flexible and the rooms are clean. I had the best time here. Thank you for Hichem and his family.
Virgile Blanchard
from France, April 2024
"Excellente surprise au Koom Center !"
J’ai passé une excellente semaine chez Sham au Koom Center ! Tout était parfait :
Les cours de QiQong, de Boxe et pieds poing, ainsi que les enseignements de méditation soufie sont de grande qualité et nombreux (3 activités par jour).
De plus le cadre est magnifique : un Ryad parfaitement restauré avec des espaces ombragés très agréables. Les chambres sont confortables et aérées. Il y a des espaces de lecture à l’ombre et au soleil, et en bonus on peut souvent se baigner dans le réservoir d’eau d’arrosage (propre et ensoleillé) qui fait office de piscine !
L’accueil a été fantastique : Sham s’occupe vraiment de ses invités et prend du temps individuel avec chacun d’eux.
Enfin, les repas sont copieux et excellents, concoctés tous les jours par l’équipe de cuisinières.
A moins de 20km de Marrakech, on peut s’y rendre facilement pour visiter en taxi ou par ses propres moyens, et marcher jusqu’au village voisin de Sidi Abdallah Riat pour faire quelques courses au souk ou prendre un café en terrasse.
En bref, une excellente surprise ! Merci Koom Center !
Amber Jarecki
from Norway, August 2023
"Excellent retreat for all levels!!"
With Hicham creating an incredible positive and safe environment, all students (especially beginners like me) can feel safe and secure to expand their fitness levels and martial arts capabilites. I definitely exceeded all goals that I set for myself, felt safe enough to confront my shortcomings and emotional blockages, and became very fit and strong; while learning a variety of martial arts techniques. Not to mention Sham's family are incredibly sweet and inviting... and the food served is fantastic!!
Ana Marta Quicho Ledda
from Spain, June 2023
"An amazing experience"
What I liked the most are the great and warm hosts. You feel inmediately at home. Trainings were challenging and useful. Breathing and meditation were great and the philosophy behind every new movement or tool that you learn were just really healing an helpful.
Laurens Rodi
from Netherlands, April 2023
"You will find what you are missing in your life at Koom"
this place offers a very safe yet intensive training for those that are signing up for the martial arts/cultural exchange.
those that are open to new forms of mindfulness and pushing themselves physically, will find that Hicham takes the time to coach you personally and ensures you reach your goals, of course its up to you as a guest too.. But you will not find a better balance of attention to mind and body exercises in this hemisphere.
The family that runs the retreat will welcome you with open arms. I was so much more calm and in sync with my body at the end and received good steps from Hicham for development after the retreat.
in closing I want to add, you can book excursions to Marrakech , Atlas or camel caravans in the desert, which I recommend doing, so the team at Koom is continually working on improving/tailoring the curriculum and content to the individual student and I am definitely coming back for another 10 day retreat.
Patrick Davies
from Great Britain, April 2023
"Helping you achieve personal goals "
The instruction of the tai chi, meditation and qi gong. The fitness aspect was very good and structured for where you are.
The overall atmosphere was friendly and supportive helping to achieve your goals.
Katherine Malone
from Great Britain, January 2023
"Incredible 10-day Experience"
I had an amazing time at Koom! Sham and his family made me feel welcome and at home from the moment I arrived. The experience was a full immersion into Tai Chi, Qi Gong, meditation, and so much more. Sham is an incredible teacher who takes the time to answer all your questions. He is patient, encouraging, and pushes his students to get better. I am still amazed by how much I learned and improved in less than two weeks. Plus, I am still using many of the techniques I learned in my day-to-day life. The center was peaceful and a great place to reflect. The food was fantastic and the room was clean and had everything I needed. If I didn't need to return to work, I would have stayed longer, and I look forward to returning for another retreat. I would recommend this retreat to everyone!
Patrick Seeburger
from Germany, January 2023
"Martial Arts with introduction to Sufism"
If you are looking for a place to spend time on yourself mentally and physically while leaving your daily life for some time this is definitely the right place for you.
EVERYTHING is included when you book your stay here. Beginning with airport pickup, three meals a day, accommodation, 4 training lessons each day and finally airport drop-off.
The schedule and what you seek to learn can also be adjusted to your needs.
Just talk to Hicham and you can work something out that fits for you.
Training can be hard or moderate depending on your needs but there is no shortage in lessons. I would advise to prepare (running, workouts and stretching) in advance to make the most out of training.
You can learn more than you think. Not only martial arts (Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qui Gong), but also about moroccan life, Muslim and Sufi traditions, arabic language and much more. Hicham is a fantastic and inspiring and wise teacher.
Every timeframe for your stay (between 1/2 day to 3 months) will be possible, don´t be afraid to sign up for a shorter stay as well.
I recommend arriving on sunday since the weekends are free of lessons and new lessons start on monday.
I spent 10 days in the retreat and would already consider it as a life changing experience.
Marina Elliott
from Great Britain, January 2023
"Mindfulness retreat"
I absolutely loved my experience at Koom martial arts centre, it offered so much more than just physical training. As a yogi I was looking for a mindfulness and meditation retreat and was absolutely blown away by what the centre had to offer in terms of that: spiritual practices throughout the day, guidance and group meditation. Very warm, welcoming atmosphere made me feel at home right away and food was fantastic with the hosts accommodating any food requirements. Training sessions were absolutely top notch with an individual approach to each participant's needs.
C. Archer
from United States, December 2022
"Koom was a great experience "
Loved it here; from the scenery to the facility and of course the training was gruelling and supplemented by some great meditation as well. I’d recommend to anyone just looking to take a deep look into themselves .
Andrei Belitski
from Germany, December 2022
"Initiation to Tai Chi, Nei Gong and more"
The location is quite secluded (but close to a local car road), so I could fully concentrate on my goals. There is plenty of training locations on site, like on the roof to enjoy the sunshine and Atlas Mountains view, on the ground surrounded by olive trees or just running on the gravel path through the plantation.
Sham and his family are great hosts, very kind and supportive.
The training is quite intensive and even though I could stay only for 10 days, I measurably built up strength. But most importantly I was initiated to Yang Style Tai Chi and other mind body practices by Sham and guest instructors, which was exactly what I was looking for. And in the evenings one can join meditation practices and participate in laid-back discussions about anything, philosophical or just your experiences of the day. So, overall it felt like a holistic regenerative experience to me, which I can highly recommend!
And not to forget the great tasting local food that was being served every day!
Djoni De Vos
from Netherlands, November 2022
"An insightful and peaceful retreat in Morocco "
The atmosphere at Koom is amazing - you feel a certain peace and calmness the moment you step into the training camp. The gardens filled with trees are beautiful, the cats friendly, the other guests interesting. I stayed at Koom for a week, and found it a grounding, insightful, and special experience.
Sham is amazing - stable, calm, friendly, with humor and relativity. The training itself is diverse, challenging but rewarding. All the people I met there are nice and interesting. All in all it's an amazing experience and I hope to be back.
Dawn Lindenbach
from Canada, November 2022
"Couples Retreat"
The training was exceptional, the facilities were beautiful and very functional, and the people were truly kind and accommodating.
Marko Birkic
from Croatia, August 2022
"An amazing week of discovery"
My week at Koom was a great experience that I would recommend to anyone who is interested in learning more about themselves, both on a physical and a spiritual level.
Even for a beginner like myself, although it required some effort, the training sessions were doable and more importantly, fun, thanks to Hicham. Besides martial arts, there are cultural and meditation classes.
The daily Moroccan lunch and dinner were amazing and provided heaps of nutrition for the intensive schedule.
Please note that although the accomodation and facilities are basic, it is perfectly sufficient for resting during breaks and a good night sleep. There is even a pool to cool down (especially when you train in 45 degrees)!
The retreat is semi-isolated (the closest village with a supermarket/pharmacy is a 15min walk away), so plan accordingly. For an additional fee, massages and hamam treatments can be arranged on-site.
Grete Martens
from United States, July 2022
"3 months training Kung Fu"
Training at Koom for three months was a fun training experience. Sham is a great teacher and is very knowledgeable in Kung Fu and the other martial arts he teaches at Koom. I really enjoyed my time at Koom retreat. Everyone there is so nice and helpful. I hope to go again sometime in the future to further my training in Kung Fu.
Richard Martens
from United States, May 2022
"Full immersion in Chinese martial arts"
Both internal and external martial arts are taught. Students progress at their own speed, with individual attention given to help students master forms. Arts are always demonstrated and cultural significance is explained. Hospitality of Koom makes it feel like you are part of the family. Food is spectacular with focus on vegetarian, always plenty to eat. Rooms serve their purpose. Sham is a master teacher, exhibiting all the positive qualities associates with education including patience, enthusiasm and encouragement. In one month, I gained a solid foundation of Qigong, Tai Chi, and Shaolin basics. Spectacular experience and highly recommended.
Anonymous
from Great Britain, April 2022
"10 Days"
Fantastic training, food, instructor and team. Despite being a beginner I felt well accommodated for my lack of experience the entire time and really enjoyed the experience.
Almaas Tanha
from Great Britain, April 2022
"A place of peace and tranquillity for the mind, body, soul"
A world away from the stresses and challenges of everyday life. Every aspect of the human existence is explored throughout this experience. Daily meditations, physical activities and training, spiritual insights and healthy food preparations are offered within a structured plan. I approached it all with an open mind and heart and took away so much from it, and I am now armed with coping mechanisms and tools to use in my daily everyday life after returning home. I feel stronger and more at peace with myself now and I am so blessed to have had the experience at Koom. My instructor/teacher/guide Hicham was a real testament of wisdom and kindness and I am honoured to have had the privelege of his presence. I can honestly say it has been the turning point in my life where I took a look at my inner self and inner being and recognised who I am and who I want to be. May God bless this place and the people in it, and may they continue to share their love and insight with the world and everyone who comes here. A must-have experience.
Oliver Lomp
from Turkey, November 2021
"Better than I expected"
Actually I did not know, what to expect. I just wanted health training camp with good food. I was sceptic about kung fu trainings, but I discovered basically new muscles and it was great. Very good mixture of everything. Bit dissapointed of myself - I should push harder I think - but you need to listen your body also. Food went better day by day and overall very happy I went and am sure, I'll go back in some point. If not this year, the next definetly!
Evelyn Reyniers
from Great Britain, November 2021
I had never done any martial arts before and Koom was an excellent initiation. The instructors are fantastic and Hisham brings in special guests regularly to open up our world. Energy healers, Qi Gong masters, Nei gong masters, it was all very impressive.
The place is beautiful, and gives a protective vibe where you can be think and assess whatever subject you need to.
KK and the kitchenstaff do an.excellent job, the food is delicious and Moroccan, which is nice! The detox weekend was very interesting and the support was more than welcome!
Per Terje Walvaag
from Norway, October 2021
"30 days training in wonderful Marocco."
Very good martial art training in wonderful Marocco. It was a good mix of hard training ex. kick boxing and more slow chinese exercises like tai chi. Hard training and followed by more relaxing so the muscles could relax. The farm was nice for outdoor workouts. Food was good and it is possible to add more meat if wanted. In a setting like this we create a good relationship with other students on the place. The farm was located in an area with many interesting places to visit in the weekends. Old cultural places like Marrakech, Casablanca, Essaouira, Atlas Mountains could be visited to get some nice weekends. Marocco has a lot to offer for all visitors at the free time. The people running the farm were all very friendly and polite.
Khalil Patel
from Great Britain, October 2021
"10 days of pure Bliss!"
Sidi Hisham was extremely hospitable and helpful with any issues I had. The farm on which the retreat is located is extremely beautiful, including the buildings architecture. All the programs from the martial arts to the Sufi talks happened on schedule, with an added guest trainer for the afternoon classes. Great getting to know new faces at the retreat from all over the world and making lasting friendships.
Arthur Pak
from Belgium, September 2021
"-"
Good place for young people that have lots of energy and want to learn stuff.
Place a has good vibration/atmosphere.
Lexis Jackson
from France, August 2021
"2 week getaway retreat "
Everything I was looking for in a getaway retreat! I wanted the mix of the physical and meditation aspects and I found it at Koom. The program was wonderful and Hicham made the practice very enjoyable. Along with that, Hicham and his family was such a pleasure and the food was delicious. I am definitely returning and this time would like to bring my father and sister along. Thank you for your knowledge and hospitality.. can’t wait to return! (Also the people you meet at the retreat will have a special place in your heart forever) definitely book if you are thinking about a program like this!
Anonymous
from United States, April 2021
"This was an amazing experience !"
This retreat was an amazing experience. I loved everything in it. The physical part was demanding, but made me feel good. The environment is superb. The instructor Hisham is amazing. The spiritual component was meaningful. the place is beautiful. You are in a farm, and not in a 5 star hotel so put that in mind. the food was great. there is a very nice family feel. I took my breakfast and watched the sun rise each day from top of the roof which was stunning with the mountain backdrop. I really loved it. !
Ameenah Mohammed
from United States, March 2021
"I extended my stay! "
To be very honest, I liked everything. I came to the center with an open heart to learn and grow and that’s exactly what I experienced. The meditation and prayer times helped fill up my spiritual bank and for that I am forever grateful. The FOOD is for sure a highlight as well, it’s so nourishing and made with love, I miss it so much. I was supposed to stay only 10 days but I extended my time at Koom because it felt like home and I needed a little more time to say my farewells. The martial arts classes forced me to move my body in ways that it needed and I always felt recharged afterwards. What more can I say? The environment was beautiful and it’s truly a blessing to meet like minded people from all over the world. I feel like I’ll always have a place to call home in Morocco.
Kevin Raison
from Ukraine, March 2021
"An wonderful place, my new home away from home"
Koom is a top notch retreat and training center. I felt at ease from the moment I arrived. Hicham is a very observant and adaptable teacher. And his family are wonderful, hospitable folks. The food is beyond incredible, as is the environment. I will be returning as soon as I can to continue my Xing Yi training.
Marcin Krzan
from Malta, December 2020
"Peace, love, support... you can call it home"
This place is a true oasis of peace in the middle of Morocco. I spent 30 days at Koom and the level of hospitality I experienced is remarkable. Hicham and his family are doing their best that you feel like at home. Everybody is so nice and helpful and you can feel that this is all very genuine. Nobody is trying to squeeze the money out of you like on some other retreats, but quite opposite - they're making sure that you have everything you need and feel comfortable on their premises as a part of the package.
Place is stunning, it's a farm house surrounded by olive trees garden. The energy of the place is great, it feels really good to just be there. Perfect place to cut off from industrialised world and re-charge the batteries.
Food is amazing and it's a lot! Really a lot! If you manage to finish everything what is prepared, congratulations, you're a real kung fu warrior ;)
Training program is very good. Hicham has quite individual approach to all students and everybody is getting lots of attention to progress at own pace. Doesn't matter how old you're, he will adjust accordingly. I really appreciate his "no injury" approach - something often overlooked in other places. I also enjoyed a lot, cultural classes and our conversations about spirituality and life - it's a safe environment where you can discuss anything. Very valuable.
Thanks you very much Koom for amazing 30 days, it was really a pleasure and I hope one day in the future our ways will cross again-inshallah!
Christophe Tamburini
from France, December 2020
" Marrakech for ever..."
Un lieu propice au travail sur soi. L'exigence pour donner le meilleur de nous même.
Des personnes compétentes et chaleureuses qui vous accompagnent selon vos besoins.
Des échanges enrichissants sur les différentes spiritualités.
Une variétés de pratiques entre les traditions énergétiques chinoises et le développement des qualités physiques.
La rencontre de la magnifique culture marocaine.
Je pense que c'est le lieu idéal si vous souhaitez préparer un séjours de pratique des arts martiaux en Chine pour vous préparer physiquement et techniquement. Les conditions sont idéales car vous êtes dans une ambiance familiale et bienveillante.
La pratique est exigeante et Hicham est un expert qui sait adapter les objectifs selon les capacités de chacun, d'autant que le groupe d'étudiants reste petit.
Si vous n'allez pas en Chine vous aurez comme moi envie de revenir dans ce lieu unique pour approfondir des techniques qui vous apporteront une base solide pour développer votre énergie.
Ce fut un grand bonheur pour moi de cultiver mon Qi sous le ciel de Marrakech et sous les ailes de Koom...
Merci à Hicham et sa magnifique famille ainsi qu'aux autres professionnels et à mes collègues étudiants. A bientôt
Whitney Taiwo
from Germany, November 2020
"30 days martial arts training in the Moroccan sun "
After months of deliberation I decided to embark on a journey to Morocco to learn martial arts... during the height of the Covid pandemic. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The training centre is located of a functional olive farm away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech city and a few km from a small village, which makes it easy to loose focus on what is going on in the world.
The training follows the traditional daily routines found in Chinese martial arts academies featuring a mix of martial arts, general fitness enhancing classes and strengthening classes. I wasn't expecting my general fitness to be trained too, which was a bonus. Shifu Sham focusses on each individual in the group so we all had our own personal goals and targets that were set at the start.
I left the training centre with newly acquired martial arts skills, increased muscular strength, new friends with shared interests and an enhanced level of joy and peace. You also learn how to practice unicity meditation with the daily meditation sessions.
In addition to the training we all felt extremely lucky to eat delicious healthy meals cooked by a french and moroccan cuisine chef who is an advisor for food sensory panellists. It certainly beats rice 3 times a day.
My daily routine has already changed since returning and I have become one of those people you see doing tai chi and qi gong in the park in the morning! Excited to see where the path leads.
Rawi Kumar Taneja
from Germany, April 2020
"Koom Retreat Center"
It was a nice experience having martial arts mind set and meditation in one
Björn Schwalenberg
from Germany, March 2020
"29 days of Growth"
I booked the 29 days package on a whim, and I was not disappointed. Koom Retreat is the perfect place to detox physically, mentally and emotionally. The main instructor Hisham is amazing, I learned how to reset myself in ways I never imagined. Getting control over mind and body at the same time. Life lessons learned through the usefull techniques of martial arts. I also met amazing people who I am now proud to call friends (both guests and staff). I can't wait to come back. If you are looking for a change of lifestyle, this is a great place to get you started.
Anna Schwalgun
from Sweden, March 2020
"As a dancer I got so many inspirations!"
It was awesome. I could write a whole book about my time there, but to keep it simple and easy to read I can offer this:
This retreat was not only like a holiday. It was a lesson for life, an unforgettable experience of uttermost importance to me. For the external, the movements, I learned many applications I can develop in the future and use in my dance.
For the spiritual, especially the meditation and sufi talk did it for me. Since Sham always adapts to the students needs, he is always open for questions or to help. You learn methods you can always use in life, stuff you can always come back to.
All in all, it was great. I found an amazing place I can always come back to with amazing people. 10/10 would recommend!
Anonymous
from Great Britain, February 2020
"A Unique Experience."
I enjoyed the month I spent at Koom immensely. It's a broad experience, and I found all aspects useful. The training was great. We were pushed and encouraged. Sham was always there to help us improve. The program's structure ensures that you are kept occupied throughout the day, and when the "rest days" come, they allow for much needed recovery time. Excursions over the weekend are possible; we had a wonderful day in the mountains, and another exploring Marrakech. But it was the people that I met that were the highlight for me. I recommend this Retreat to anyone who is serious about making big changes.
Carolina Musmeci
from Sweden, February 2020
"Amazing experience"
To be honest, I liked absolutely everything about this retreat. The atmosphere and beauty of the farm, the food, the sweet cats, the daily program, training and events, the other people attending the retreat..
Hicham is such an amazing human being and great teacher. His wife and family are amazing people too. I enjoyed every second of my time here. I highly recommend this to everyone. I wish to be back soon and stay for longer time. This experience is a memory I will keep in my heart forever and I'm so deeply grateful for it all!
Dawn Chapman
from Great Britain, February 2020
"Retreat"
I liked the schedule.It gave a very good structure to the week. Sham really pushed you to your limits The overall atmosphere at Koom was great. Staff were really nice and also Shams family. I especially loved having the animals around added a bit of fun and company The weekly trip out to the local hammam I really enjoyed with some local shopping. Definately worth going for a month.
Aintzi Martínez Urruzola
from Spain, February 2020
"Great experience that I will repeat for sure."
Everything was awesom.
That place makes me feel at home.
Adam Brinckman
from Spain, January 2020
"Unique Xing Yi internal training, friendlier than Thailand"
Very worthwhile friendly internal and external training from Sham. Santi Shi Xing yi internal training is quite hard but great for rooting and stability. Sham does really care about his guests, students and creates a family atmosphere.The room is simple. Equal time for the 4 students, meant lots of 1 to 1 time.
Anonymous
from Denmark, January 2020
"Perfect"
The trainers family and the staff were wonderfull and the training were perfect.
Victor Mcallister
from Great Britain, December 2019
"Martial Arts in Koom"
I am a 2nd degree black belt in karate and I went to Morocco to look at the Chinese martial arts as a prelude to going to China and Japan to explore the Chinese influence on karate. I was pleasantly surprised by how challenging doing things slower was as part of Tai Chi. The change to Sanda that is more powerful and explosive was also challenging and the use of meditation and sufficient recovery time was also excellent.
Master Sham not only know his martial arts but also knows how to bring the best out of his students. I did not realise how enjoyable power stretching could be!
The atmosphere created by Master Sham, his family and staff at Koom is such that it brings out the best side of the people that attend. I met wonderful people during my stay from different parts of the world and though we all had a very challenging workout we enjoyed it and had fun together.
The food and the fruits available also made the time at Koom very pleasant. Event though Christmas is not a national event in Morocco the family made a special Christmas meal with turkey to make us feel welcome. This just shows the lengths that they will go to make the students feel welcome!
Thanks to one and all at Koom, I am already planning to return in April 2020!
Aron Vanderjeugd
from Latvia, December 2019
"Definitely coming back! "
My wife and I really enjoyed our stay at Koom. Our goal was to live and eat healthy, train hard and have an insight in the Arabic language / way of life. Sham and his family gave us this and so much more. They were very hospitable and threated me and my wife as family. We both had no experience in any martial arts, and my physical condition was bad. But Sham was really patient with us, and helped us to push our limits! Sham is a very experienced teacher with love for all sorts of people. He cheered us up every morning with his smile. The view of the massive Atlas mountains from the rooftop was breathtaking. We are definitely coming back for more! Much love, Aron and Kristina
Alex Gardner
from United States, December 2019
"See you soon"
I find the space Cham holds throughout the day for all the varying skill levels fantastic. The training itself switches up day to day.
Having the freedom to come here and focus on getting fit 4hrs a day really helped me also focus on my full time studies.
The family atmosphere and delicious food were so incredible I am coming back for the Christmas New Year season.
Danielle Howlett
from Great Britain, November 2019
"Amazing experience "
The retreat is on an olive farm in a perfect location to take a needed break from the world.
Everyone was friendly, the food was amazing and the training program really had you focusing on creating a better you, both physically and spiritually.
I only stayed a short time, but I have come away feeling like I’m in a better place to take on the world again.
If you feel you need some time out, whatever your reason might be and you are already considering this retreat, just book it! You will not be disappointed.
Chris Matthewson
from Great Britain, November 2019
"Koom "
Koom is an amazing place. It is located half an hour out of Marrakech towards the Atlas mountains on an olive tree farm, where Cham (who founded the centre and runs it, in addition to teaching the classes) lives with his family. The particular highlights are:
- There is a very friendly vibe about the place. Both Cham and his parents and wife are very kind and hospitable, encouraging you to ask for anything to make your stay more enjoyable.
- The classes are pitched at the appropriate level for the ability of the student. There are relatively few students there at any one time (over the month I was there, the maximum was 6, but 2 or 3 was more typical), meaning you get a lot of individual training to help you develop. The classes are varied, which helps you avoid getting bored with repeating the same classes.
- The food is fantastic. Cham's mum is in charge of the kitchen, where with some help, she cooks up fresh dishes from scratch for both lunch and dinner every day. This food is healthy, tasty, plentiful and can be varied as needed for dietary restrictions etc.
- The facilities were good/ clean/ appropriate for the setting.
Joubin Moghaddam
from Great Britain, November 2019
"Really worthwhile experience"
The course found a great balance and variety of activities, blending the physical with the spiritual aspects of the different practices. Sham was a great teacher and host and was very accommodating to my needs as I am currently recovering from an injury and was not looking for a boot camp style experience. Would recommend
Ana Perdomo
from Mexico, November 2019
"The most amazing week"
I would like to start by thanking Sham and his whole family for hosting me on that amazing week, time flew by so fast.
The property is beautiful, the trainings were so intense but at the same time so satisfying. I would go to bed every night so tired but so happy that Ive learn so much. I also enjoyed a lot getting to know my classmates. The week I spent at Koom was beyond what I expected, everything was incredible, the food, the culture, the classes, the people.
Thank you Sham for having me, and trust me I will be coming back from Mexico to Morocco in a near future.
Mohamed Eljabry
from Morocco, October 2019
"everything was nice"
the friends the food the place
Louise Asher
from Great Britain, September 2019
"Life changing experience - found my inner warrior again!"
Such an awesome time at Koom! I haven't done martial arts for 10 years, though studied kick boxing and Judo and hold a 1st Dan in ITF Taekwon Do. Still I was a little nervous at 51, female and travelling alone. No worries though, Cham made the experience very easy, whatsapping answering all questions and being there outside the airport to pick me up when I arrived. Koom is idyllic. Out in the countryside with the mountains as backdrop. The place used to be a religious centre and you feel the focused vibe when you walk through the gates. The rooms are around a central courtyard full of fig trees, lavender and rosemary and has a central fountain, Meditation type music was playing, blue sky, sunshine - wow! Dinner was served and was healthy and plentiful. Then we went up to the roof top and Cham taught me some Shaoilin basics as the sun went down. Next day early breakfast is followed by an 8am run through the olive trees and a thorough stretch. I'm a Pilates teacher and sports therapist by trade so was impressed with the diligence of the warm up. Training is done in 3 x 1.5 to 2 hour sessions daily & was tailored to the needs of the group (which ranged widely but everyone was accommodated). We covered Sanda, Xing Yi, Shaolin basics, Qi Gong and Chen style Tai Chi. We also did power training and power stretching. There's a spring water pool, washing machines and line, meditation room. meditation classes, massage classes..I could go on! Left feeling I got my fire back. Book this!
Megan Wilson
from Great Britain, May 2019
"An amazing life changing experience "
I learned so many things in just a week of being at Koom. The experience was very unique and very catered to the individual. I really enjoyed staying on the farm and enjoying the local produce and food was fresh and very good.
This was my 2nd time doing any form of martial arts and the workouts and they were very much a push but not so far that you were uncomfortable but Cham will adjust the workout to your pace.
An overall very amazing experience. Would definitely go again!
Frouzan Moshaver
from Netherlands, March 2019
"My time at Koom"
Everyone there is welcoming you with great warmth, the school has a beautiful ancient ambience which brings you directly to a 1001 night feeling. The trees and animals, the fountain, it all adds to the feeling of taking good care of yourself. The food is truly amazing, the schedule has a great variety and Hicham has a lot of joyful motivation to work with you. He has interesting views about life that you can discuss with him and he is open for feedback. The family is very kind and you can learn a lot about Sufism and Moroccan culture.
Sieneke Hopmans
from Netherlands, March 2019
I have learned so much this week on Internal and external martial arts. I feel fitter and with the fresh air and lovely food presented every meal I feel more healthy after the full week of training and Koom Retreat. It was a wonderfull spiritual experience.
Christine Allmendinger
from United States, February 2019
"perfect oasis between mountains, desert & Marrakech"
I had the most amazing time in Hishams Martial Arts Camp! Everyone at the Koom Retreat Center is so nice trying to make you have the best time and taking good care of you. The room was nice and clean and Hishams mum is probably the best Maroccain Cook you could imagine - healthy delicious and divers food every day!
Programm wise it was also the perfect balance between exhausting sporty exercices taking you to the limits, more relaxing meditation, some cultural classes and free time in between and after the schedule!
Thanks for everything!
Joyce Donnelly
from Ireland, February 2019
"Peaceful retreat on beautiful farm "
I wanted to get away for new year but also to train as I have an upcoming Amature fight. Hicham works you hard which I wanted but also plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the farm. Lots of rooftops to soak up the sun on. Within a few days I was so relaxed and de-stressed. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and I even picked up a bit of French and Arabic. There's also a little village about 30 minute walk away and Marrakesh is about 30 mins in a taxi (€10). Would return for sure - such a beautiful and peaceful place.
Eva Vonk
from Germany, January 2019
Koom Retreat is a place to unwind.
Stillness is the word here. Settle down and just be there for some days. Minimalism is a key word. The beautiful gardens and the epic sunrise and sunsets will be all the entertainment you need alongside the full day program. Prepare yourself to be confronted with a juxtaposition between your routine and learning you really do not need much.