Meet Sam Jusino

We recently connected with Sam Jusino and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sam, appreciate you sitting with us today. Maybe we can start with a topic that we care deeply about because it’s something we’ve found really sets folks apart and can make all the difference in whether someone reaches their goals. Self discipline seems to have an outsized impact on how someone’s life plays out and so we’d love to hear about how you developed yours?

My self-discipline comes from choice – the choice to rise above my circumstances, to sharpen my mind and body, and to walk my own path with purpose. I learned early on that discipline isn’t something you’re born with. It’s forged. It’s a fire that must be tended daily, through action, through struggle, through unwavering commitment.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how choices define a person. My father’s decisions, both good and bad, showed me that a person is not bound by their past, but by the road they choose to walk. That lesson stuck with me. I knew I had to be the one to take control of my own path – because if you don’t, the world will do it for you.

Martial arts became my proving ground. Shotokan Karate taught me that discipline is not about force – it’s about flow. It’s about showing up when no one is watching, repeating the basics until they are part of you, and mastering yourself before trying to master anything else. The body follows the mind, and the mind follows the spirit. If any part is weak, the whole collapses.

Entrepreneurship tested me in new ways. There is no Sensei telling you what to do, no pre-set kata to follow. You either build, adapt, and refine – or you crumble. Running The Path Retreats and DISTRIKT has reinforced that self-discipline is the difference between success and failure. If you cannot command yourself, you cannot expect to lead others.

But discipline is not rigid – it’s fluid. It’s about knowing when to push and when to yield, when to attack and when to retreat. Like water, it adapts, but never breaks. My commitment to growth, to integrity, and to the people I serve is what fuels me. To walk the path is to become the path.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am Sam Jusino, a lifelong martial artist, wellness practitioner, and co-founder of The Path Retreats. What we do is more than just organize events – we cultivate transformation. We create immersive experiences that strip away the noise of everyday life and bring people face to face with their own potential. It’s about helping individuals discover their inner strength, heal from within, and walk away feeling renewed, connected, and alive.

At The Path Retreats, we blend the physical rigor of Yoga, Pilates, and Martial Arts with the spiritual depth of mindfulness practices. Picture a morning that begins with meditation under the rising sun, flowing into guided breathwork, and closing the day with sound healing beneath a blanket of stars. Our retreats – whether on the serene beaches of Belize or in the vast quiet of Coachella Valley – are designed to awaken the warrior spirit in each person.

What excites me most is witnessing these transformations. Watching someone release old fears, find clarity in stillness, or unleash their inner power through movement. It’s truly profound. This is the essence of what we do; we hold space for people to explore who they are, beyond societal masks and limitations.

As for what’s on the horizon, we’re expanding our reach. In addition to our retreats, we’re diving deeper into corporate wellness, new territories, and developing a regular cadence for our self-defense workshops. Our goal is to bring these life-changing tools to wider communities, from corporate offices yearning for deeper connection and productivity, to individuals seeking personal empowerment in their daily lives.

In the end, our mission is simple: to inspire people to find their own path. Whether it’s through a well-timed breath, a powerful kick, or simply being present, we believe everyone has the potential to transform their life. We’re just here to light the way.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three core qualities have shaped my journey – discipline, adaptability, and deep presence. These are not just skills; they are ways of being. They are the foundation upon which mastery is built, whether in martial arts, business, or life itself.

1. Discipline

Discipline is the foundation of all progress. It is not about rigid rules or forcing oneself into suffering – it is the art of showing up, every single day, regardless of mood, circumstance, or obstacles. In martial arts, discipline is what transforms raw potential into refined skill. In business, it is what turns visions into reality. And in life, it is what ensures we respond, rather than react, moving with intent rather than being controlled by distractions.

How to develop it? Start small, but be consistent. Success is not made overnight – it is the accumulation of countless unseen repetitions. Whether it’s a daily morning routine, a commitment to train, or simply keeping your word to yourself, discipline is forged in the moments when no one is watching.

2. Adaptability

The ability to adapt without losing yourself is the key to survival and success. In competition, a fighter who refuses to adjust is easily defeated. In business, those who cling to old models will be left behind. Life does not move in straight lines, so to succeed, you must be like water – formless, flexible, and unbreakable.

How to develop it? Let go of attachment to rigid expectations. Be willing to unlearn what no longer serves you. Embrace failure as feedback. If the path you envisioned changes, don’t fight it – move with it. The greatest warriors are not those who resist the storm, but those who dance in the rain.

3. Deep Presence

Most people live either in the past, weighed down by old wounds, or in the future, paralyzed by what-ifs. But power exists only in the present moment. Whether throwing a strike, making a critical decision, or connecting with someone, true mastery is being fully here, fully alive, fully engaged.

How to develop it? Train yourself to slow down and truly observe. Breathwork, meditation, and martial arts are tools that sharpen presence. Pay attention to the way your body moves, the space between breaths, the subtle details in conversation. The more present you are, the more clarity and control you will have – not just over your actions, but over your entire life.

For those at the beginning of their journey, my advice is simple: commit to the path, embrace the flow, and be fully here. Growth is not a destination – it is the continuous unfolding of who you are becoming. Move with intention, train with heart, and above all, trust the journey.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Without a doubt, my fiancée, Samara, has been the most instrumental force in my growth – both personally and professionally. She is the embodiment of strength, grace, and resilience, and her unwavering support has been a guiding light through every challenge I’ve faced.

Samara has this rare ability to see potential where others see obstacles. She doesn’t just encourage me to push through difficulties – she challenges me to refine my approach, to deepen my understanding, and to embrace the process rather than just the outcome.

Her background in dance and fitness has also given me a new appreciation for movement, fluidity, and discipline in a way I hadn’t considered before. Through her, I’ve learned that strength isn’t just about power – it’s about adaptability, rhythm, and connection. She has helped me expand my perspective, reminding me that success isn’t just about skill or knowledge, but about how you show up, how you treat people, and how you continuously evolve.

I am beyond grateful to have her by my side – not just as a partner in life, but as a true ally in this ever-unfolding journey.

Contact Info:

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