Built by Families That Loves Jiu Jitsu
Stargazer Retreats was created from a simple belief:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu deserves a more meaningful setting.
For us, jiu jitsu has always been more than training. It’s community, friendship, resilience, and connection.
Through our roots in Altadena and years in the BJJ world, we’ve experienced firsthand how powerful this community can be — and we wanted to create a place that reflects that.
A place where training feels personal. Where students and instructors can truly connect. Where recovery, conversation, and shared meals matter just as much as time on the mats.
Why the Desert
We chose the desert because there is something special about it.
The stillness. The open skies. The way life slows down.
Near Joshua Tree, surrounded by nature, we found the perfect place to create an intimate experience where people can train hard, recover deeply, and reconnect — with jiu jitsu, with community, and with themselves.
Small groups. Meaningful connection. Luxury without pretension.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the desert.
who we are
lauren randolph
Lauren Randolph has spent more than 20 years creating exceptional experiences in luxury hospitality and events, including nearly half her career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. A lifelong wellness enthusiast, Lauren has trained in Muay Thai with Strikers Inc and taught yoga for many years. She brings her passion for hospitality, community, and thoughtful guest experiences to Stargazer Retreats, where she is dedicated to creating unforgettable weekends that combine world-class instruction, meaningful connection, and the beauty of the California desert.
Lila Smadja-Cruz
Lila Smadja-Cruz is one of the top female competitors and pioneers representing 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu. As one of 10th Planet HQ’s original and longest training students she is the 3rd woman to ever receive a black belt from Eddie Bravo. she was a competitor in the first all-female EBI Tournament on UFC Fight Pass and can boast the second fastest submission ever at 23 seconds. She has dedicated her life to fitness and martial arts. Beginning in 2006, training first in Muay Thai and then jiu jitsu, she then added spinning instructor, certified yoga teacher and certified personal trainer to her resume and coaches both kids and adults. In 2016 co-founded the original 10th Planet Women’s Self Defense program that has a mission of empowering women through the sport of jiu jitsu. 10PWSD is homed at 10th Planet Pasadena where Lila is also heading up the Kids program and adult fundamental program.
Jordan gaskins
Jordan Gaskins is an attorney by trade, but his true passion has always been Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is a black belt under Alberto Crane (Legacy) and also recognized as a black belt in the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu system under Erik “Compella” Cruz. Jordan enjoys both gi and no-gi styles, embracing the unique challenges and lessons each brings. Jordan currently teaches youth classes at 10th Planet Pasadena, where he enjoys sharing the confidence, discipline, and sense of community that jiu jitsu has given him throughout his life. Together with his wife, Lauren, he co-founded Stargazer Retreats to create the kind of immersive experience they have always wished existed—a place where world-class instruction, meaningful connection, and exceptional hospitality come together in the California desert.