Your story begins where ours came alive.

Two dreams came together and became a way of life:
Movement, philosophy and a community that reminds us who we are.

Authentic Non-esoteric Humanity first Equality & respect
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The Spark of a Dream

Björn's dream had always been clear: to open a dojang by the ocean. Bare feet in warm sand. Waves as the rhythm. The horizon would be his roof.

It would be a place where martial arts could return to their essence: simple, pure and alive.

However, as life unfolded, the dream moved from the foreground to the background. But it never vanished; it waited, like a tide that knows when to rise again.

"Some paths appear when we slow down enough to hear them."

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When Two Dreams Met

Katrin had a different vision. She dreamed of retreats that were not places of escape, but spaces of arrival. Places where people could feel whole again and experience philosophy in action through movement, conversation and shared meals. Spaces where joy touches depth, and community grows naturally.

When we shared these dreams with each other, something shifted. We realised that they had never been separate.

They belonged together. And when they met, they awakened each other — larger, warmer and more alive than before.

This is how Do for Life began: not on paper, but through long walks and honest conversations, and the courage to say, 'Why not? Let's do it.'

Yin & Yang – Different, Yet Deeply Connected

  • Yes, we are different.
    Björn brings structure, clarity and a grounding in decades of martial arts and science.
  • Katrin brings warmth, laughter and a lightness that reminds us not to take life too seriously.
  • But our story is not only about difference.
    What binds us is a deep connection: shared life experiences, similar questions and the same longing for authenticity and meaning.
  • Like yin and yang, we are not two halves trying to complete each other.
    Over time, our lives have become interwoven – in love, in trust and in the knowledge that we are walking this path together.
  • This blend of contrast and closeness creates the energy of our retreat.
  • Not only balance, but also a living space where structure and warmth, depth and joy already exist and are ready to be shared with you.

These retreats and courses were never planned on paper.
They emerged from two dreams that inspired each other.
They emerged from long conversations and late-night walks by the sea.

From laughter and tears.

From daring to say: Why not? Let's do it!

And now, here it is:
A space born of two dreams woven into one vision.

This is how the retreats and courses came to life.

Who we are

Björn — movement, depth & clear guidance
Supporting people on their life journey

Björn: Movement, Depth & Clear Guidance

Martial Arts Master & Researcher/div>

A martial arts master (5th Dan, Traditional Taekwon-Do) and head instructor in Heidelberg for over 18 years, Björn brings a rare blend of embodied practice and scientific enquiry. His doctoral research explores how teachers can promote health through martial arts, and his book Die Entdeckung der Kampfkunst (The Discovery of Martial Arts) offers a human and wise perspective on the subject. He teaches with clarity and kindness — no dogma, no spectacle, just transformative practice.

While Björn has had a long and intensive engagement with martial arts, Katrin brings a modern and fresh perspective.

  • 5th Dan (traditional Taekwon-Do)
  • Head instructor & school leader (18+ years)
  • PhD: martial arts & health promotion in education
  • Author: Die Entdeckung der Kampfkunst
Presence over performance Science-informed No dogma
Katrin — warmth, perspective & community
Co-founder & Host

Katrin: Warmth, Perspective and Community

Co-creator of spaces that feel like home.

Katrin brings a lightness that makes depth approachable. With experience in modern Taekwon-Do and later in the traditional path, she combines practice with everyday wisdom, hospitality and humour. She recognises what people need to feel safe and welcome, creating spaces where community flourishes naturally.

While Björn offers structure and clarity, Katrin offers warmth and perspective. Together, they provide a steady yet vibrant path.

  • Background in modern & traditional Taekwon-Do
  • Community & hospitality at the heart
  • Co-creator of rituals & gentle structure
  • Brings humor, care, and ease
Depth with ease Community-first Joy matters

Your story is already inside you.

If you feel the pull, follow it!

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Embodied wisdom & mindful transformation.

From roots to transformation – a unique martial arts philosophy retreat in Portugal. Experience depth, connection & personal growth beyond sport.

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