The Matador Retreat
CONNECT
Connecting the Head and the Heart
NOVEMBER 13–15, 2026
MATADOR, TEXAS
There are plenty of places where men learn how to be strong and capable.
There are far fewer places where men learn to connect that strength with emotional health, honest relationships, and a deeper understanding of their own story.
The Matador Retreat creates space for that work.
Over three days at the historic Matador Ranch, a small group of men will step away from the normal pace of life to connect, engage their stories, and practice becoming stronger, more integrated men.
Limited to 10 men.
Step Out of the Noise. Step Into the Work.
Weekly gatherings (60–75 minutes) | Group discussion & reflection
Exercises you can take into your week | A chance to slow down, connect, and listen to your life
No pressure. No performance. Just presence.
What is the Matador Retreat?
Hear from The Rugged Journey Founder, John Moore about the purpose of Matador and what men can expect from three days of reflection, connection, and intentional time away.
Have questions about the retreat or whether it's right for you? Reach out to John. He'd be glad to talk with you.
Why This Retreat Exists
Men are often taught how to function well in the world.
Be strong. Be responsible. Solve the problem. Keep moving.
Those things matter.
But strength without connection can leave a man disconnected from his own story, his emotions, and the people closest to him.
The Matador Retreat exists to create a space where men can:
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Engage their stories honestly
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Develop greater emotional awareness
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Build meaningful connection with other men
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Explore the relationship between strength and vulnerability
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Move toward greater authenticity and purpose
This isn't about fixing one another.
It's about becoming more connected to who you are and how you live.
"There are very few spaces in our culture where men can be initiated into not only being strong and capable, but into becoming men who pursue emotional health and connection."
Matador:
In their own words.
Jon: Stepping Away
Sometimes, you have to step away from the noise of the world to reconnect with yourself. That is what this retreat did for me.
Mike: Faith and Peace
God has revealed to me that becoming iron happens at salvation and abiding in Christ, it is sharpened immensely at the Matador Ranch experience because men of faith expose their testimony to the light, therefore it is dealt with and they are sharpened. The experience brought a great deal of peace to me.
Anonymous: Brotherhood
The Matador Retreat gave me a safe space to confront my fears of not being capable or enough. I was surrounded by men who listened to my story, understood my struggles, and welcomed vulnerability without judgment. The retreat helped me explore my story more deeply, face the wounds within me, and better understand myself. I’m deeply grateful for the experience because it reminded me that men can invite one another into their stories and walk alongside each other through life. I left feeling supported, understood, and, most importantly, part of a brotherhood. As others supported me, I was also able to support them as they shared their stories
What You Will Experience.
CONNECT is a guided, three-day retreat centered on honest engagement with your story, meaningful connection with other men, and the work of bringing the head and the heart together.
Throughout the weekend, men will engage in:
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Guided group conversations
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Personal reflection and story work
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Activities that build connection and community
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Time outdoors
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Shared meals
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Space for individual reflection
The goal isn't to manufacture a breakthrough.
It's to create the time, space, and community to engage honestly and move forward.
Who This Retreat is For
The Matador Retreat is for men who:
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The Matador Retreat is for men who are ready to engage.
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Men who want to better understand their own stories.
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Men who want deeper, more honest relationships.
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Men who want to become more authentic, connected, and purposeful in the way they live.
This retreat is not for:
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Crisis intervention
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Passive participation
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Men looking for a breakthrough experience
This is active work. Come prepared to participate, reflect, listen, and engage.
What to Know Before You Consider the Retreat
The Matador Retreat is intentionally structured and deliberately paced.
These details are shared here so nothing is hidden and nothing is rushed.
When and Where
The Matador Retreat takes place November 13–15, 2026, at the historic Matador Ranch in Matador, Texas.
Three days away from the normal pace of life, with room to engage, reflect, and connect.
Limited to 10 men.
The Setting
The historic Matador Ranch gives us room to step outside the routines and demands of everyday life.
Time outdoors. Shared meals. Good conversation. Space to slow down and pay attention to what matters.
The Experience
The weekend includes guided conversations, personal reflection and story work, shared meals, time outdoors, and activities designed to build connection and community.
The pace is intentional, with room for both group experiences and individual reflection.
The Guide's Role
The retreat is facilitated by John Moore, founder of The Rugged Journey, and Justin Ford.
Their role isn't to fix, manage, or provide answers for other men.
They create the space and guide the process.
Founder
John Moore
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, John has spent years walking alongside men and families, with a particular passion for creating spaces where men can slow down, tell the truth about their lives, and discover who they were created to become.
John is honored to walk alongside the men at Matador—not to fix or push them, but to help create a space where real growth, honest brotherhood, and meaningful transformation can take place.
Guide
Justin Ford
Justin Ford is a Licensed Professional Counselor from Amarillo, Texas.
Justin has worked alongside John for many years in nonprofit ministry and private practice. He believes healing begins when men honestly engage their stories and values creating spaces where that work can happen with authenticity and support.
His hope is that men find greater freedom and bring that same strength and presence to the people they love.
Your Investment in Matador
Three days. Ten men. An opportunity to step away and engage in the work that matters.
Retreat Cost: $675 per person
Your registration includes:
+Two nights in a private room at a beautiful, world-class ranch lodge
+Outstanding home-cooked meals throughout the retreat
+Clay shooting on the ranch
+Guided sessions with two experienced guides
+Personal reflection, story work, and meaningful conversations
+Time outdoors, connection, and space to rest and recharge
Every part of the weekend is designed to give you room to step away from everyday demands, engage your story, and reset your mind, body, and heart.
Secure your spot with a $337.50 deposit, with the remaining $337.50 paid in person. You can also pay the full $675 at registration.
November 13–15, 2026 | Historic Matador Ranch, Matador, Texas
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Initiation. Identity. Purpose. Practice.
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