Our Method: The RDS Philosophy
Decades of Transforming Lives
The Unexpected Discovery
How It All Began
RDS was never meant to become a weight loss retreat.
When Rising Dragon School opened in rural China in 2007, the goal wasn’t weight loss.
People travelled from around the world to study martial arts, improve their fitness, and experience a simpler, more disciplined way of life.
There were no calorie-counting programmes.
No detox fads.
No crash diets.
Just structured training, nutritious food, quality sleep, fresh mountain air, and a complete break from the distractions of modern life.
Then something unexpected happened.
Students began losing weight.
Not a few pounds…
Some transformed completely.
People became leaner, healthier, stronger and more confident simply by living within the RDS environment.
As word spread, more and more people contacted us—not because they wanted to become martial artists, but because they wanted to experience the same transformation.
That’s when I realised…
The environment itself became part of the solution..
Today, science increasingly recognises the influence that environment, routine, sleep, nutrition, physical activity and stress reduction have on long-term health. At RDS, we discovered their combined power through years of coaching real people.
We didn’t invent a weight loss programme and hope it would work. We built a programme around principles that had already transformed lives.
Our programme evolved from nearly two decades of coaching real people and understanding what consistently produces lasting results.
The Birth of the Phoenix Plan
Rather than creating another diet programme, I developed the Phoenix Plan.
It combined everything that had already been producing life-changing results:
• Structured daily routine
• Personal coaching
• Strength training
• Healthy nutrition
• Recovery
• Accountability
• Education
The aim wasn’t simply to help people lose weight.
It was to change the habits that caused the weight gain in the first place.
The Phoenix Plan continued to evolve over the years as we worked with people from different backgrounds, ages and fitness levels. Every guest helped refine the system further, reinforcing one simple truth: lasting results come from changing daily habits rather than chasing quick fixes.
The Evolution
Today, the RDS Health Resort is the natural evolution of everything we’ve learned over nearly two decades.
The philosophy remains exactly the same.
Create the right environment.
Remove distractions.
Build healthy habits.
Support every guest with expert coaching.
The weight loss is simply the result.
The RDS Purpose
The RDS Health Resort is a results-driven long-stay weight loss retreat combining ancient practices with elite training. More than just a fitness retreat, it’s a lifestyle reset.
Our Bohol-based health resort merges science-backed training with holistic traditions. Founded by Scott Bird, this retreat was created for one reason:
To help people reset their bodies, sharpen their minds, and reclaim their health — without hype, gimmicks, or fluff.
Whether you’re here to lose weight, detox, rehab an injury or finally take control of your lifestyle, this space offers real transformations guided by decades of experience in elite training, ancient wisdom, and holistic wellness.
The Health Resort is part of the Rising Dragon School ecosystem, developed over nearly two decades of coaching experience in martial arts, physical conditioning, and personal transformation.
Meet the Founder Scott Bird
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2002/03 British Special Forces (23 SAS selection)
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First foreigner to open a residential martial arts school in China (2007)
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Over 20 years teaching martial arts, fitness, fasting, and mindset
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Leader of the RDS Winter Bootcamp in the Arctic leading a team from Red Bull.
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Long term practitioner of Qigong, mantra chanting, fasting, and breathwork
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Specialist in extreme conditioning, weight loss, and long-term lifestyle change
Scott is the founder of Rising Dragon School — one of the longest-running martial arts and wellness retreats in Asia.
“I created this weight loss retreat in the Philippines to give people a true reset — mentally, physically, and emotionally. I’ve lived this lifestyle for decades, and now I share it with others who are ready to change.”
Our Philosophy
We believe in a simple, powerful formula:
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Discipline over distraction
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Movement and stillness
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Nutritious food, purposeful movement and mindful recovery
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Environment shapes outcomes
Every element of the retreat — from the private, coastal setting in Bohol to the early wake-ups to the deep rest — is designed to strip away distractions and support deep lifestyle transformation and reconnect you to your potential.
This isn’t about soft resets or spa weekends. Our philosophy builds warriors—not just in the gym, but in life.
What Makes Us Different
Here’s why serious guests from around the world choose us:
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Minimum 1-month commitment for weight loss programs — we don’t believe in quick fixes
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Every programme begins with a comprehensive body composition assessment and personalised plan.
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We’ve helped guests lose up to 20kg in as little as 2 months through structured coaching and full commitment to the program.
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All-inclusive pricing — training, meals, and accommodation are all covered
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Peaceful location in Bohol, Philippines — no crowds, no distractions
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Small group intake — we value quality over volume
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True coaching — not spa-style pampering
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Led by real coaches, not influencers — this is one of the few serious fat loss retreats in Asia.
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No crash diets — we teach sustainable health practices backed by real-life results.
More Than a Retreat — A Lifestyle
This is a serious opportunity to get your life back on track — guided by someone who walks the talk and built a reputation on results, not promises. This isn’t just a tropical weight loss resort. It’s a proven lifestyle reset grounded in martial arts discipline, fasting, breathwork, and physical transformation.
When you come here, you’ll train. You’ll sweat. You’ll rest. You’ll learn.
And you’ll leave changed — lighter, clearer, stronger, and ready.
Ready to See What's Possible?
The philosophy is important—but the results speak for themselves.
Explore real transformations from guests who have changed their health, confidence and lives through the RDS system.