In stillness like a great mountain
In movement like a mighty river
MOVE WITH US UNDER THE OPEN SKY
Step out of the rush of daily life and immerse yourself in a week of attentive movement, deep breathing, and connection to your body and surroundings. Set in the peaceful landscapes of Portugal, this ITCCA retreat offers a unique opportunity to deepen your Tai Chi Chuan practice—whether you're a beginner or an experienced student.
Each day combines the meditative strength of the Original Yang Style with space to rest, reflect, and reconnect. Through solo form, partner work, and focused training sessions, you'll refine your alignment, awaken your internal energy, and rediscover how ease and strength can move together.
This retreat is organized for the fifth consecutive year by the Tai Chi Chuan teachers Stefan Diderich and Maya-Matthea van Staden.
Retreat 4th-11th October 2025
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This retreat is not only about technique—it’s about cultivating presence, awareness, and embodied vitality. Practicing in nature enhances the experience, allowing you to tune into your surroundings and return home with a grounded body and a quiet mind.
Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, recharge your energy, or simply enjoy Tai Chi in a beautiful setting—this retreat invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and move with intention.
Come move with us under open skies.
Loural Eco Village
An inspiring environment for reflection, creative exchange, and shared visions on health and permaculture gardening.
Throughout the week, we offer a full schedule of Tai Chi Chuan training, complemented by collaborative activities initiated in partnership with the team from Loural Eco Village.
Loural Eco Village is located southeast of Coimbra, in an area of spectacular natural beauty.
Accommodation costs will be invoiced directly by the Loural Village organization. A prepayment to Loural is required and will be invoiced around August 1st, 2025, following your registration.
Address:
Aldeia Velha, 3330-072 Colmeal, Goís, Portugal (near Arganil)
Phone: +351 969 000 866
👉 The Loural Eco Village website is worth visiting to learn more about the surroundings and facilities.
The price for accommodation includes all taxes, three vegetarian meals per day, Wi-Fi, and access to all facilities.
Updated Accommodation Prices – Effective January 2025: option1: Shared stay at the glamping site (Lotus Belle tent, max. 3 people): €80.00 per night Option 2: Private stay in a shared indoor room (max. 2 people): €100.00 per night Optie 3: Private indoor stay in a multi-bedroom space (single occupancy): €130.00 per night Please note: lunches and dinners outside of the residence are not included. We will coordinate transport from Coimbra to Loural together. Once everyone’s flight details are confirmed, we can also arrange to travel together to Coimbra. Taking the train is very easy and manageable. For the return journey, we’ve previously rented a shuttle bus to travel back in groups. In our experience, most participants fly to and from Porto. Please use after registration for the retreat the shared Signal group to check in with others if you’d like to coordinate your journey.
The price for the Tai Chi Chuan classes, 6 days: € 330,00
Arrival and Daily Schedule We aim for all participants to arrive on Saturday before sunset, ideally around 17:00. After a light dinner, we’ll gather in the meditation hall for the opening of the retreat. Daily class schedule: 07:30–09:00 – Morning practice 09:00 – Breakfast 10:00–13:00 – Midday session 13:00 – Warm lunch 16:00–19:00 – Afternoon session 19:00 – Dinner Retreat Fee: €330 Payment is preferred via bank transfer to: IBAN: NL27 ASNB0950 3823 29 Reference: Please include your full name and “ITCCA Retreat 2025” If needed, an invoice can be provided. Please ensure payment is completed at least two weeks before the retreat begins. Cancellation Policy Your registration becomes binding after July 31st. In case of cancellation, 50% of the retreat fee will be charged. In situations of force majeure, individual cases will be considered for a possible refund.
Taoist Sitting Meditation & Self-Massage
The principles of body posture in Taoist sitting meditation are closely related to the upright alignment practiced in Tai Chi form and standing meditation. Taoist sitting meditation is a full-body experience that includes breathing practice in an awake, attentive state—seeking the point where movement becomes free from restraint, spontaneously present, and where a natural stillness arises. This state is often described as “emptiness.” Taoist self-massage supports this process. Through sensitive, guided touch, self-massage connects Yi (intention) and Qi throughout the entire body, bringing it into a calm and relaxed state. This practice is usually done while sitting. As the tissues soften and the body relaxes, the breath naturally becomes longer and deeper. When the body is tense, however, breathing exercises may feel forced, with short and shallow inhalations and exhalations. Relaxation and openness allow the breath to flow with ease and quiet strength.
Qi Kung, Ba Gua Qi Kung, Yi Kung
These exercises come from the inner tradition of the Yang family and were historically taught only to family members. They are designed to cultivate Qi (vital energy) and Yi (intention). Practice may be done in stillness or with subtle movements in the upper and lower body, always maintaining an upright spine. These methods are closely related to Zhan Zhuang (standing post), a foundational practice in various internal martial arts. They help develop awareness of central equilibrium and heighten sensitivity to tension or holding patterns in specific areas of the body.