Intensive Ba Gua Zhang & Xing Yi Training in Tuscany, Italy – June 13-20, 2026
A rare opportunity to learn Ba Gua Zhang and Xing Yi Quan in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany, Italy. We are delighted to return to Agriturismo Terenzana for a week of intensive training. During our previous Ba Gua and Xing Yi retreats in Tuscany students were amazed by the beauty of the area, the quality of the training, the amazing meals (included in the cost of the retreat) and the warm hospitality of our host, Ivan.
The IAI 2026 Ba Gua Zhang and Xing Yi Quan Training Intensive in Tuscany will focus on the Xing Yi and Ba Gua Animals. We will be exploring the interface of the Xing Yi and Ba Gua conceptions of the animals and how they manifest in forms and techniques. To aid us in this process we will also introduce the Five Animal Play from the Hu Yao Zhen Lineage which has a heavy Xing Yi Quan influence.
This intensive 7-day seminar is open to intermediate and advanced students. If you are not sure if you are eligible to attend, please CONTACT US or have your IAI instructor let us know that you are ready for this intensive.
Retreat is now full – CONTACT US by email to join the waitlist
Make sure to include your name and the words “Tuscany Retreat 2026” in your email.
The week of intensive training will focus on the Xing Yi and Ba Gua Animals, including:
- Five Animal Play: an introduction to the walking patterns of the Bear, Deer, Bird, Tiger, and Monkey and their health benefits, relationships to the internal organs and also fighting techniques.
- San Ti Shi (Three-Body Posture): The key standing posture used in Xing Yi training.
- Pi Quan (Splitting Fist): The essential “fist” of Xing Yi form which all the other fists and animal forms emanate.
- Ba Gua Zhang Fixed Posture Circle Walking (Ding Shi): Ba Gua Zhang’s key Nei Gong for developing power, internal energy, and fighting ability, while also opening and harmonizing the energy channels (meridians).
- Xing Yi’s 12 Animal Forms: These short forms explore the attributes and fighting techniques of the “5 Birds and 7 Beasts”: Dragon, Tiger, Monkey, Horse, Alligator, Hawk, Rooster, Swallow, Snake, Bear, Eagle and Tai Bird. Xing Yi and Ba Gua practitioners use the animals to grasp essential internal principles and to understand how changing internal intention changes the external form. We will cover as many animal forms as possible.
- Ba Gua “Pre-Heaven” Eight Animal Form: This comprehensive form contains many variations on the Xing Yi animals and combines them with Ba Gua’s circle walking strategies.
IAI Founder Tom Bisio and IAI senior instructor Valerie Ghent will personally oversee every aspect of training.
Schedule
| 6:30 – 8 am | Early Morning Training Session |
| 8 am | Breakfast |
| 9 am -12 pm | Morning Training Session |
| 12:30 – 1:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 4 pm | Siesta |
| 4 pm – 6 pm | Afternoon Training Session |
| 6:30 pm | Dinner |
| 8-9:30 pm | Evening Training – 2 evenings TBD |
Saturday, June 13: arrival (between 4pm-6pm), dinner, evening orientation
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday (June 14, 15, 16): full training days with above schedule
Wednesday (June 17): half day of training (until 12pm)
Thursday and Friday (June 18, 19): full training days with above schedule
Saturday (June 20): Early morning training only. departure from Terenzana by 11am
Location
Agriturismo Terenzana is a beautiful 13th century estate and farm situated in a secluded and idyllic location. It is very close to famous vineyards, towns like Sienna, Bolgheri, and Volterra, and within 20 minutes of the Etruscan coast with its beautiful beaches. The farm produces olive oil and has hundreds of olive trees.
The grounds are quiet with amazing views, olive trees and quiet places to train under old oak trees. There is a large swimming pool and meals will be served in the restaurant/bar on the premises.
Room Options
There are multiple room and pricing options, including single, double and a few triple rooms. There is also space for family, partners or friends to stay at Terenzana (room and board only). Please contact us for details.
Please note the number of rooms is limited, so don’t hesitate to register if you are planning to attend.
Arriving by Air
Nearby airports include Pisa (closest), Florence and Rome. For those not driving or renting a car, transport can be arranged from the Cecina train station.
Retreat is now full – CONTACT US by email to join the waitlist
or to learn about alternate lodging options
Make sure to include your name and the words “Tuscany Retreat 2026” in your email.
