San Da Intensive x Taiji and Taoist Meditation Retreat with Shifu An Jian Qiu (All inclusive)
Water or fire, internal or external, Yin or Yang- this time, choose your path.
Fight through 5 days of intense Chinese kickboxing training- push the limits of your fitness with padwork, pressure-test yourself in sparring, and study to integrate unique San Da catch-and-throw sequences and wrestling entries into your game.
Or...
Immerse yourself in the serene mountains of Biokovina, nestled between earth and sky, to journey into the numinous depths of Chinese internal arts through Taiji and Taoist meditation, inspecting and experiencing the spiritual and metaphysical core of Chinese kung fu.
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- Duration : 7 days, including arrival and departure
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📅 September 28th - October 4th -
🎓 Limited to 12-20 participants for a high-quality, personalised experience -
📍 Biokovina Wild, Bosnia -
💷 €949 (includes training and tuition, meals, accommodation, cultural and entertainment programme)
Meet Shifu An Jian Qiu
An Jian Qiu is the 5th-generation master and inheritor of the An family Chinese martial arts lineage, passed down from father to son. He began training at age six, progressively mastering the principal family styles of Baji Quan, Xing Yi Quan, Bagua Zhang and Taiji Quan through his youth. As a young adult, he expanded the family system by mastering modern San Da (Chinese wrestling-kickboxing) and integrating its combat strategies.
Shifu An is known for teaching fully in English, emphasising the practical application of traditional movements, and demonstrating exceptional explosive power in his Baji Quan- beautifully contrasted with the softness of the family’s internal arts including an old style of Wudang Taiji.
In addition to teaching domestic and international practitioners at his school HQ in China on a permanent basis, Shifu An has taught many workshops in China and Europe for new and experienced practitioners interested in kung fu fundamentals, training methods, and philosophy; studying the An family arts; and the application of traditional kung fu and San Da in combat.
His series of retreats in Europe have already attracted the attention of major figures in the martial arts community, and offer An Shifu a unique opportunity to forge strong bonds with dedicated practitioners from around the world.
SAN DA:
- - You’re a fighter, with a background in K1, kyokushin, Muay Thai, BJJ, etc., and you are curious to learn what San Da has to offer studying under an ex-provincial team member.
- - You’re a traditional martial arts practitioner interested in testing your spirit in the ring, and in discovering how traditional techniques can be adapted for use in combat sports.
- - You’re a disciple of Shifu An, and you want to understand why he incorporated San Da into the family system above all else.
TAIJI AND TAOIST MEDITATION:
- - You wish to gain the benefits of one of the oldest formal systems of relaxation, recovery, and health building.
- - You want to go yet deeper into your study of the Chinese internal arts with An Shifu, with a focus not previously offered in his retreats.
- - You desire to rest and recuperate in a beautiful mountain setting, connecting with the earth, forests, sky, and stars in contemplation.
- You’ll return home stronger, carrying with you the tranquility of time spent in nature and the camaraderie of training alongside like-minded practitioners.
- You’ll advance your kung fu skills - returning students will consolidate and build upon what they’ve learned in China or in previous retreats and workshops, and newcomers will build a solid foundation in An-style kung fu. You will go home with lots to add to your daily training schedule, to transmute competence to mastery.
- Through conversations with Shifu An and fellow students, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Wushu and Chinese arts- San Da or Taiji, hard or soft- and what they truly mean for you. You’ll experience dedicated full-time training in traditional Chinese style and leave wanting more!
- - San Da: Prepare for five days of intense training- build your conditioning in advance to maximise your time with Shifu An and prevent early burnout.
- - Taiji: The training will be gentle and slow, the meditations will be long and quiet. If desired, focus your preparation on gentle mobility and mindful motion, and building strength in your legs.
Ensure you have appropriate travel insurance!
Weather allowing, training will primarily take place outside in the forest, on the mountains, under the sky, so bring suitable footwear (ideally a change too) and clothing for a range of temperatures and training intensities, including waterproofs.
The retreat location offers an ideal opportunity to disconnect, so try to protect your time to take full advantage of this and contribute to a sense of focus and discipline for all participants to enjoy.
What to Expect
On arrival day, you’ll settle into the mountains with a hearty meal and a relaxed evening programme. Together with your fellow practitioners and Shifu An, you’ll take time to connect, adjust to the location, and set your intention for the experience ahead.
Monday to Friday, there will be multiple sessions daily, with one training session or meditation daily for each group taught entirely by Shifu An. Other sessions are guided by senior An Wushu instructors, and for the Taiji group there are also guided nature and relaxation experiences. The evening programme is interspersed with opportunities for cultural and entertainment experiences and visits for the whole group, rest and recovery as needed, and time to deepen your connection as a cohort.
Experience martial arts as a way of life, deeply rooted in nature: hike through ancient forest to reach your training ground, splash yourself with fresh spring water to cool off, practice Qi Gong as the sun sets over the ridgeline, and gather by the fire to reflect on your progress under the open sky.
Daily Flow
San Da:
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- Early morning: Warm up and stretching (led by An Wushu senior instructor)
- Late morning: San Da instruction and training (led by Shifu)
- Afternoon: San Da training (led by An Wushu senior instructor)
Taiji and Taoist meditation:
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- Early morning: Standing meditation and Qigong [Zhan Zhuang] (led by An Wushu senior instructor)
- Late morning: Taiji practice, nature immersion, meditation, and relaxation (led by An Wushu senior instructors and guest instructors)
- Afternoon: Taiji and Taoist Qigong/meditation instruction (led by Shifu)
Evening (both):
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- Discussion with Shifu, entertainment, meditations, cultural and entertainment options.
Accommodation & Meals
Shared accommodation is in cozy, rustic houses on-location. Private rooms may be available upon request, depending on numbers.
Enjoy three freshly-prepared, nutritious meals daily, featuring local specialties and high-quality ingredients. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements may be accommodated on request.
Getting there
Participants should plan to arrive in Jajce, Bosnia on or before Sunday September 14th/21st. Biokovina can be reached from Jajce by car for those driving, or shuttle transport can be arranged as required.
Travel to Jajce is most convenient from Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Split or Zagreb, and each arrival route offers additional chances for sightseeing and cultural exploration.
(Need help planning your route? Contact us for recommendations.)
Retreats Accomodation
Lower Cherry Cottage
Upper Cherry Cottage
Walnut Cottage
Mulberry Cottage
Communal Spaces
Our thoughtfully designed communal spaces offer the perfect blend of comfort and connection. Whether sharing stories around the fire or unwinding in nature-inspired lounges, these areas invite relaxation and foster meaningful connections with fellow guests.
Nature Spaces
Explore lush permaculture gardens and serene forests, where harmony with nature thrives. Perfect for relaxation, reflection, and discovery.
Location
Address
Biokovina Wild, Biokovina BB,
Jajce, 70101, BiH