Welcome to a five-day workshop with Ann Danaiya Usher at the spectacular Nøsen Retreat Centre in the Norwegian mountains. This workshop is especially tailored for practitioners of tai chi in the tradition of Moy Lin Shin who have completed the Tai Chi Grammar I course. Building on Grammar I, this course offers a systematic presentation of the next set of principles that can help to deepen your understanding of the movements.
The programme will be playful, interactive, and hands-on, with plenty of time and space to experiment and explore.
Tai Chi Grammar
In language, grammar is the underlying structure guiding and informing the way we speak. Once we speak a language, we no longer need the grammar. But while we are learning, grammar can be a tool that can help us along the way.
“Tai chi grammar” is both a set of principles and a methodology. It aims to give students, veteran practitioners and people newer to the art, an explanatory framework, a set of tools that can help deepen your understanding of tai chi, to gain autonomy in your own practice, and to connect to the spine.
About Ann Danaiya Usher
A resident of Norway since 1996, Ann Danaiya Usher began her practice of tai chi in the early 1980s in Montréal, Canada. She has taught classes and workshops in Canada, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Norway.
Over the last decade, Ann has been investigating the internal structures of the movement, in search of a methodology to inform her own practice and to ground her teaching. This pursuit has resulted in the development of a set of principles – a “grammar” of tai chi.
Previous workshops
The first Tai Chi Grammar workshop was held at Nøsen in autumn 2024, hosted by Ann and her teacher Philippe Gagnon.
Philippe describes the method as follows:
“A structured way to introduce students to a central, yet often elusive, feature of internal movement … stretching the lower spine … addressing one of the cornerstones of internal movement.”
What participants have said:
“It changed the understanding of my tai chi practice.”
“The newest perspective on tai chi I have come across so far.”
“It transformed my understanding of sitting and dropping.”
“Very important in my journey and my learning of tai chi.”
Philippe also accompanied Ann last autumn at the first Grammar II workshop. Ann is excited to offer this course once again.
What to expect:
This workshop will take place over five days. It is intended primarily for people who have attended a Grammar I course. Building on the curriculum of Grammar I, we will go systematically through the principles of Tai Chi Grammar II, finding applications in the set and making concepts relevant to each student’s practice and individual challenges. Whereas Grammar I was mainly about the donyu, Grammar II is centred on the toryu. We will take a deep dive into forward motion – the standing, sitting, and stepping - in our tai chi moves.
The structure of the workshop will be as follows:
• Eight sessions (2.5 hours each), spread over five days.
• Systematic exploration of the principles of Tai Chi Grammar II
• Applications to the set and to each participant’s personal practice
• Optional early-morning stretching and meditation sessions
• Evenings for exchange, free practice, play, and discussion
• Long lunch breaks with time to rest or walk in the mountains
• Lunch is served on Day I. The first session begins after lunch at 3pm.
• The final session is Sunday morning. Lunch also included.
If you have not attended a Grammar I course but would still like to come to the Grammar II workshop in October 2026, please reach out to Ann directly on ann_danaiyausher@hotmail.com.
Workshop Program
Wednesday
• 13:00 – 14:00 - Lunch and check-in
• 15:00–17:30 – Introductions and first practice
• 18:00 – 19:00- Dinner
• 20:00 – Open evening practice, play, exchange (optional)
Thursday
• 07:30 –09:00- Meditation and stretching (optional)
• 09:00 –10:00- Breakfast
• 10:00–12:30 – Practice
• 13:00 – 14:00 -Lunch and free time
• 15:00–17:30 – Practice
• 18:00 – 19:00- Dinner
• 20:00 Open evening practice, play, exchange (optional)
Friday
• 07:30 – 09:00 - Meditation and stretching (optional)
• 09:00 – 10:00 - Breakfast
• 10:00–12:30 – Practice
• 13:00 –14:00 - Lunch and free time
• 15:00–17:30 – Practice
• 18:00 – 19:00-Dinner
• 20:00 – Open evening practice, play, exchange (optional)
Saturday
• 07:30 –09:00- Meditation and stretching (optional)
• 09:00- 10:00– Breakfast
• 10:00–12:30 – Practice
• 13:00 –14:00- Lunch and free time
• 15:00–17:30 – Practice
• 18:00 –19:00- Dinner
• 20:00 – Open evening practice, play, exchange (optional)
Sunday
• 07:30 -09:00 – Meditation and stretching (optional)
• 09:00- 10:00 – Breakfast
• 10:00–12:30 – Practice
• 13:00 –14:00 - Lunch and check-out
About Nøsen
While most of the workshops at Nøsen are yoga-related, Ann has had the privilege of teaching tai chi there since 2017. This centre in the Norwegian mountains has provided an ideal location for our practice with its stunning vistas, warm and informal atmosphere, and beautiful food. Participants can look forward to testing out the new sauna and plunge pool which opens during 2026!
If you are travelling from abroad, please consider arriving a day or so early so that you can enjoy some free time at Nøsen and be rested and ready for a very intensive five days of practice. If you are considering spending one or more extra days at the centre or if you will be accompanied by a family member or friend who is not participating in the workshop, simply send an email to the manager Charlotte Luskepp charlotte@nosenyoga.no and she will provide you with information about prices.
Practical Information
Location: Nøsen is about 3–4 hours northwest of Oslo.
Buses and trains run from Oslo to Fagernes and Gol.
Transport from there to Nøsen is available (for a fee).
Travel details: How to get here.
Meals & Stay:
Lunch is included on Thursday.
Accommodation and meals are provided by Nøsen Yoga and Fjellhotell.
The retreat centre is surrounded by hiking trails—ideal for extending your stay.
Friends and family are welcome. Discounts are available for children.
Questions?
For questions regarding accommodation, transport to Nøsen from Gol or Fagernes, and other logistics, please contact: post@nosenyoga.no.
For questions about the workshop and anything else, please contact Ann here: ann_danaiyausher@hotmail.com
Your Investment
Our retreat offers a range of accommodation options to suit your comfort and budget. Choose the space that feels right for you - whether it’s a cozy shared room or your private sanctuary.
Rates start from 7400 NOK
Included
Accommodation
Three delicious, vegetarian meals daily
Retreat program
Additional services
Can be booked during registration or at post@nosenyoga.no
Transport from/to Gol or Fagernes
Sauna and spa entrance
About Nøsen Yoga og Fjellhotell
Nøsen Yoga og Fjellhotell is a mountain retreat center in the heart of Valdres, Norway, surrounded by breathtaking nature and peaceful hiking trails. We host yoga retreats, workshops, and events year-round, offering guests a chance to slow down, connect with themselves, and enjoy nourishing vegetarian meals in a warm and welcoming community.
About BITR – Back in the Ring
Our hotel is run by a dedicated mix of staff and volunteers, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Some of our volunteers join us through Back in the Ring (BITR) – a transformative program that supports people in rebuilding confidence, resilience, and purpose after life’s challenges. They take part in daily operations while developing practical skills, building community connections, and engaging in personal growth activities. This means you may meet people from all walks of life, each contributing in their own way to the Nøsen experience. We invite you to embrace the spirit of patience, openness, and shared humanity that makes our community special.