Welcome to a six-day workshop with Ann Danaiya Usher at the beautiful 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 attended the Tai Chi Grammar I and/or Tai Chi Grammar II courses.
As with Ann’s previous workshops, the programme will be very interactive and hands-on, with plenty of time and space to play, experiment, and explore the surroundings.
Why “grammar”?
In language, grammar is an underlying structure. As native speakers, we do not need to think consciously about grammar; the fluency and flow come naturally. It is when we are trying to master a new language that learning grammar becomes necessary. No longer able to rely on what “sounds right,” grammar helps us understand why we say, for example: “I walk to the park,” and not “walk I to the park.”
Just as knowing English grammar does not automatically make one a fluent speaker, Tai Chi Grammar is not the whole story of tai chi. Rather, it aspires to serve as an explanatory framework - a guide and a tool - for veteran practitioners and people newer to the art. It helps students deepen their understanding of the art and gain autonomy in their own practice. It is a set of principles and a methodology. Above all, it provides concrete ways to connect all parts of the body to the spine so that the movement becomes more integrated and unified.
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. Master Moy had moved to Montreal from Hong Kong in 1970 and taught there for several years before settling in Toronto. There was an electric atmosphere of learning, questioning, play and experimentation in Montréal during those years, and Ann had the privilege of practicing with many highly experienced teachers who had studied with the master. She has carried that spirit with her through the years. Ann 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 set of principles to inform her own practice and to ground her teaching. This pursuit has resulted in the development of a “grammar” of tai chi.
Previous workshops
Tai Chi Grammar I, presented for the first time at Nøsen in the fall of 2024, is about understanding the donyu; moving through the spine, mainly, while remaining planted on two feet. Tai Chi Grammar II focuses on the toryu and the transfer of weight, both back and forth and from one foot to the other while moving through the room. The theme of Tai Chi Grammar III will be integration of principles introduced in the previous two courses. Together, we will undertake “grammatical analysis” of movements in our set to help us become conscious of “hows” and “whys” in the choreography. This is an approach that students can, hopefully, take home and apply in their own daily practice.
For Tai Chi Grammar III, Ann is delighted to be joined by her teacher Philippe Gagnon who has supported and accompanied her in the journey of developing this teaching method.
Philippe describes the grammar as follows:
Grammar I: “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.”
Grammar II: “Expanding the stretch and release of the spine to connect to the limbs and move in spirals.”
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.”
The structure of the workshop will be as follows:
Ten sessions (2.5 hours each), spread over six days.
Systematic exploration of the principles of Tai Chi Grammar
Applications to the set and to each participant’s personal practice
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 Saturday morning. Lunch on the last day is also included.
If you are planning to come and have the possibility to book early, please do so, to ensure that you hold a spot and reserve the type of room that you want.
If you have not attended a Tai Chi Grammar course but would still like to attend in July 2027, please reach out to Ann directly on ann_danaiyausher@hotmail.com.
Program
Monday
13:00 – 14:00 - Lunch and check-in
15:00–17:30 – Introductions and first practice session
18:00 – 19:00- Dinner
20:00 – Open evening practice, play, exchange
Tuesday
07:30 – 08:30 - Meditation and stretching
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
Wednesday
07:30 –08:30 - Meditation and stretching
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
Thursday
07:30 –08:30 - Meditation and stretching
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
Friday
07:30 – 08:30 - Meditation and stretching
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
Saturday
07:30 -08:30 – Meditation and stretching
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 offered tai chi courses here 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 opened during 2026!
If you are travelling from abroad, please consider arriving at Nøsen a day or so early so that you can enjoy some free time at the centre and be rested and ready for a very intensive six days of practice. If you are considering spending one or more extra days at the centre (before or after) 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 Ida Molund Vasstrand ida@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:
Accommodation and meals are provided by Nøsen Yoga and Fjellhotell.
Lunch is included on the last day, Saturday.
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.
Prices from 9 540,00,- NOK
Included
Accommodation
Three delicious, vegetarian meals daily
Retreat program, mats and yoga props.
Add ons
Transport from/to Gol or Fagernes
Sauna entrance
Dog-friendly room – please contact us to check availability
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. There will be plenty of time each day to go hiking, enjoy the tranquility, bathe in mountain lakes, cycle, paddle or just lie in the grass to relax.
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 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