The Original Ground

Westlake is where this work first took root.

The environment is quiet, stable, luminous - allowing attention to settle into body without distraction. This retreat emphasizes establishing internal coherence: how the body organizes itself under gravity, how pressure distributes force and supports you without effort, and how upon this stability, awareness expands, above and beyond what you had known.

Nothing here is rushed. Nothing is theatrical.
What forms is a reliable internal ground you can return to long after the retreat ends.

Welcome

A message from the Instructor, from the first inaugural retreat.

What Awaits You

  • Sunrise Meditation on the veranda - Align breath with mountain light and with your highest truth .

  • Morning Qigong – Body-method, energy work, intention mastery. Learn to manifest your spirit completely.

  • Energy Cultivation - Awaken your capacity to direct the energy within you and beyond, for self healing and profound energy work.

  • Tai Chi Journey - Explore the complete depths of Tai Chi, from the true, often hidden foundations, to the deepest and most closely kept applications

  • Nightly Fire-Circle Dialogues – philosophy, lineage stories, tea ceremony.

What We Work With

  • Structural alignment without rigidity

  • Pressure distribution through the fascia

  • Song as release without collapse

  • Stability that does not rely on tension

  • Power that flows without effort

  • Awareness that remains continuous through movement

  • Qi, Dantian, & Spirit: not theorized or imagined, but felt, grounded, and embodied.

Instruction is precise and personal, guided by direct observation rather than explanation.

The Character of This Retreat

Westlake is foundational.

It is especially suited for:

•Practitioners seeking depth rather than intensity
• Those seeking internal structure and stability
• Students feeling the pull towards transmission, not accumulation
• Anyone seeking wanting clarity that persists in daily life.

This retreat does not aim to overwhelm or impress.
It aims to settle something correctly.

The Character of This Retreat

Westlake is foundational.

It is particularly well-suited for:

  • Practitioners seeking depth rather than intensity

  • Those seeking to improve and master their inner world

  • Students feeling the pull towards transmission, not accumulation

  • Anyone wanting clarity that persists in daily life

This retreat does not aim to overwhelm or impress.
It aims to settle something correctly.

Practical Notes

  • Small group, limited attendance

  • Daily training balanced with rest and integration

  • Open to sincere practitioners

  • Partner work integrated gradually and safely

Discover the Serenity

The Sanctuary Experience

Your eight days will be spent in a private meditation retreat center that offers:

  • Panoramic views of rolling hills

  • Breathtaking sunrise and sunset vistas

  • Peaceful training spaces

  • Comfortable accommodations

  • Nourishing meals

  • Close proximity to luxury dining and shopping options (10-minute drive)

  • Complete immersion in Tai Chi and Qigong

What's Included

8 day / 7 nights accommodations

All instruction and training materials

Daily practice sessions

Personal guidance and correction

Morning and evening meditation

Comprehensive manual

Recorded follow-up materials

Post-retreat online session

Retreat Itinerary

A look at the study ahead

  • Tai Chi Strong - Unlock the internal power already inside of you, awaiting your discovery

  • Tai Chi Flow - Reclaim union with heaven and earth, to feel lightness, ease, and flow inside every movement and every moment

  • Tai Chi Glow - Reconnect with your highest self and deepest truths to become a luminous beacon of blissful presence

  • Golden Bell Qigong - Heal long held wounds, physical and emotional, and forge yourself anew with immovable integrity

  • Internal Power - Harness the highest level of Yang Style Tai Chi's Internal Power

  • Bliss Alignment - Reconnect with the original energy of the Tao, to return to the you that you have always been

  • Healing - Turn your mastery outwards, as you bring coherence and healing upon others who would benefit

Extremely Limited Availability

To maintain the highest quality experience and ensure personalized instruction, this retreat is strictly limited to 10 participants.

Instructor(s)

Instructor Bio:

Shifu Lin is a lineage holder in Yang Tai Chi, Chen Tai Chi, Yin Bagua, Plum Flower Mantis, Eight Step Mantis, and Nanjing Guoshuguan Shaolin with more than two decades of teaching experience, whose rare knowledge of internal arts has been sought by practitioners worldwide. Known for making profound concepts accessible and providing personalized guidance.

He was awarded medals for swordsmanship, Shaolin, and Northern Chinese martial arts internationally in Shandong and has developed numerous martial arts training and health treatment programs combining Western medical science, Qigong healing, spiritual healing, and traditional Chinese martial arts.

Shifu Lin

Lead Instructor

Become a Part of the Phoenix Mountain Westlake Fellowship

As one of the only ten learners committed to and attending this event, enjoy a spirit of fellowship and ongoing benefits

  • Ongoing Personalized Guidance

    Ongoing guidance from the instructor to help you realize all of your potential.

  • Follow Up Fellowship Reunion Review

    Three 60-min live Zoom coaching sessions post-retreat.

  • Fellowship Online Community

    Lifetime access to our Fellowship online community, to connect, to share your continued growth, to experience the transformation you will all have enjoyed together and that you continue to bring to the world.

FAQ

  • When is the retreat?

    March 15th, 2026 - March 22nd, 2026

  • Where is the retreat?

    In the hills of Westlake, CA, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains.

  • What airport will I fly into?

    LAX and BUR, Burbank airport will generally be a faster travel experience.

  • How much experience do I need with Tai Chi?

    You do not need to have prior experience. All you need is an open mind, and a genuine, sincere desire to grow beyond where you had been.

  • What kind of room accommodation are there?

    There are private rooms as well as shared rooms, as availability permits. Email us to inquire about current options and let us know your preference.

  • Will you be able to accommodate my dietary restrictions?

    We will do our best to fulfill your dietary needs. In the event that we cannot do so, a variety of quality restaurants serving a diverse range of dietary preferences are available within 15 minutes of the retreat.

  • Will I have access to modern amenities?

    The retreat, while serene, is just minutes way from major and luxury shops, restaurants, and services, to accommodate any of your needs beyond Tai Chi & Qigong. There is wifi and modern comforts on-site.

  • Are the local areas safe?

    Westlake Village, a part of Thousand Oaks, CA is one of the safest, lowest crime areas in California. Feel free to explore and enjoy what this positive community has to offer during your stay.

  • Can I bring a spouse or travel companion who is not attending the programming?

    Yes! A Companion Pass is available inclusive of the following:
    • 8 days, 7 nights in shared room
    • Daily fresh, hand made meals
    • Morning and evening tea bars
    • Access to walking trails & meditation deck


    NOT included are:
    • Tai Chi / Qigong classes & labs
    • Retreat training souveniers

Claim Your Place

10 Spots, 6 Remaining, 12 Weeks to Go.

  • 00 Days
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Registration is limited. When the retreat fills, it closes.

Claim your place.

Invite a Kindred Spirit — Receive $300 in Practice Credit

The Phoenix Mountain tradition has always grown heart-to-heart. Refer a first-time attendee and, when they reserve their seat, you’ll receive a $300 Invitation Credit toward any future retreat or masterclass. Your guest also enjoys a $200 welcome honor on their tuition. Limited to two invitations per practitioner; valid until all ten seats are filled.

We’re Here for You!

Have questions or need assistance? Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help and look forward to hearing from you!