- LanguagePortuguese, English
- Duration5 days
- DifficultyBeginner
- Next DateUpon Request
Traditional Kung Fu meets ecological living in this transformative 5-day immersion retreat focusing on the ancient Chinese tradition of Wu Xing Chuan (Fist of the 5 Animals) at EcoAldeia do Vale.
This comprehensive traditional Kung Fu retreat combines martial arts training with permaculture principles, offering participants a unique opportunity to awaken the warrior spirit within while connecting deeply with nature. Led by João Tiago Blasques de Oliveira Barroso, who has dedicated 15 years to studying traditional Kung Fu under sifu Mário Lameiras, this retreat provides authentic transmission of Shaolin’s 5 Traditional Animals system.
The retreat integrates daily Qi Gong practice by the river, nature contemplation, personal defense training, body and mind work, self-massage, and philosophical teachings within a permaculture environment. Participants will care for the transformation garden that hosts them, explore forests, rivers, and waterfalls through nature walks, while developing the 5 Excellences through focused daily practice. Each day centers on one traditional animal archetype, though Tiger and Dragon are practiced daily, culminating with the Dragon (Lóng) on the final day.
Daily Program Structure:
- Morning Sessions: Operational martial arts work including body-to-body techniques, meditation, Qi Gong, and respiratory work with and without sound
- Lunch: Community meal in the village, relaxed and free
- Afternoon Sessions: Continued martial arts practice transitioning to contemplation and philosophy with tea circles, nature contemplation, written exercises, artistic expression, and sharing
- Evening Sessions: Qi Gong practice, feedback circles, followed by free time for socializing, meals, music, and bonfire
Daily Focus:
Each day focuses on one Traditional Animal while maintaining Tiger and Dragon work throughout, developing the 5 Excellences daily through technical, philosophical, and elemental transmission according to traditional Chinese logic.
Why join?
Perfect for martial arts practitioners seeking authentic tradition and beginners with strong willpower and openness to challenge. Experience transformation through ancient warrior practices while living sustainably in harmony with nature.
What’s included:
🥋 5 Traditional Shaolin Animals introduction and immersion
🥋 Daily Qi Gong by the river
🥋 All meals and natural spring water
🥋 Nature walks through forests, rivers, and waterfalls
🥋 Permaculture environment immersion
Accommodation: Camping (participants provide own equipment)
Required Materials:
- Personal camping equipment for 5 days
- Training clothes (loose, light, flexible, preferably natural fabrics)
- Flat-soled training shoes and light hiking footwear
- Swimming clothes for river activities
- Head protection (caps or hats)
- Note-taking materials and personal hygiene items
Related Tags: Mind & Soul, Eco-Nature
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More about your Teacher Aldeia do Vale
This project began in 2016 and is the environmental hub of CENEA, the Explosive Circuit Association, driven by the desire to provoke significant changes in how we live and view planet Earth.
We are a research center dedicated to regeneration, offering comprehensive training in areas such as permaculture, agroecology, regenerative agriculture, natural building, water landscapes, personal development, and much more.
Located in the municipality of Sintra, near the border with Mafra, in a place called Barreiros, the project encountered a sad and abandoned site marked by the passage of time. However, the peace and beauty found in this place inspired us.
Our Vision:
We believe in a better world! We envision an ecologically balanced and abundant planet, where all forms of life are respected. We believe that to see change, we need to be part of it, and together we can make a difference in the environment around us.
Our Mission:
We aim to create ecologically stable and abundant landscapes, using agroecological techniques and principles to promote the health of the planet and meet human needs (water, food, shelter, and energy). We offer specialized training in agroecology, permaculture, and sustainability. Our goal is not only to disseminate our beliefs but also to build an exemplary space that demonstrates techniques for a more sustainable life.
Our Ethics and Values:
Care for the Earth
Care for People
Fair Share
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