Northern California 2026 Training Retreats:
Fundamentals of TaoTouch CNT: October 18-22, 2026
Global Body TaoTouch CNT: October 24-28, 2026
Pricing-Registration / Dates-Times / Location / Travel / Lodging / Meals / Course Info / Classroom / Local Info / Misc
FAQ
How do I register?
Submit a payment and the registration form via the registration page here October 2026 Registration Page.
Pretty please submit both a payment and registration form!
How much is it?
$1200 per course / Both courses $1950 total
Lodging and food not included.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes! For OCTOBER 2026 there are:
• BOTH COURSES discount = $1950 ($450 off regular single course tuition!)
• EARLY BIRD with registration and deposit by June 1, 2026 = $100 off. Just for single courses, both is still $1950.
• LOCALS discount of 10% off regular tuition for a single course (Nevada County only)
Above discounts cannot be combined.
• REFERRAL credit: Refer someone new who registers and get $100 off
The referral discount CAN be combined with one of the above discounts.
NOTES:
You only have to submit the $500 deposit by the cutoff date to secure the early bird discount.
See the registration page for pricing details, submitting payments and registering.
When is it?
Fundamentals of CNT (FUN) w/ Gilles
Sun-Thurs October 18-22, 2026
Global Body CNT (GLO) w/ Gilles
Sat-Weds October 24-28, 2026
Friday Oct 23rd is a day off.
When should I come and go if driving from afar?
We recommend arriving the day before class and leave the day after class.
So if coming for Oct FUN, arrive in the area Saturday 10/17. Leave Friday 10/23. Or Thurs eve after class.
If coming for Oct GLO, arrive Friday 10/23. Leave Thurs 10/29. Or Weds eve after class.
If coming for both, arrive Sunday 10/17 and leave Thurs 10/29 (or Weds eve).
Unless you'd like to extend your visit to the area of course! It's beautiful here.
When should I fly in and out?
Land at Airport:
Fundamentals: Saturday October 17th
Global Body: Friday October 23rd
Try to land in the late morning/early afternoon.
Airport pickups usually around 3pm.
Fly Home:
Fundamentals only: Friday October 23rd
Global Body: Thursday October 29th
Van ride to airport leaves around 11am, arrive at airport around 12:30pm.
Fly home in the afternoon/evening.
Or fly out the next day, and we can drop you of at an airport hotel which you reserve yourself.
Airport Van Shuttle
We will schedule a shared ride for you at the times mentioned above.
$40 each way per person.
If you fly in/out at other days/times we will not be able to provide airport transportation.
See TRAVEL section below for more travel logistics.
When should I come and go for day-use only?
Arrive at 9:00am and leave at 6:00pm each class day.
What is the daily schedule?
Regular Class Days:
Sun Oct 18 - Thurs Oct 22
Sat Oct 24 - Weds Oct 28
9:00am: Morning Chi Kung (please arrive a bit earlier to get settled)
9:30am-12:30pm: Morning Class
12:30-2:30pm: Lunch and Siesta
2:30-6:00pm: Afternoon Class
3rd or 5th day of each class: We may have an afternoon off of class with Gilles, but will likely hold TA-supervised class practice trade sessions.
LOCATION
Where is it?
Grass Valley Courtyard is a boutique hotel, and its event space is located in the historic Binkelman Brewery building. Do you all remember Binkleman Beer? Neither do we.
Shaded lawn and large roof-top patio are surrounded by flowers and fruit trees. The special event space delivers ultra-modern amenities in a most comfortable atmosphere. (To quote their website.)
The address is:
210 North Auburn Street
Grass Valley, California 95945
See the Lodging section below for details about staying at the Grass Valley Courtyard Suites (optional).
It is just one block from "downtown" Grass Valley, with all its restaurants, shops, and a place called Gold Rush Cookie Company (just sayin!)
The peaceful, darling and fun Grass Valley/Nevada City area is in the foothills of the Tahoe National Forest. It is about 1 hour NE of Sacramento, and about 2.5 hours from San Francisco and the East Bay Area.
TRAVEL
How do I get there?
• Folks in driving distance can drive. If you'd like to carpool from your area, please let us know. Once we have the student list we can connect interested parties.
• Out of towners: Use the Sacramento Int'l Airport (SMF)
We will arrange pickup/dropoff from/to the airport (see below).
When should I arrive?
If flying in, please try to arrange your flights as follows:
Sacramento Airport (SMF)
Please see the "Times" section above for flight date/times info.
Airport Van Shuttle
We will schedule a shared ride for you at the times mentioned above.
$40 each way per person.
If you fly in/out at other days/times we will not be able to provide airport transportation.
When should I come and go if driving from afar?
Please refer to the "Times" section above
How about parking?
There is ample parking in the hotel parking lot.
LODGING
Is on-site lodging available?
Yes, the Grass Valley Courtyard Suites hotel has set aside rooms for our group at a discounted rate.
For us, standard room rates are $165+tax per night Sunday-Thursday and $225+tax per night Friday -
Saturday. All rooms have two queen beds. Let us know if you'd like to share one with a classmate, to split the cost, and we will do our best to match you up.
What's Included with a Room at Grass Valley Courtyard Suites:
All standard sleeping rooms feature a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker with freshly ground coffee, cable TV with HBO, plush robes, Tempur-Pedic mattresses and free high-speed and Wi-Fi Internet access. The hotel offers a fitness center, full bar, outdoor pool, and Jacuzzi.
Also included is their Gold Country Breakfast featuring fresh fruit, muffins, bagels, hot and cold cereal, hard boiled eggs, freshly made to order waffles and omelets, juice and coffee. As well as their evening reception, which offers an array of hors d’oeuvres and wine. Fancy schmancy!
Alternatively, you may arrange your own local airbnb or other hotel. There are lots of nice ones in the area!
MEALS
Are you providing any meals at all?
No, this year we are not arranging any catered meals. There are lots of cafes, restaurants, etc very close by. There is a great health food grocery store Grass Valley- BriarPatch Food Coop. As you saw above, if you get a room in the hotel it includes breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres.
COURSE STUFF
How can I satisfy the course prerequisites?
You can watch and review these recent online classes. Upon registration of these courses you will get the link to the recordings pages which also have downloadable detailed class notes and other resources.
Prereq for Fundamentals: TaoTouch Chi Kung
Prereq for Global Body: Fusion Meditation
There's also a Fundamentals course packet, books and other materials to review before class.
Prep Study Info and Materials HERE.
Are any CEU's available?
NCBTMB (National Massage Board): 27 CEU's are available per course, for no extra fee.
CNTI/TaoTouch (us): Two Year Certification Renewal is satisfied with any hands-on course.
California Acupuncture Board: 27 CEU's, Category 1, are available for either or both Fundamentals and Global Body. Since we would have to reapply, this is available for an additional fee, and with enough notice time-wise.
What's the dealio with Practitioner Certification?
Please visit the Certification page for requirements. Downloadable materials include the Case Study Form and Treatments Received Form. Let us know any questions about certification.
Can I start practicing TaoTouch CNT before I am certified?
Yes! We encourage students to bring home what you have learned even after just one Fundamentals class, and start practicing on friends, family and even clients (informing them first that you are at the student level). In fact, that is how to get certified- you need to complete case studies. So yes, practice away and send in questions via email and whatsapp.
CLASSROOM THINGIES
How many people will be in the class?
In October 2026 we are limited to 22 or so students per class, plus TA's. And Gilles!
Can I bring an uncovered turmeric smoothie into the classroom?
No! What are you crazy?! Please bring only water bottles and tea cups with lids into the classroom space (no other drinks/food). You may have other refreshments in the other areas of the hotel grounds.
Can I click and tap away wildly on my device during class?
No please. No cell phone/tablet/computer use is allowed in class. The TA's will be audio recording lectures and meditations, and will video record Gilles' demonstrations. This media will be shared via google drive for your reference after class. You may take yoru own voice recordings. Please bring a notebook and pen for old school notetaking.
How do I get and stay in touch with co-hearts during and after the retreat?
We will have a whatsapp group for us so we can stay connected during the retreat - if people have questions, sharing, etc - as well as long after after class has ended. Feel free to post CNT-related questions there.
Can I receive full TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang Treatments during the retreat?
Yes! Tiffiny, David S., David H. and other TAs if any will be available for full TaoTouch CNT sessions during lunch breaks and evenings throughout the retreat. We will put up sign up sheets and you can schedule there. These count as "treatments received" for certification. Each practitioner will charge their usual rate- please pay them directly.
Sorry, Gilles does not give treatments at trainings. You'll have to see him in San Rafael, California (in Marin County just north of SF). Please arrange with Gilles' scheduling assistant:
Revital • 415-870-1834 • gilles.schedule@gmail.com
However you can get to feel Gilles' touch in class (see below):
How do I volunteer to be on the table when Gilles is giving an in-class demonstration?
Pretty much everyone wants to hop on the table for Gilles' practice demonstrations. He will say "any volunteers?" and it's first come first served. That said, if you have already been a volunteer, please hold off for awhile to let others, some of whom are not as bold and quick, to get a turn. Thank you for your mindfulness in this regard!
Will I be feeling emotional?
Yes, and for good reason! Healing is about emotional processing and digestion. Keep in mind that more than half the time you'll be receiving TaoTouch Chi Nei Tsang and doing internal work, and along with travel, interpersonal dynamics and such, you will likely have personal stuff come up. This is why a retreat setting is so great. Please take it easy and be kind to yourselves and each other.
Will it be weird at the start of new classes, with/for new students joining?
Do expect a short adjustment period at the beginning of each new class. The group continuing from the first class to the second will have already formed a vibe. So please be mindful and give yourselves and newcomers some space and understanding about this kind of group dynamic. Don't worry, after one day of TaoTouch CNT class you will likely feel integrated and part of our lil family there.
What if I am feeling sick?
If you feel ill at all, especially upper respiratory system, sore throat, congestion, cough and/or fever please do NOT come to class- we will credit you accordingly.
We treat all viruses seriously and request you use anti-virus protocols throughout the course. This includes anti-viral essential oil personal sinus steaming on your own for at least 20 minutes per day.
The classroom is an open 1200 sq ft event space. We create a healing alkaline environment which helps keep everyone healthy. We request that you keep your immune system boosted with good things like vitamin C, zinc, colloidal silver, reishi mushroom tea, dark leafy greens, good sleep and practicing Buddha Palms!
We also request that you be mindful and follow all the recommended procedures about personal hygiene: frequent hand washing, coughing/sneezing into the crook of the elbow, etc. Please travel carefully!
Masks are not required during the retreat, but you are free to wear one if you wish.
If you are super worried about catching any viruses from other students, including covid, keep in mind that despite our protocols this is a close hands-on practice in an intimate shared space with lots of deep breathing, so perhaps this type of class will not work for you.
What's the most contagious thing in the world? HEALING! :)
LOCAL INFO
Shall I expect the unexpected?
Well once you are prepared, then it's no longer unexpected
In the Fall there is a possibility of local wildfire activity. Quick evacuation may be necessary. We will make sure everyone gets to a safe place- nobody left behind. More likely than anything is the potential of smoky air. Please bring an N95 or other comparable mask to protect against smoke and particulate matter.
What's the weather like?
This mountainous region can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings, while warming up midday.
Fall: "Indian Summer" is the often the warmest and driest time of year here. Highs in the 60s-80s, lows in the 40s-50s. Chance of rain is highly unlikely but we always pray for it. Chance of gorgeous days is highly likely. Chance of chilly morning and evenings is high. Chance of wildfires with smoky air is an unfortunate new reality during "fire season".
What should I wear?
- Layers: It's all about layers in these parts.
- Comfort: We will be sitting, doing not-so-physical chi kung, trading abdominal work, etc. So just be comfy and cozy.
- Shoes are allowed in this indoor space, but still make sure to bring socks or slippers for comfort.
- CNT Classes: We will be working directly on the abdominal area, so wear clothing that can reveal your belly. ie no dresses, unitards, leotards, onesies, jumpsuits, wetsuits, snowsuits or Winnie the Pooh footie jammies.
What can I do in the area?
There are many delights in the area, including a cacao cafe, kava bar, gift shops, etc. Local events include live music, karaoke, ecstatic dance, sound baths, you name it. Aside from the fun in town, nature abounds in this area. There are hiking trails, lakes, streams, and best of all the exquisite Yuba River. Ahhhh
Is there cell phone service and wifi?
Yes, don't freak out, you can stay connected. There's good free wifi at the hotel and all cell phone networks should work well.
OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:
Fall Retreats: Bring an N95 mask in case of smoky air from wildfires.
Tread lightly: Please keep the property and all furnishings in good order.
Pets: Pets are not allowed except for well-trained service animals.
Housekeeping: Let's all pitch in to help keep our space clean and tidy at breaks and at the end of each day. Sweeping the floor, vacuuming the area carpeting, folding up chairs, pickup up tea cups and such, etc. Thank you for lending a helping hand!
TESTIMONIALS
"Gilles is a master teacher and Tiffiny and the other TA's are phenomenal facilitators and teachers in their own right. I learned so much and felt very supported and safe. I can't wait to return!"
- Cristina
"The information taught in the above classes by Gilles Marin is healing and expanding on the physical, mental and emotional level. At times I felt it was information I had learned years ago through Ayurveda and Yoga, but there was a great freedom that came with these teachings that did not come through Ayurveda or Yoga. Heal yourself first, this is so important. Use these skills to first work with your own garbage that has been so long held onto for no good reason. So many Taoist teachings, were gently given in a way that the body and mind could take in and utilize. Beginning with of all things - get enough sleep. I believe they are teachings I have been waiting for a very long time, ancient yet practical at the same time. Thank you."
- LB
"It was an eye opening class. I loved that we focused on feeling and listening to our body to deepen what we learned about the philosophy and ideas behind Chi Nei Tsang. The workshop was well organized and I felt very comfortable and safe being in the group to learn."
- Sawako
"Just the right mix of learning/listening and experience with the work. Divinely interesting, fun and plenty of opportunity to interact with the other students. Looking forward to the next workshop. The facilitators were extremely knowledgeable and willing to share, talk about their experience and give practical guidance."
- PB
"Amazingly transformational!" - DP
"Thank you for the gentle organization. Thank you for the sweetness & the intention in that space. Thank you for Gilles for teaching, pouring into us..."
- Shelli
"Feeling much better inside and out. Coping and go through with much more ease and peace since our week together. So fabulous to meet all of you! I too am looking forward to the next time!"
- JA
"Wonderful!" - PB