28-31 May 2026 Ancona, Italy
ZENTHAI SHIATSU LEVEL 1 with Gwyn Williams
Start your journey to become Zenthai Therapist
A four-day foundation training with Gwyn Williams, Zenthai Shiatsu founder
The only Level 1 with Gwyn in Europe in 2026!
This is a deep dive into the art of Zenthai - weaving elements of Yoga Asana, Thai massage, Zen Shiatsu, TCM and Osteopathic techniques. All integrated with mindfulness at the core.
In learning a full 90-minute sequence, you’ll be introduced to practical tools on structural and energetic therapy. For the entire four days you’ll receive and practice technique, also cultivating inner awareness, a deepened sense of touch and enrichment of conscious community.
This class is well known as being far more than an immersion into a bodywork program.
Who is this training for?
This training is designed for anyone passionate or simply curious about holistic arts and the world of massage — those who wish to explore a practice that unites traditional Eastern techniques with a modern, intuitive approach.
Whether you’re a professional looking to expand your skills, or someone new to bodywork who feels called to this path, this course offers a grounded and heart-centered experience.
You’ll learn how to work with both the physical and energetic body through touch, movement, and mindful presence. Along the way, you’ll gain practical tools and embodied understanding that support healing and balance.
For those who wish to continue their journey, this course also serves as the foundation for the 9-month Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist Training.
No previous experience in massage or yoga is required — just curiosity and an open heart.
Inclusions
Thai Massage, Shiatsu and Myofascial Release techniques, exploring their principles, applications, and how they integrate within a holistic approach to bodywork.
Principles of Anatomy and Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM relevant to the techniques included in the training.
Study of muscular and structural systems, how to locate and treat them in relation to common postural imbalances or conditions that cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.
Daily morning movement practice (yoga, partner yoga, animal movement, contact impro) to develop body awareness, strength, and fluidity.
Hands-on practice in giving and receiving the techniques learned, with attention to the quality of touch and mindful presence.
Learning materials: manual, video and certificate. Plus a month free access to the Zenthai online program, including Beginner to Advanced Bodywork, Partner Yoga, Solo Movement and Flying Therapeutics
Note: Level One is a pre-requisite to the 9-month Therapist Training offered across Australia & Europe.
WHAT IS ZENTHAI SHIASTU?
THERAPY IN MOTION, FOCUSED INTENTION, TOTALITY
A modality created by Gwyn Williams, a passionate bodyworker and yoga teacher — and one of the last lucky ones to have studied with the elder masters of Traditional Thai Massage. Zenthai was born on Mount Ninderry, in the Sunshine Coast, within a shala nestled in the Australian rainforest. A place of primal sacredness, where classes unfold around the fire, surrounded by curious kangaroos and kookaburras cheeky enough to steal your lunch from your hands.
It is a magical place, which over the years has become the beating heart of a community of massage therapists, yogis, and healers seeking a simple lifestyle and a new social model - one rooted in sharing, self-awareness, and deep connection with others. In this space, we learn a sequence only to forget the sequence. We slow down to perceive the smallest nuance. We rediscover the joy of helping one another.
This training is a journey back home - toward a sense of belonging often forgotten - a space where we are celebrated for who we truly are, deeply connected with ourselves and everything around us. Our invitation is to open the heart, to notice the beauty that surrounds us. To breathe, to slow down, to listen. From here, the path of growth has already begun.
Meet the founder
Gwyn Williams
Gwyn began his first steps into the foundation of the Zenthai artform in his teenage years with a fascination and complete absorption with life force energy (Ki). A self confessed life force fanatic, his earlier years involved in using the life force to fight and compete. As a serious martial artist and later a competitive mountain runner, the focus was on expending Ki, however when he later moved into alternative therapies and yoga in 1997, he realised that the real focus needed to be on sustaining and containing life force to utilise its full power. This has carried through to the present day sharing the importance of embracing a Yin and Yang aspect in daily life..
Teacher, lifelong student
Gwyn has been teaching his entire adult life. Earlier as a physical education teacher, martial arts instructor and later as a yoga teacher and Zenthai facilitator. His passion for alternative therapies and connecting his heart with his hands led to him teaching Zen Shiatsu at his created Mt. Ninderry Healing Centre in 1999. Since this initial class he has become a national and international teacher of his own form of bodywork/movement and awareness.
The art of Zenthai Shiatsu has grown into a network of ten schools worldwide, offering a comprehensive floor-based bodywork system. Today, hundreds of teachers across the globe share introductory courses, short workshops, and therapeutic movement classes, continuing to spread the essence of Zenthai.
Where
We’ll gather in a beautiful 19th-century farmhouse, in the small village of Ostra, Ancona. Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Le Marche, the “secret Tuscany” of Italy. The country villa is surrounded by olive trees and fruit orchards, filled with the soothing sounds of nature and soft pink sunsets over the rolling hills. We will practice in a shala immersed in the soft colors of the countryside and framed by charming historic villages perched on the hilltops.
Accommodation
SINGLE room - ensuite with FULL BOARD
SHARED double room - ensuite with FULL BOARD
SLEEP IN SHALA - shared bathrooms with FULL BOARD. We have some futon-style mattresses available (limited numbers). BYO pillow, sleeping bag and towels. Some meditation cushions and yoga blankets are available too.
No option for camping (no tents, vans or campers). No self-catering kitchen available.
Accommodation at the venue is limited, but there are several lodging options available nearby.
Staying on-site is not a requirement to participate in the course — everyone is free to choose among the various accommodation options in the area.
Meals
If you are staying onsite, all meals are included (from lunch on Thursday to lunch on Sunday). Meals are simple, vegetarian or vegan, lovingly prepared with locally sourced ingredients that reflect the Italian flavors and traditions of the region. We advise to bring your own snacks to sustain yourself during the practice and being fully independent during the day. For those commuting or staying in another accommodation, meals are available by booking - €20 per meal.
FAQ
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The farmhouse is located in the heart of the countryside. Please note, transfers from the airport or train stations to Ostra are not straightforward due to the hilly location.
BY CAR
40 minutes from Ancona, 2.5 hours from Bologna, 3.5 hours form Florence or Rome
BY TRAIN
the nearest station is Senigallia, which is the most convenient option if arriving by train or from Bologna airport. From Senigallia, it is essential to check in advance for possible bus transfers to the small town of Ostra, near the farmhouse. Or check in with Sissi for transfers to be arranged if available.
BY PLANE
Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI) – about 40 minutes away. Transfers to Ostra are not simple, so it is highly recommended to arrange a taxi or a lift in advance.
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) – approximately 2.5 hours by car, with train connection to Senigallia. From Senigallia, it is essential to check in advance for possible bus transfers to the small town of Ostra, near the farmhouse. Or check in with Sissi for transfers to be arranged if available.
To make travel easier and more sustainable, a WhatsApp group will be created for all participants.
Here you’ll be able to coordinate rides, offer or request carpooling, and share travel information with others -
7:30 – Breakfast
8:30 – Zenthai Flow (yoga) movement practice
10:30 – Morning tea
11:00 – Zenthai Shiatsu theory and practice
13:30 – Lunch
14:30 – Zenthai Shiatsu theory and practice
17.00 – Free time
20:00 – Dinner -
This is an official Zenthai Shiatsu Level 1 training, fully endorsed and guided by its founder, Gwyn Williams. This course is a prerequisite for continuing your studies toward becoming a Zenthai Shiatsu Therapist through the 9-month training program.
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Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st May 2026.
We will start at 8:30 am on the first day and we finish at 4.30/5.00 pm on the last day.
For those arriving on Wednesday, it is possible to book accommodation and dinner, with check-in from 5:00 pm.
For anyone who needs, it is also possible to stay one or more extra nights.
Sissi 375 6591937 (WhatsApp)
please message me for costs and bookings