Glimpses into 17 Years of Participant Experiences

“Book me in for next year ……
These few days have to be the best value!
Great value, amazing food and gracious hosts.
As intense as it is, both physically and mentally, the experience is utterly relaxing and rewarding.
The meditation for a novice was exceptional.  I’ve learnt to be my own best friend and did let go some negative situations which I feel much better for.
The Tai Chi has helped me consolidate and as always has invigorated and refuelled my enthusiasm to tackle the path ahead.
I leave with a stronger body, a warmer heart and a free spirit.  A real heartfelt thanks.”
– Rod, Builder/Carpenter

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“What a fantastic way to get away from the constant information overload of daily life.
The refinement of the form was fantastic and something I had been craving.
Words cannot describe the feeling and relaxation from Qigong.
Insights from the meditation will undoubtedly help me cope with the stresses of my working life and have given me insights into my monkey mind.
The quality of the teachings, the environment, food and the participants have all contributed to what would have to be the most relaxing insightful periods of my life.  I thank you all.”
– George, Manager

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“The triage of meditation, Qigong and Tai Chi worked incredibly well together, and made for a highly successful and satisfying retreat.
As always with doing Tai Chi with Brett and Fontane, I gained a deeper understanding of the art.
I was delighted with the Qigong sessions which were most energising as a start to a day.
The meditation was a real surprise in that I had viewed it as a bit of a ‘fill-in’ between Tai Chi and Qigong, but it turned out to be a highlight for me.
The retreat has also provided me with an insight I had not expected in all three disciplines as well as providing motivation to continue with them in the future and to try to improve my participation in them.
Thank you once again Fontane and Brett.  Keep up the good work!  I loved the time I spent with you at SIBA.”
– Jean, Retired

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“Firstly, I would like to congratulate Fontane and Brett on a most wonderful experience.  Although I am a newcomer to Tai Chi and Qigong, both of you made me feel part of the group, and your explanations in all the classes were detailed and very easy to follow for a newcomer.  You both were very sensitive to where newcomers might have questions in a class, but you managed to talk about these before it ever occurred to me to ask a question.  I can see that you are very experienced teachers and I think that comes from the fact that you are both such sensitive and caring people, not to mention Masters of your craft.

The environment at SIBA is absolutely unique and special.  One feels a calm yet strong very, very good energy immediately on arrival.  Everyone there is calm and welcoming and the place runs smoothly and seamlessly.  I’m sure that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the five days there, and felt re-energised and peaceful when they left.  The food was terrific, varied, lots of it and the way that everyone chipped in to help with dishes etc. was great to see.

What did I gain from it?  I don’t know where to start!  Mentally, Fontane’s meditation classes were a revision for me on the healing powers of meditation.  The processes you use are very easy to follow and in this short time, I have been able to relax and gain calm more quickly than I would have believed possible.

Physically, as I mentioned to Brett on the last day, the pain and stiffness in my shoulders and neck as well as my lower back started to melt away.  Really, before I came to the retreat, I was thinking about asking my doctor to refer me to an orthopaedic surgeon for possible back surgery, because I have had problems for several years.  Even though I tried yoga and Pilates for the past two years, there was little improvement in my back.  I believe the Qigong and Tai Chi exercises, being as they are so very gentle, are wonderful, as they train the mind to slow down and breathe well during the movements.  Even with old injuries in my left shoulder, and previous fractures in my left knee and left wrist, I was able to do all the exercises, so gentle are the movements, yet so powerful.  I am so grateful that I found your website and made the journey to work through your 5 day retreat.  I can’t thank you enough.

I can’t really think of anything that I would like to see changed for your retreat.  Everything you both did, the way classes progressed through stages during the whole period was logical and planned.  I felt participants were given a very solid understanding of what and why we were doing what you were teaching us.

I would like to visit again next year.  I don’t mind the travel.  I really do enjoy travelling around that part of NSW and Victoria.  Next time though I might consider driving myself and taking an extended trip through the area.”
– A Queensland Visitor

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“Wonderful combination of physical and spiritual challenges and teachings.
Excellent program – good balance.
Great food and wonderful ambience.
I intend to continue with both Qigong and meditation and then Tai Chi further down the track.
Very accessible meditation and I’m sure my mind and body need the regular practice of Qigong.
Thank you Brett and Fontane for your explanations and inspirational teachings.”
– Ann, Teacher

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“Having recently come to learn the ‘end’ of the form, it was a revelation to practise the form with Fontane.  She emphasised performing it very slowly.  It was very helpful to see and experience a greater degree of detail and emphasis on relaxation, completing movements, posture and so much more.
And for the meditation, I have previously received lots of other training in different methods.  But I must say, I really benefitted from Fontane’s techniques and explanations.  It was compassionate, forgiving and very accepting of what is.”
– Linda, Community Welfare Worker

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“As a complete beginner to Tai Chi, I have been amazed at how quickly I have felt a physical benefit and strengthening.  I love the movements, the whole body involvement and the link to martial arts.
The retreat venue was magnificent, matched by the teaching, organisation and food.”
– Angelika, Semi-retired Coast Dweller

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“A month on from the retreat and many benefits continue to flow through my daily life.
My Tai Chi form feels lighter, more grounded and balanced.
The Qigong Brett taught us has become a regular favourite.  The combination of standing and gentle twisting movements is deeply relaxing, and wonderful for dropping tension and freeing up the spine, pelvis and shoulder girdle.
The return to a habit of meditation also continues to bring enhanced peace and clarity.
I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to enjoy such a high level of instruction.
For me it was a perfect combination.
The training, the beautiful setting, the great food, and the company of a wonderful group of people was energising, inspiring and a lot of fun.
The whole experience has had a positive effect on my health and has deepened my commitment and enthusiasm for the Hun Yuan system.
We both very much enjoyed the retreat, and hope to make it a regular part of our year.  Thanks again to both of you!”
– Abi

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“An understanding that I have potential I never realised.  Finding the joy of movement.
This was a weekend more rewarding than I would have believed possible.
Thank you for everything !!!”
– Gael, Public Servant

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“Impressive depth and breadth of skills and knowledge generously and open-heartedly shared.
Patience in their teaching.”
– Maree, Oriental Medicine Practitioner and Educator

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“I’m so pleased that Maree told me of this marvellous retreat here at beautiful SIBA.  Certainly, through years of devotion to your work in the healing arts, your mastery is strongly felt.  What’s so special is how your are able to lead us all along together, no matter where we are on the path, with such warmth and encouragement.  It has been a very happy and nourishing experience for me.”
– Helen, Clothes Maker

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“I let go more ideas about what meditation should be or feel like.  I had more stillness.  Also, a better relationship with the ‘observer”.
I came to this retreat feeling physically weak.  I leave it feeling whole again.”
– Robyn

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“Another great retreat!  I love my time at SIBA each year.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and expertise.”
– Reka, Window Cleaner

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“It was a valuable time out to reflect and learn from people with real mastery of their disciplines.  The retreat was excellent and I come away with more knowledge, skill and awareness that will help my daily life.”
– Brian, Consultant

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“The Tai Chi Academy retreat really has to be experienced to understand the benefits and health and well-being outcomes.  Although a full program, at the end I felt energised and I was surprised that I did not feel tired.
My injured shoulder had an intensive physio and workout – much more movement at the end of the retreat.  The extended Tai Chi sessions were excellent – re-learnt so much.  I have a lot of processing to do during the week.”
– Yve, Retired

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“Lots of information, knowledge transmission, very helpful practices authentic style.  I really enjoyed the retreat and would recommend it to anyone looking for a way to support health and gain deeper knowledge in mind-body-spirit connection.”
– Irina, IT Analyst

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“Extremely well organised, professional retreat with a caring and personal touch.
Wonderful facilities and location, fantastic menu!
Deepest gratitude for the opportunity provided. THANK YOU BOTH!”
– Michelle, Retired

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“Catch the pause.
Catch the stillness.
Recognise the space that arises in the pause …… so began our retreat journey of five days weaving mediation and Tai Chi and Qigong through this thought.
We brought our baggage (physical and mental) and Fontane and Brett brought the precious teachings and insight to challenge us in a genuinely supportive group in beautiful surroundings.  The retreat is a very special life experience.
My sincere thanks to Fontane, Brett and SIBA.”
– Paul, Architect