6 days (5 nights) of Ancient martial arts and Gong Fu

13 Jul 23, 5 nights

6 days (5 nights) of Ancient martial arts and Gong Fu
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Retreat Highlights

  • Learn and practice two martial arts styles: Kalaripayattu and Zi Ran Men.
  • You will also be feasting on supportive Ayurvedic meals prepared by holistic chef Ricky Gopinath, and learn about Ayurvedic philosophies and cooking.
  • Training will take place both indoors in a beautiful hall (seen in the photo) and outside (weather allowing) among the beautiful trees and plants.

It's happening again! After an amazing intensive in Kyogle, NSW in December 2022, we are excited for this next one. If you want to develop discipline in body and mind, learn and develop martial and animal flows, weapons such as the wooden staff, combative and non combative forms - this is for you. You will also be feasting on supportive Ayurvedic meals prepared by holistic chef Ricky Gopinath, and learn about Ayurvedic philosophies and cooking.

We will be practicing predominantly 2 styles of martial arts; Kalaripayattu and Zi Ran Men. 

Kalaripayattu (Kalari) is part of India's ancient indigenous martial, meditational & medicinal tradition that evolved alongside Yoga & Ayurveda. It is a complete system of body-oriented therapy with an emphasis on the expansion and development of the senses; a paradigm commonly called 'when the body becomes all eyes'.

Zi Ran Men is a Northern style internal martial art that strips away unnecessary material and develops only the "core".  It has a rich tradition in China and is the style that lies at the foundation of modern San Shou competition fighting. Through its practice a practitioner will find a “Gateway to understanding Nature”.  The literal translation of Ziranmen is nature style, and the art promotes the development of spontaneous and natural reactions.

Training will be indoors in a beautiful hall (seen in the photo), and outdoors (weather permitting) in amongst the beautiful trees and plants.

Mantras, Breathing and Meditation

Mantra's, breathing and meditation practices help us to slow down the mind, and develop concentration. When this happens our bodies can focus on the 'prana' (vital force) and subtle energies that support balance in our vital systems. We will spend a small amount of time on these practices (each day), learning about how they can support our training, but also in our every day lives. These practices are non-sectarian, so anyone from any culture can practice without having to leave or disrupt their own cultural/spiritual ways or beliefs. 

Ayurvedic Philosophy and Cooking

What is going on with your gut? What kind of foods are suited to your unique body and mind? Ayurveda, 'the science of life' is an ancient science that can help us understand why certain kinds of food are best suited for us at different times of our lives (and in different seasons too!). 

In our Ayurvedic session we are going to be preparing a very yummy dish/snack and discuss constitution analyses, and how to improve your digestion. 

You will be eating Ayurvedic meals, with most dishes made of local/organic/gluten/diary free ingredients, but please let us know if you have food intolerances/sensitivities.  

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About

About The Host

Bellbunya Team

Bellbunya Team

Adam Martin 

Adam Martin is a martial artist/combatives instructor, stuntman & fight choreographer. He holds a 2nd Degree Black Sash and is a 6th Generation Ziranmen Lineage Disciple. He represented Australia at the Xiamen International Martial Arts Tournament in China in 2016, winning Gold and Silver medals for Bagua Zhang. He also holds a Master Instructor Qualification in Ziran Qigong.

Adam is a MEAA graded stunt performer and most recently he was fight choreographer on the Shantaram series. He continues to teach and train at his school 5 Elements Martial Arts in Torquay on the Victorian Surf coast. 

Lalita Yagnik

Lalita Yagnik, originally from India, is a Thyroid Naturopath, Kalari Ayurveda Practitioner, Kalaripayattu (Indian Martial art) and Kalari Yoga Instructor, and musician. She began studying Kalari Healing and Kalaripayattu in 2009 in Australia. Since then she visits India each year to study and train with her teachers, one of which was Sat Guru Hanuman Das, the founder of the Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram in Kerala.

Lalita is currently practicing and teaching key Kalaripayattu exercises, forms, open combat sequences and weapon forms online and in person. Developing focus in the mind and body, while building a strong foundation through warm ups and basic practices are integral to her training.


Ricky Gopinath

Chef Ricky Gopinath is an acclaimed culinary expert who has spent over two decades in the food industry, crafting dishes that are a perfect blend of innovation and tradition. 

Born and raised in India, Chef Ricky was introduced to the world of food at an early age, watching his mother and grandmother cook traditional Indian meals in their home kitchen. 

Chef Ricky co-creates with you to provide wholesome nutritious foods-whether it is vegetarian, vegan, meat, or various specialised cuisines to meet the client's needs. His passion for cooking led him to pursue formal culinary training at the prestigious Osmania University in India, where he honed his skills and developed a unique style of cooking that is heavily influenced by his Indian heritage. He has formulated several detox and gut healing retreats alongside Naturopaths and Dieticians to help improve digestion and rebuild the immune system.

Itinerary

Location

Things to keep in mind