I have been a Tai Chi and Qigong student with Shirsha Marie for 14 years. Without hesitation I can assert that the particular forms and style of practice I have learned over this period have enabled me to successfully manage a chronic spinal injury. With my instructor’s guidance I have been able to change my body alignment, develop skills of balance and coordination, and gain strength and power. Shirsha has refined skills and a deep understanding of martial arts and energy work in general. The overwhelmingly positive energy of this large and beautiful school is available for all students in their practice.

Tom, PhD. Consultant

I have been attending Qigong classes at Heart Mind Centre for around 6 months. I feel totally safe within the class atmosphere and realize all the health benefits of this beautiful meditative style of movement for body and soul. At the completion of every class I feel so much more aware of balance, harmony and calm from within. Our teacher, Shirsha shares the most beautiful, graceful presentation of the Qigong movements, always with careful guidance and with insightful instruction. This has become a very powerful and deep experience for me. I have gratitude for her sharing of inner light and strength with me in this long journey of developing Chi.

Lynne, Social Worker

Hapkido excites me because, on a practical level, it is a very efficient and precise martial art that conditions the body to be more vital and the mind to be more focused. What also impresses me is that the way in which the art is taught is a profound approach to knowledge and learning - we are constantly encouraged to engage on deeper levels and to cultivate an insightful mind. I love the respectful and joyous relationships with training partners that are emerging in the non-competitive environment.

Io, Lawyer

I am most grateful for the commitment and compassion of our Tai Chi teacher Shirsha Marie. For 10 years now I have been practicing Tai Chi at the Centre here in Byron Bay and have been able to free my body from back and joint pain. Tai Chi has helped me to move to a deeper and more satisfying level of meditation. There are so many benefits for mind body and spirit from this ancient art.

Paul, Organic Farming Teacher

The alignment and deep breathing practices of Qigong really improve my posture and support my health. I have suffered from chronic fatigue as well as very difficult emotional states, and I find that, no matter how bad I might feel before a class, afterwards I feel cleared energetically with a lovely centred healthy feeling. I’ve had about 6 different Taiji and Qigong Teachers in the past, and I find that this teacher has a refined blend of warmth, grace and professionalism which creates a strong sense of safety in the practice. I’ve never before been so encouraged to come into a full embodied presence and I don’t imagine I would find better instruction anywhere else. Thankyou.

Sera, Artist

Training Hapkido with Shirsha has changed my life. I feel stronger, more resilient both mentally and physically. I'm calmer and get less injuries than ever before. I have always lived with pain in my neck and back from a young age, caused by various injuries throughout my life, this has been reduced substantially since starting this form of martial arts. Warning: Once you experience the health benefits of this school, you WILL become addicted. Not to mention the students are a fantastic bunch of people."

Linda, Business Owner