“The Wednesday Zoom sessions with Fontane are so good. Each week she takes the class through a variety of exercises that really ease head, neck and shoulder tension as a starting point and then help a lot with balance and range of movement. I always feel freer and able to bend and stretch and walk more strongly, with less or no pain after the session.
As the term goes on, Fontane, through clear instruction and lots of encouragement, expands my understanding and capacity to perform more coordinated movements and sequences. Through participating in this class, I've noticed how my body awareness and ability to perform the various parts of the form have improved.”
– Lynda
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“I have benefitted greatly from participating in this Zoom Course over the last two terms. I have stiffness in the shoulder area, and restricted movement in the left arm, as a result of injury. Over the duration of the course, my shoulders have become increasingly flexible, and my left arm has a broader range of movement and strength. I have also noticed greater movement when doing the warm up exercises during my Tai Chi class.
The course has enlarged my repertoire of warm up exercises and I practise those that I find particularly helpful in developing increasing flexibility and strength (including intermittently during the day).
Because the class is on Zoom, Fontane can observe us close up and help each of us individually to correct our movements. Even though it’s a class, I feel Fontane introduced exercises that are tailored to my needs. The course has helped me deepen my Tai Chi practice. I look forward to continuing this course.”
– Corine
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“This Academy course has given me a lot in recent months.
It works on a foundation level for Tai Chi, flexibility and fitness, yet tends to be deceptively simple and challenging at the same time.
Having been doing the class for some time now, it always feels fresh, gaining something from each class. I have found my own workouts at home create better focus and make more sense.
The classes work on areas of that body that are often bypassed, tending to increase energy and overall energy balance.
There is sometimes a minimal but useful reference to martial applications as well, that is helpful. Fontane has great insights into moving the stuckness!
Overall the course is evolving into a do-able workout I feel most older (and younger) people will get benefit from. Long may it continue!”
– Bruce, Retired (Hah!) Musician
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“I have enjoyed the weekly Zoom Sessions practising the not-quite-silk-reeling with Fontane. We have learned a number of techniques to change and strengthen our bodies with the aim of improving our Tai Chi form.
Examples:
• Self massage to relax neck and shoulder muscles
• Stimulating the jiaji energy area between the shoulder blades
• Learning to separate the waist and hips in our movements
• Opening the hips to improve our sit
• Learning a short sequence to encourage flowing rather than static movement
I like the individual corrections so that I know exactly what mistakes I am making and can hopefully make changes there and then.
I see the course as a form of refinement."
– Laurelle
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“This is a very powerful way of learning about moving your body and in little snippets that you can apply immediately. I do Tai Chi classes and find ready applications in my class. However, anyone could start and would be able to apply the lessons learnt in their daily exercise at home. The classes are detailed and include careful step by step building up to a set of exercises which Fontane gives different explanations on how to do and how not to do these exercises. Then Fontane will get the class to perform the exercise and watch carefully and provide feedback to individuals as well as the whole class to help us learn.
I am 75 (I do have limitations compared to a 20-year-old) but I find the classes a pleasure and very enlightening. In some ways, the classes are better than actual classes as you end up with more individual coaching.
I would recommend these classes to anyone who is seeking an effective method for improving their health through low impact exercise. The ultimate advantage is because the classes are online; they can be accessed anywhere in the world where you have internet access. I have successfully participated in classes in Mexico and Cairns while on holiday."
– Rohan
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“These classes have significantly improved my body awareness, coordination, and presence. I noticed this particularly when revisiting a form I hadn't practiced for some time — it felt smoother and more focused, with fewer distractions. While the content is straightforward, it effectively teaches you to isolate and move neglected or tense parts of your body.”
– Robyn
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“I hesitated to begin this course as I did not think there was room to add another activity to my already full life, as any training course needs investment in subsequent practice if there is to be any significant results.
I was mistaken as this course is not just another activity.
The training is both rigorous and absorbing, and for me provided a noticeable pathway for further Tai Chi refinement.
In addition and unexpectedly, the knowledge and understandings that are integral to the training have had wonderful spinoffs into my everyday life.”
– Bob
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“This course is a must for Tai Chi practitioners who want to get the maximum benefit from the Tai Chi form.
During the course, Fontane leads us through a series of exercises and movements designed to open up joints, relax tense muscle groups, like our necks, and engender an awareness of what our bodies are doing. These exercises relate directly to movements in the form allowing us to subtly refine and improve our practice. That’s what I feel this course has done for me."
– Jon
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“I have just completed my first 8 week course with Fontane and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
I found the exercises and movements, while not complex or overly strenuous, provided a head to toe sequence of muscle and joint activation that left me feeling energised.
I definitely noticed an improvement in flexibility and coordination as the course progressed. It provided an opportunity to pause, focus on my body and just be aware.
I also gained a better understanding of how the body movements integrate with the practice of the Form.
Fontane is an excellent teacher, guiding you through every movement. I am really looking forward to the next course."
– Jo’Anne
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