Retreat Testimonials

Comments from Big Sky Tai Chi Attendees, Summer 07

I feel like, again, after last summer, I have advanced my understanding of Tai Chi by another 2 years ...far exceeded what I initially expected. As for future retreats... when do I sign up? Joe P. (Tai Chi teacher)

The instruction at Big Sky Tai Chi Retreat was very good. I came away feeling I’ve learned how to absorb my learnings more efficiently. John E. (Tai Chi student for 5 yrs.)

BSTCR was a great learning experience. I signed on to learn about the concepts of structure and rooting - very successful. Sifu Loupos was very good about answering all my questions. Phil C. (Tai Chi teacher.)

BSTCR was very satisfactory, complete and well rounded. I arrived with very high expectations after reading the Spanish translation of Sifu Loupos’ first book on Tai Chi, and my expectations were exceeded... a very balanced curriculum between the Tai Chi, Chi Kung, and Hanna Somatics. Teodoro G. (1st time Tai Chi’er.)

Having attended last year’s retreat, this year was about as expected... challenging work in a supportive environment. The material we covered was excellent. Tyler Y. (Tai Chi student for 2 yrs.)

Big Sky Tai Chi Retreat was well worthwhile... a great venue with a congenial group of fellow students... demanding work, not for dilettantes. Sifu John Loupos’ evident skill as a teacher encouraged all the students. Though the Hanna Somatics was not on my radar when I arrived, it definitely is now... very excited about the possibilities and changes already evident in my own body. Joanne K. (20 yrs Tai Chi exp.)

I was definitely challenged by all activities - physically and mentally... at times utterly discouraged, but I did feel that I gained much in understanding of principles and my own areas needing improvement... the sensing hand/knees/hips/shoulders session was very helpful. Can’t say I enjoyed the morning warmups, but I felt better afterwards! All in all, I picked up much that I can use in my Tai Chi practice, especially in the way of applying Tai Chi principles. Danielle S. (Tai Chi teacher.)

BSTCR was a positive experience. I appreciated the emphasis on structure and the mechanics of movement. The ‘learning curve’ for structure and forms was steep, but solidified what I already knew. The Hanna Somatics was useful in offering a potential benefit different from that of my usual stretching and conditioning work. Mark K. (35 yrs Tai Chi exp.)

Big Sky Tai Chi was very enjoyable and richly rewarding... an excellent combination of the perfect setting with outstanding instruction. I couldn’t ask for more. The inclusion of Hanna Somatics was brilliant. Mike S. (3 yrs Tai Chi exp.)

BSTCR presented a mix of new ideas about structure, rooting... was pleasantly surprised with Somatics. Overall, the Big Sky Retreat was the single most valuable event I have experienced in my Tai Chi practice. The diversity and depth of the teaching and the attention to individual corrections were outstanding, the best I’ve seen. I would recommend the approach to other serious t'ai chi players.Chuck S. (Tai Chi teacher.)

BSTCR was productive, intense and very well structured. Sifu John is solid in his focus, very organized and patient. The group Qi was amazing. The description of the work was accurate and I am very satisfied with the experience. The Hanna Somatics portion was well integrated and relevant to our study of form, structure and function. The contemplative vibe of our setting provided a perfect backdrop., and I really enjoyed being with such an interesting group. Thank you Sifu John and Christina for being great hosts! Beatrice D. (16 yrs Tai Chi exp.)

2006 Comments

Big Sky Tai Chi Retreat was just terrific. The Hanna Somatics was an added bonus that complimented the Tai Chi and Chi Kung sessions. Tyler Y. (Tai Chi student)

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Big Sky Tai Chi was excellent. It was, without a doubt, the best tai chi instruction I have received. It gave me the fundamentals in structure and rooting that I lack. This retreat had a different focus from other Tai Chi retreats I’ve attended which seemed geared toward beginners. The food and location were excellent, and the Hanna Somatics was a serendipitous surprise which I’d like to learn even more about. I’m planning to attend again next year. Paul H (Tai Chi teacher).

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Sifu Loupos’ retreat exceeded my expectations. I learned more than I thought I could. His teaching methods are excellent with strong attention to details. I’d definitely recommend my friends to attend future retreats with Sifu Loupos. Sam K. (new Tai Chi student)

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Big Sky Tai Chi Retreat with Sifu John Loupos was superlative. I arrived expecting to significantly improve my Tai Chi and I definitely did. I’m interested in attending all future retreats. Mike S (Tai Chi teacher).

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Prior to Big Sky Tai Chi Retreat I was faced with a difficult situation at work. The retreat has helped me tap into strengths that I have and also to ease my situational anger so that my reaction to the whole situation has changed. My Tai Chi Retreat experience has helped me to find who I am in this difficult situation ...it is very much like being attacked and yielding and deflecting instead of meeting force with force. Consequently, I am left still smiling. Thank you for a great Retreat. Karel B (Tai Chi student)

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The overall experience was for me a very positive one. I had hoped to be able to improve my Tai Chi foundation (physical structure and general knowledge), and I feel the retreat provided the opportunity for me to make significant improvement in these areas. I enjoyed the preliminary exercises (rooting, push hands, etc.), followed by in-depth instruction on the long form postures, and found the morning Chi Kung exercises invigorating and effective. Having no prior experience with Hanna Somatics, I found the evening sessions to be a real eye-opener. Based on that, I've begun to read and study to see how I can apply Somatics exercises to my personal flexibility issues.

Ranch A was an excellent venue. The lodge was beautiful, and the food was excellent at all times. The indoor and outdoor spaces were perfect for a group of the size in attendance, tho I would imagine a group twice this size could have been easily accommodated. I would look forward to hearing about, and, hopefully, attending future retreats. I'll watch the Jade Forest website, and hopefully I am on your mailing list for notification about future events.

...one final comment, I appreciated your willingness to share your knowledge openly and fully from the very beginning. I never had the feeling I was being taught as a one-time (one week?) student. I appreciated this very much. Rick R (Tai Chi student, 6 yrs)

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The Big Sky Tai Chi Retreat presented a multitude of learning and living opportunities. I previously considered myself an attentive and disciplined student, making time in my work and mothering schedule to attend 2-3 classes per week, and practice whenever/wherever I could on my own time. It was a most pleasant surprise to find that immersing myself in Tai Chi for a whole week would expand my knowledge and understanding on so many levels.

When first considering the retreat, I thought, "It'll be much more valuable than one of those spa getaways that women do... I can take home and continue the practice and benefits!" It was difficult for me to kiss my sons goodbye for the week, but then I recalled the body posture and disposition of the other working moms I see who are continually wiped out. During the flight out to Wyoming, the flight attendant reminded us of the safety procedures; "Please apply the oxygen masque to yourself first before applying to your children". I thought "Oh yeah! If I don't take care of myself, how can I be a good mother, employer, friend, partner???" Of course . . . I must take care of ME!

The retreat brought me more present to myself. Unlike my usual 1 hour to-and-from Tai Chi classes, I spent hours each day either practicing Tai Chi Form and Chi Gong, or reminding my body how to feel good with Hanna Somatics. Taking the time to immerse myself and disconnect from the everyday helped me refresh my mind and realize that I spend a lot of time worrying about the past or the future. The Retreat helped me reach a firm decision to consciously respond to life differently, more slowly.

I was touched by Sifu Loupos's teaching style and how he enthusiastically shared his expert knowledge. He is confident in his practice and is eager to share, deeply caring for each student's individual needs. I returned home with a new perspective and outlook of Tai Chi and how to integrate it into my life. Christina J (Tai Chi student).

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I’ve been to a number of martial arts seminars, camps, etc., over the years. This however, has been the best of all... very different from other training I‘ve ever had. Other than marrying my wife, this was the best experience I’ve had so far in life. What I arrived expecting from the retreat fell far short of what I got... received top notch instruction in the health and martial art aspects of Tai Chi... to more fully integrate my art, Tai Chi Chuan, into the full aspect of my life. I now have had the door to a deeper understanding of Tai Chi opened by Sifu Loupos’ guidance.

The two long form sessions each day were excellent. Our evening qigong sessions also gave me more than I thought I would get from the retreat. The mix of qigong and this ‘new thing’, Hanna Somatics, was so intriguing that I somehow must continue looking into expanding my knowledge. The food was great and our cook easily accommodated those with special dietary needs. The facility was beautiful; and that, plus the location really were conducive to a Tai Chi learning experience without equal. I got so much out this, I honestly feel I moved ahead three years in my Tai Chi training in the week I spent at Big Sky Tai Chi Retreat. Thank you. Joe P (Tai Chi teacher)

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Big Sky Tai Chi retreat exceeded all my hopes and expectations. The experience and its continuing impact truly excites me. Among teachers I've experienced, Sifu John Loupos is the standard bearer. He backed up his statement at the outset that the retreat would significantly advance our practice. For me, the highest Tai Chi related priority over the next year will be to increase my capacity to move with awareness and integrity. This is a major take-home message for me. The tools Sifu Loupos presented at Big Sky Tai Chi Retreat provide me a means to approach this objective. Steve W. (Tai Chi student)