Moonrise Studio

09/11/2025

Join us -A first Padel & Wellness Retreat. Atlas Mountains, Morocco: March 2026

🐪The Kasbah — Padel & Wellness Retreat 🐪
Only 8 Spots Left
#
We're heading back to Agadir, Morocco for another brilliantly unusual retreat—this time at a breathtaking Kasbah tucked into the Atlas Mountains, in partnership with padelFactory Agadir.

This isn’t just padel, and it isn’t just wellness—it’s a fusion of both. Think of it as the first in a series of retreats that blend inspiring locations, uncommon accommodation, and experiences that actually make you feel something.

🎾 What’s included:
• Padel coaching for beginners and improvers (even if you've never picked up a padel)
• Yoga for padel—strength + stretch
• Qigong for focus and calm
• Meditation, sound, and breathwork for deep rest
• Neurofeedback bio-hacking—yes, genuinely NASA-inspired tech for better brain performance and easing anxiety

Whether you’re here to improve your game or simply want a wellness retreat with access to Europe’s fastest-growing sport, it’s arrived!

With dreamy accommodation in the Atlas Mountains, mouth-watering Moroccan cuisine, a pool and traditional hammam, you’ll leave feeling energised, rebalanced, and possibly with a few new friends—plus the confidence to walk onto your home padel court with a clear mind and a happier body.

You’ll be guided by LTA Level 2 padel coaches and qualified yoga, Qigong, and sound practitioners.

Perfect for:

• First-timers and those wanting to improve their padel game
• Padel fans who want something more soulful than a standard padel holiday
• Curious humans craving a unique experience in an extraordinary place
• Anyone in need of some sweet winter sun

*Dates: 12–16 March

*Location: Agadir, Morocco (flights from major UK airports via EasyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair)

*From £1,100 — £300 deposit secures your spot. Only 8 places left.
*DM us, use the link in comments or email hello@moonrise.life

09/11/2025

🐪The Kasbah — Padel & Wellness Retreat 🐪
Only 8 Spots Left
#
We're heading back to Agadir, Morocco for another brilliantly unusual retreat—this time at a breathtaking Kasbah tucked into the Atlas Mountains, in partnership with padelFactory Agadir.

This isn’t just padel, and it isn’t just wellness—it’s a fusion of both. Think of it as the first in a series of retreats that blend inspiring locations, uncommon accommodation, and experiences that actually make you feel something.

🎾 What’s included:
• Padel coaching for beginners and improvers (even if you've never picked up a padel)
• Yoga for padel—strength + stretch
• Qigong for focus and calm
• Meditation, sound, and breathwork for deep rest
• Neurofeedback bio-hacking—yes, genuinely NASA-inspired tech for better brain performance and easing anxiety

Whether you’re here to improve your game or simply want a wellness retreat with access to Europe’s fastest-growing sport, it’s arrived!

With dreamy accommodation in the Atlas Mountains, mouth-watering Moroccan cuisine, a pool and traditional hammam, you’ll leave feeling energised, rebalanced, and possibly with a few new friends—plus the confidence to walk onto your home padel court with a clear mind and a happier body.

You’ll be guided by LTA Level 2 padel coaches and qualified yoga, Qigong, and sound practitioners.

Perfect for:

• First-timers and those wanting to improve their padel game
• Padel fans who want something more soulful than a standard padel holiday
• Curious humans craving a unique experience in an extraordinary place
• Anyone in need of some sweet winter sun

*Dates: 12–16 March

*Location: Agadir, Morocco (flights from major UK airports via EasyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair)

*From £1,100 — £300 deposit secures your spot. Only 8 places left.
*DM us, use the link in comments or email hello@moonrise.life

27/10/2025

This is so uplifting. Two students from our recent Qigong Teacher Training course already sharing the Qi to the lovely residents of Manor House care. What have we started????

26/10/2025

🐪 ✨ The Kasbah: Padel & Wellness Retreat 12–16 March 2026 | Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Swap ordinary for extraordinary — padel courts, mountain air, and a touch of Moroccan magic.

Here’s what to expect:
🌅 Morning rituals – Qigong, Yoga, breathwork & sunrise stretches

🎾 Daily padel sessions – all levels welcome (yes, even total beginners)

🥗 Incredible food – bloody delicious, colourful, and seriously tasty - think tagine heaven

💆‍♀️ Wellness sessions – traditional hammam, massages, and deep rest

🐫 Local culture – souks, spices, and stories under the stars

😄 Good vibes only – laughter, connection, and zero pretence

Come for the padel (or not), stay for the magic.

EMAIL hello@moonrise.life if interested

19/10/2025

What’s autumn been like at Moonrise Studio🍁 🍂

In short: it’s been bloody marvellous.

27/09/2025

What a day here at our Retreat in the East coast. Meditation-Qigong-Breathwork-swim-sauna. Rounders on the beach. Long walk tomorrow.

20/08/2025

"Get Your Qi Together."

Online Classes in Qigong for beginners:
When: Tuesday and Friday 07:15 x 30 minutes
Where: Online Via Zoom
Who's the Master? Ava - Experienced and highly trained by here Master in Bali

First Class free - just email us
www.moonrise.life

14/08/2025

**NEWS** ONLINE Early Morning Qigong Class every Tuesday and Friday beginning 5 September. Join the millions of people worldwide who start their day with Qi (chi) movement from home!

Just to remind you of the benefits of qigong early in the morning
Here are 3 key benefits of practicing Qigong in the early morning:

@@ Boosts Energy and Vitality for the Day
Morning Qigong activates your Qi (life force energy), helping to clear stagnation from sleep and energise the body and mind—setting a calm, focused tone for the day ahead.

@@ Aligns with Natural Rhythms
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, 5am–7:30 am is the time of the Large Intestine meridian, associated with letting go—physically and emotionally. Practicing Qigong during this window supports natural detoxification and emotional clarity.

@@ Enhances Mental Clarity and Calm
Starting the day with gentle, mindful movement and breathwork balances the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and improves concentration—creating space for a more grounded, intentional day.

ALL THIS BEFORE YOU GO TO WORK, DROP THE KIDS, GO TO PLAY PADEL!!!
www.moonrise.life

06/08/2025

Over 50? The Anti Aging Cure Nobody is Talking About!
A very informative read.

We now know that aging well isn’t about creams or supplements — it’s about maintaining function.

Professor Andy Galpin, PhD, a leading expert in kinesiology and director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Laboratory, highlights three key markers that predict how we age:

1. Grip Strength

Grip strength isn’t just about handshakes — it’s a powerful indicator of overall muscle mass and nervous system health. Declining grip strength is linked to increased risk of mortality, frailty, and even cognitive decline.

2. Avoiding Falls

A fall in later life can be life-changing. Hip fractures, in particular, are linked with a dramatic reduction in life expectancy. Prevention is vital — and highly possible with the right tools and practices.

3. Maintaining VO₂ Max

VO₂ Max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. It's the best single predictor of long-term health and lifespan — better than blood pressure, cholesterol, or weight. But most people don’t know how to improve it, especially as they age.

So, how can Qigong help?
Qigong is an ancient Chinese movement practice designed to cultivate energy and restore balance. It supports healthy aging in multiple ways:

* Improves spatial awareness and balance, key to fall prevention
* Builds leg and core strength, especially in the quads, critical for stability
* Teaches how to fall safely — and how to get back up
* Keeps shoulders and arms supple, reducing joint stiffness
* Trains breath control, directly supporting VO₂ Max and energy efficiency
* Enhances energy management, reducing fatigue and increasing clarity

And what about Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a form of brain training that helps the brain function more efficiently. Using real-time feedback, it can:
• Improve focus, memory, and clarity
• Support emotional regulation
• Assist in halting or slowing cognitive decline
• Help you feel more calm, grounded, and clear-headed

We’re offering sessions using NeurOptimal®, one of the most advanced neurofeedback systems available today. It’s safe, non-invasive, and designed to support the aging brain.

We're offering a new AGE WELL afternoon - join us!

INTERESTED?
Monday 25th August | Huby Studio | Just 4 places left!

Join us for a transformative afternoon blending ancient wisdom and modern neuroscience — designed specifically for people over 50 who want to age consciously and well.


Your experience includes:
🧠 33-minute Neurofeedback session (NeurOptimal®)
(Value £80) A full brain training session designed to optimise focus and cognitive health.

🧘‍♀️ 1-hour Qigong practice
Focused on balance, fall-prevention, strength, and energy flow.

🌬️ 45-minute Breathwork session
Learn how to breathe less to oxygenate more — the key to boosting VO₂ max and calming the nervous system.

🧘 Yoga Nidra with Sound Healing
A deep rest practice (non-sleep, deep reset) to leave you recharged, grounded, and restored.

Brain Health Meets Ancient Energy Practices & Cutting-Edge Tech An exclusive, first-of-its-kind brain-boosting experience in the UK

31/07/2025

What is Yoga Nidra (now also called NSDR)?

Here at MoonRise, we tend to focus on Qigong. With that said - we were asked whether we could consider a monthly Sunday night offering to include rest and sound.

Ava learned her sound healing in Bali last year. Her vocals however were honed over 13 years of classical training. So we thought, 'OK, we'll give it a go on a trial basis' The first 60 minute Sunday Sound and Stillness session will take place this Sunday 3rd August at 6:30pm.

So just what is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra, or “yogic sleep,” is a deeply restful form of guided meditation that allows the body to relax completely while the mind remains aware. It’s now also widely referred to as Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) – a term embraced by neuroscientists to describe this calming, restorative state.

Similar in some ways to Transcendental Meditation, Yoga Nidra takes you beyond ordinary relaxation into a state where healing, clarity, and deep rest can occur – without needing years of meditation experience.

Benefits of Yoga Nidra / NSDR

*Reduces stress and anxiety

*Improves sleep and helps with insomnia

*Enhances focus, memory and learning

*Balances the nervous system

* Promotes emotional and physical healing

What about sound?

When paired with soothing sounds – such as singing bowls, gentle music or nature soundscapes – Yoga Nidra becomes even more effective. Sound helps guide brainwaves into a meditative state more quickly, supporting deeper relaxation and release.

Can make this Sunday at Moonrise?, then here's how you practice at home.

*Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed

*Lie down on your back (on a yoga mat or bed) with a blanket for warmth

*Close your eyes and allow the body to relax completely

**Listen to a guided Yoga Nidra or NSDR recording (many are available free online)

Optional: use headphones with soft soundscapes or healing music

All you need is 20–30 minutes. No effort, no movement – just deep rest.

This is a simple, accessible practice that can be done by anyone, anywhere.

Join us..... and feel the vibe
We have 2 mats left for this Sunday
*When: 3 August at 6:30pm for 60 minutes
** Where: MoonRise Studio, Huby Near Harrogate
Exchange £15

https://www.moonrise.life/classes-1

28/07/2025

Retreat Centres:

In the past 7 days, I’ve had the pleasure of attending two very different retreats.

The first was in the Lakes – a walking and yoga retreat – absolutely lovely. A gorgeous retreat house with everything you could ask for, including a sauna and cold plunge. It was sophisticated, stylish, and very comfortable.

The second was at a convent in the Cotswolds on a spiritual retreat. It was old, simple, and deeply enveloping – absolutely wonderful. My preference is definitely for the convent, but we’re all different. I could feel – and almost touch – the energy of this spiritual place, layered with years of goodness and hope.

I don’t need Egyptian cotton sheets or Hygge décor to work from the inside out – though I am partial to a good ceremonial cacao!

When we run events and retreats at Moonrise, our hope is that the energy of our 200-year-old Stable Studio also exudes that same goodness, hope – and plenty of fun. We love our quirky little studio, foibles and all – and we think you will too.

Qigong, QiYo, Sound, Cold Water, Qigong Teacher Training… and always unusual retreats with a generous dose of humour and spirit.

Below is a photo of our special convent in the Cotswolds.
Deirdre x

www.moonrise.life

23/07/2025

WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS!
NOW FULL with Waitlist – Qigong Teacher Training, October in Leeds
Featuring our very special guest tutor: Dr. Jixing Cheng
Traditional Chinese Medicine Expert | 25 Years of Practice in the UK.
We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Jixing Cheng, a fully qualified Chinese medical doctor trained in China, will be leading the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sessions on our upcoming Qigong Teacher Training Course.
With over 25 years of clinical experience in the UK, Dr. Cheng brings deep wisdom, hands-on expertise, and authentic insight into the principles that underpin this ancient system of health and healing.
This is a rare opportunity to train with a true TCM master – and someone who is as kind and approachable as he is knowledgeable.

Ideal for:
Yoga/pilates teachers
Fitness professionals
Therapists and bodyworkers
Holistic practitioners
Nurses and carers
Anyone ready to expand their wellness toolkit

What You’ll Learn in the TCM Sessions:
The history of Chinese Medicine
The 12 Meridians – what they are and how they flow
How the major organs influence Qi and blood
Ancient and modern understandings of health
Natural remedies for common issues like insomnia, pain and palpitations
The 24-hour organ body clock and 12-month yin/yang cycle
Tongue diagnosis for health insight
How to integrate intention, breath and Medical Qigong with TCM wisdom

Career opportunities include:

Gyms, hospitals, care homes, wellness studios, retreats, one-to-one work and more.

This is your chance to add a powerful new dimension to your wellness career.

Message us now to secure the final place.
4-6 and 11-12 October
£995 - payment plan available
Start something truly transformative.
https://www.moonrise.life/qigongteachertraininguk