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Great stay. A wonderful secluded retreat with great rooms and fantastic hosts. Lots to do within short driving distances. -Paul Lucas

Hi James and Shou Mei, We have had the best time at your retreat! Thank you again so very much for your kindness. We hope to be in touch soon. -Aide and Jade

Wulin Retreat recently held a five day intensive Tai Chi seminar. The International guests included our master from Taiwan, Mr Chen Yun Ching and his brother Mr Chen Yun Chao. These masters are the sons of Grandmaster Chen Pan Ling, who was one of the greatest masters of Chinese kung Fu of our time. We were very lucky and honored to have both of these great masters willing to share their father’s art with us. Our items of study for the week long seminar included, the Chen Pan Ling Tai Chi form and for the more experienced students, the Chen Pan Ling Tai Chi Sword form. Other items of study for the week included the 5 elements of Xing Yi, the Chen Pan Ling Bagua form, and push hands. Our own Sifu James Sumarac was kept busy studying the single Sword Bagua form. Course participants came from all over Australia. We had visitors from Sydney, Perth, Tasmania, and country Victoria. Some participants had never done Tai Chi, while others came from various Tai Chi schools wanting to cross train in another style of Tai chi. All of the students who had prior knowledge and experience in Tai Chi said, they were very impressed with the Chen Pan Ling Tai Chi form and wanted to continue studying this form of Tai Chi to compliment their previous studies. Master Chen Yun Ching and Master Chen Yun Chao also performed several demonstrations during the seminar. Master Chen Yun Ching demonstrated the Monkey and Swallow forms of Xing Yi, and several weapon forms. His older brother Master Chen Yun Chao demonstrated a Shaolin form. They gave impressive displays of their father’s unique style of Kung Fu. Finally on the last day of the seminar, Master Chen Yun Ching surprised us with some exciting news. Master Chen told us that when he gets back to Taiwan he is going to set up an official worldwide Chen Pan Ling Association. Master Chen also promoted Sifu James Sumarac as his Personal Advisor, and he will assist Master Chen with seminars in America, later this year. On a more personal level, I found the seminar both exciting and at the same time demanding. A typical day of training consisted of warm ups, then Tai Chi form revision, Sword form study, Bagua, and push hands. I found the Sword form very challenging but at the same time very rewarding. I have studied several other Xing Yi and Bagua weapon forms, but the recent Sword form that I studied was the hardest and most difficult of all to learn. I now want to focus my energy into perfecting this form because I have so much respect and appreciation for the Tai Chi Sword form. Overall, the seminar was excellent. Wu Lin Retreat is the perfect location for any kind of study. It has a quiet, peaceful and relaxing atmosphere thats good for the soul. The seminar was well organised and as always Sifu James and Shou Mei were perfect hosts, making everyone feel warm and welcomed. Master Chen Yun Ching and Master Chen Yun Chao were very relaxed and incredibly open with their teachings and knowledge. At every opportunity they had, they would offer advice and assistance, even during their lunch breaks. Master Chen said, he was honored that we all wanted to study his father’s Kung Fu, but the honor was truly ours. All that is left now to do is practice, practice, practice. -James and Mary

Well after 3 weeks on holidays, my first day back is quite hard to deal with... I just wanted to share with you an experience that Jade and I had while we were off work that I think you might be interested in. I flew Jade to Melbourne as a surprise after Christmas for 3 days of what turned out to be my best holiday ever. We went to a Martial Arts retreat for 3 days of relaxation, massage, martial arts / Self defence, eating, resting, more massage, more martial arts, eating and resting... I even managed to get a few hundred photos for my website too. I said to James the owner that I was going to have to go home to re-coupe as all this eating and resting has worn me out!! hehe I have attached the link here for you to have a look at: http://www.jamessumarac.com/home.html I can honestly say that this 3 days was the best experience and definately exceeded my expectations in every area. As reluctant as I usually am to vouch for anyone, I would vouch for Wu Lin Retreat in a heartbeat. They really were so nice to us and made every possible effort to make sure we were happy. They also do small groups up to about 10 people and all sorts of different things including cooking classes, accupunture, Thai Chi and the like. Definately a good idea for staff incentives, prizes, company team building as they can design up a programme to suit whatever you want as well as get in speakers or guests to assist. Get a price for what you would like to do, as they are very affordable and then hook yourself up some cheap flights to Melbourne and do something different for 2006!.. Enjoy and best wishes for 2006. P.S www.nightfireimages.com.au and www.adrianbrown.com.au are in the process of being constructed so keep your eyes peeled ok!! -Adrian Brown

Wu Lin Retreat

Wu Lin Retreat is a purpose-built Martial and Healing Arts Centre, tucked away in the heart of Victoria at the base of the Cobaw Forest. This 20-acre sanctuary is the perfect place to pause on life's journey, for rejuvenation of mind, body and spirit.

Whether you visit for its peaceful ambience on a weekend getaway, or for the study of Martial and Healing Arts wisdom - or both - you will find it an unforgettable and positive experience.

Click to view our list of workshops and relaxation packages

About the Design of Wu Lin Retreat

The name 'Wu Lin' literally means Martial Forest Retreat, and its design has been influenced by traditional Chinese villages and the Shaolin Temple.

Hand built by the owners and dear friends, each mud brick and piece of recycled timber has been lovingly and thoughtfully positioned to create an ambient atmosphere for guests and visitors alike. James and Shou Mei's commitment to a holistic and eco-friendly lifestyle is demonstrated by their use of a stand alone solar system and extensive organic fruit and vegetable garden.

The Dojo (Training Hall)

As you enter the Dojo (training hall), you will pass through 400-year-old Chinese doors that conceal a rich tapestry of monastic and cultural history.

Here you will find the Dojo's sprung polished floor area with mirrors and training equipment to facilitate classes and workshops, and equally, a beautiful hall to meditate, pray or reflect.

Beautiful leadlight windows reveal a vista to a Japanese garden, fish pond and traditional Japanese Tea/Meditation House, bounded by the beauty of the natural Australian bush.

The Guest Rooms

If staying overnight, the Wu Lin Retreat provides four semi-detached units with ensuite bathroom facilities. Each room has been beautifully designed to reflect the four seasons in a traditional Chinese fashion.

Come to release the stress and pressures of daily life to increase your vitality and re-establish harmony in your life.

The Barefoot Doctor's Clinic

Wu Lin has a Barefoot Doctor's Clinic practising Traditional Chinese Medicine. Appointments may be made for consultation on health and wellbeing issues.

Consultations are conducted with a holistic attitude utilising massage, acupuncture, moxibustion, herbs, diet therapy, exercise and lifestyle counselling.

Features of Wu Lin Retreat

Perfect place for both Martial Arts training (beginners and advanced), as well as a rejuvenating and peaceful getaway.

Beautiful accommodation made from mud brick & recycled timber, with tatami and baltic floors and enhanced with 400 year-old Chinese monastery doors and antiques.

Four spacious semi-detached guest units (with separate bathrooms) are beautifully furnished with Chinese antiques that compliment a season of the year.
Choose from Western-style or tatami and futon beds.

Weekend or mid week cultural immersion packages are available that may include: Therapeutic Massage, Meditation, Tai Chi or Tea Ceremony.

Regular professional training and development workshops designed for schools and companies, held by local and international Presenters.

Packages, Rates and Bookings

Click Here to see our list of packages.

Your Hosts: James Sumarac and Shou Mei.

Above & below: Fresh organically grown vegetables from the Wu Lin Retreat garden.

Below: Master Zhu Tian Cai
from China, James & Shou Mei Sumarac (owners) taking a leisurely early morning walk through the forest at Wu Lin.