The Shibashi Sanctuary

I've spent nearly 30 years working in the health and fitness industry, with Pilates forming an important part of that journey since 2012. Alongside that, I've always been a lifelong learner, curious about the human body, the mind, nature, history and the many different ways people have sought to understand themselves throughout the centuries.

Over the years, that curiosity led me to create The Shibashi Sanctuary, where I shared my passion for Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi. Later, it inspired The Celtic Compass, where I explored ancestry, history, nature and the changing seasons.

Both have been important chapters in my journey and have helped shape the philosophy that guides me today.

Over time, I realised that neither name fully reflected what I wanted to share. Pilates isn't the whole story. Shibashi isn't the whole story. History isn't the whole story either.

They're all part of something much bigger.

The Dragon Compass brings together everything that inspires me. Movement. Awareness. Nature. Ancient wisdom. Modern science. Ancestral connection. Daoist philosophy. Yin and Yang. The changing seasons. The simple act of paying attention to ourselves and the world around us.

I'll always be a student of the world. Every book I read, every course I take, every place I visit and every conversation I have teaches me something new. As I continue learning, I'll continue sharing what I discover, hoping it helps you better understand yourself and navigate life with greater awareness, alignment and connection.

Thank you for being part of the journey so far.

This is simply the next chapter.

I'd love for you to continue the journey with me, so please come and follow The Dragon Compass

Tai Chi Shibashi for better health and stress relief

Life in 21st century is HARD.

Stress, anxiety and other health conditions are on the increase.

Our minds and bodies aren’t designed for excessive sitting, staring at screens for hours, inboxes full of mounting unread emails, and being contactable 24/7.

Shibashi is a tai chi style class that is great for relaxing the nervous system, with repeated flowing movements which are kind to your body and even better for your mind with mindful breathing to help circulation and lung function.

I run classes in Pineholt Village Hall, Hucclecote and Huntley Village Hall, Gloucester:

Pineholt
Monday 2-3pm
Thursday 5.45-6.45pm

Huntley
Monday 6-7pm
Tuesday 10-11am

Click the link below to book a class or find more information ℹ️

https://www.theshibashisanctuary.com

All classes are suitable for beginners, no equipment is needed, just yourself in comfortable clothes.

I look forward to seeing you soon

Nikki x

Pilates is BACK

Tuesday 6-7pm at Pineholt Village Hall, Hucclecote, Gloucester.

Here are a few reasons how Pilates can help you in daily life:

- Improve posture and body awareness

- Help reduce back, neck, and shoulder tension

- Build core strength for everyday movement

- Improve balance and stability

- Makes bending, lifting, and reaching feel easier

- Supports better breathing patterns

- Help reduce stiffness from sitting too long

- Improves flexibility and joint mobility

- Strengthen muscles around the spine and joints

- Supports pelvic floor function

- Helps prevent injuries in daily life

- Improve coordination and movement control

- Can reduce aches linked to poor posture or weak muscles

- Help people feel more energised without high-impact exercise

- Encourages better movement habits throughout the day

- Supports recovery from stress by combining movement with focus

- Helps people move with more confidence as they age

- Can improve sleep by reducing physical tension

- Supports circulation through regular movement

- Creates time to slow down and focus mentally as well as physically

Quite a comprehensive list hey?

Interested in finding out more?

Click here: https://www.theshibashisanctuary.com 🥰x

Fantastic first Pilates class back, and absolutely wonderful to see so many familiar faces back again.

Shhh 🤫 don’t tell anyone but I am going to be so sore tomorrow!!! 😂

Pilates (re) starts today 6pm - 7pm at Pineholt Village Hall, Hucclecote.

Booking in advance is essential

Bring a mat and a drink

Book Here - https://www.theshibashisanctuary.com 🫶

Pilates re-starts tomorrow 🥳

Advance Booking is Essential

Book HERE - https://www.theshibashisanctuary.com 🫶

I can't wait to see you.

Nikki x

Whether you roll out a mat for Pilates or move through a Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi practice, both methods work on the same core idea: movement, breath and awareness working together to support the body and mind.

They come from very different backgrounds, but the benefits are surprisingly similar. Both help improve strength, balance, posture, mobility and stress management, while being low impact and accessible for many people.

Read more here: https://www.theshibashisanctuary.com/blog/pilates-vs-shibashi 🐲x

Pilates withNIKKi is (re)starting on Tuesday 19th May 6pm.

Interested?

Click here: https://www.theshibashisanctuary.com 🫶x