Mavrovouni Beach, Githio, Grèce
Up to 20 in group
Sep 7 - 18, 2026
About this Retreat
Gerry is a certified Senior Yoga Teacher, SYT, a Shiatsu Practitioner / Teacher and 4th Dan Martial Arts Instructor. He holds accreditation with Yoga Alliance International (YAI), International Yoga Federation (IYF), Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, The Shiatsu Society (UK) and World Shorinji Kempo Organisation. He is also a registered member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).
He began his Yoga practice at the Iyengar institute in London, developing his approach for more than 30 years along with his professional experience as a teacher and therapist in Shiatsu and Chinese medicine.
He is founder and director of SYM-Ltd and has taught Yoga and Shiatsu in Spain, France, Greece, Italy and the United Kingdom.
His knowledge of oriental healing arts, Yoga and Martial Arts combines with his knowledge of the Western spiritual and therapeutic traditions.
Over the years, he has merged his unique knowledge of diagnosis, treatment and healing, nutrition, philosophy and psychology to create truly interesting courses and workshops related to personal growth and transformation, as well as the cure of chronic and degenerative diseases.
After completing his studies in Archeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University, he worked as a language teacher and TV reporter /producer before devoting himself full-time to healing and teaching.
He speaks English, French, German and Spanish.
Details of this retreat
This 2 week course teaches Hatha and Yin Yoga (mornings) as well as fundamental self-defence techniques (afternoons).
Martial Arts and Yoga are 2 ancient, profound disciplines that improve body awareness, co-ordination, agility, self-confidence, self-esteem and our understanding of energy, Ki or Prana.
The course is based on Gerry’s many years experience as a 4th Dan Shorinji Kempo instructor (Japanese Martial Art) as well as teaching experience of Yoga and Shiatsu.
This course will improve both strength and flexibility; Self defence develops awareness, smooth movement, agility, speed and basic Martial Art techniques, learning how to respond appropriately. The course also teaches breathing, mindset, and Yoga and Zen philosophy.
Yoga Asana classes are based on working with the Chakras and the 5 Elements. Furthermore the course teaches Restorative Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Meridian Stretching and Savasana (Relaxation) as well as “The Eight Limbs of Yoga”, the Chakras and Koshas.
Self Defence classes are based on 1). Individual or single form training (punching, striking, kicking, blocking, eluding techniques as well as combination moves); 2). Pair form training (practicing with a partner) where students change roles of attack and defence, integrating techniques and learning timing, speed and greater awareness. 3). Training with the long staff or baton (Bo in Japanese).
Dress code : please bring baggy white pants and white T-shirt, as well as running shoes and swim wear.
Course Instructors : Gerry Rixen is a certified 4th Dan Instructor in Shorinji Kempo (Japanese Martial Art), Senior Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance International) and Shiatsu Teacher and Therapist (Shiatsu Society UK). He spent many years teaching in Uk, France, Greece and Spain.