Mindful Movement Mastery

Doing Mindfulness Differently

Sword Sisters

We believe that every woman has unlimited creative potential. Each in her own way, she changes and sculpts the world around her.

The Sword gives her courage to tackle life’s challenges and dares her to dream.

She trains her body, heart and mind using the sword to cut through what no longer serves.

The sword guides her to tune into the natural rhythms of nature, guided by seasonal energies and harnessing qi for longevity, health and clarity of purpose.

“Sword Sisters is a truly remarkable experience. There is something truly remarkable about sword work, it cuts away the old, carves new paths and brings your true feminine power to light.  To share the time and space with Tamara and Trudi is truly a gift. They are knowledgeable, patient and supportive of you on your journey.”

AUTUMN WORKSHOP

 

We are delighted to be visiting the Shaolin Temple London for our Autumn Workshop.

Sunday October 18th 

13:30-16:30

Main Hall, Shaolin Temple London , 207a Junction Road, Tufnell Park, London, N19 5QA
 

Fee:  £60 Payment Link

 

We are limiting this workshop to 12 places.

 This will be our final integration session for the 16 Yang Sword Form – training our bodies, minds and hearts.

We will review and Refine Parts 1 & 2.

Review with more detail the martial applications.

Have fun with the musical choreography.

All levels and abilities welcome – an open mind and heart is the most important thing to bring.

Our events are for women only as we focus on female empowerment, healing the wounds of the feminine and cultivating feminine energies.

Reach out for any questions admin@drtamararussell.com

We are heading to Hampshire!

We are delighted to be visiting Southsea, Hampshire for an Autumn Workshop.

Sunday November 22nd

10:00 – 13:00

Fee:  £60 Payment Link

We will be teaching the Sword Sisters Foundation-5.

All levels and abilities welcome – an open mind and heart is the most important thing to bring.

Our events are for women only as we focus on female empowerment, healing the wounds of the feminine and cultivating feminine energies.

Reach out for any questions admin@drtamararussell.com

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DATES FOR 2027 COMING SOON

Frequently Asked Questions

Swords are provided for our events. We have a variety of different swords (steel straight swords, telescopic “handbag swords”) of various weights to suit all needs.

The tai chi and qi gong movements are very soft and gentle and suitable for all levels of fitness. Occasionally, people notice the weight of the sword and it’s impact on wrists and arms.

No! You will be guided to approach the sword and the other practices in a mindful and gentle way. This is part of the investigation of our relationship to our feminine power.

Please let Tamara or Trudi know in advance. You can drop us a line to ensure that this type of training is right for you – tamara.russell@mindbodymot.com

No! The movements are slow and gentle (but give a deep workout). You will be guided by your expert facilitators, and there is always an option to pause, rest and find your own way to take part.

No. The swords we use are not sharpened. Our main intention is to use the sword as a tool for self-development and inner work. The tai chi swords are metal (of various weights) and the telescopic swords are a lighter metal

Sword Sisters Training

We run Sword Sister Experiences as short “taster” workshops. These include a small sample of all the key elements of the Sword Sisters programme (meditation, intention setting, tai chi, qi gong and sword play).

We have run these for Silverbell Coaching (USA) as part of their week long retreat schedule and as part of The Sorority (Global). We have offered this to women celebrating important events (e.g. birthdays or other celebrations) where they want to do something different with their friends and families. 

All Levels are welcome – swords and “bash sticks” are provided.

Our day retreats offer a chance to hone your skills with your Sword. They are open to those new to the Sword but also often used by returners who want to drill their moves. Our groups are no more than 12 women who come together to explore mind, body, movement and heart through swordplay, qi gong, tai chi and meditation. We use the Village Hall in Nether Heyford for these day retreats. This is near to the Sword Sisters House offering a chance for gathering for food after the event.

Our residential retreats offer a deeper dive into all the elements of the Sword. Our groups are no more than 15 women who come together to explore mind, body, movement and heart through swordplay, qi gong, tai chi and meditation. The Falcon Hotel offers a level of luxury combined with retreat conditions – gorgeous vegetarian seasonal food, a chance to dip in the lake and the beautiful Saw Mill for practice.

Below are some photos from our Sword Sisters Residentials at The Falcon, Castle Ashby.
The sword moves with the woman, the woman changes with the movement of the sword, and the woman and the sword unite together.
~ Sword Lore

Facilitators

Dr. Tamara Russell holds two PhDs in psychology, and a Blackbelt in Shaolin Kung Fu. A true polymath, she blends her skillset to offer totally unique and bespoke experiences for her clients. These include Magic Circle Law firms, Brazilian Banks, Arts Organizations and Charities.

Known for her engaging, highly informed style, Tamara’s workshops deliver above and beyond the “usual”. Whether it’s a talk about the brain, a creative workshop, or a Sword Experience, her engaging experiences will deepen your understanding of who you are, how your brain works, and how to thrive in work and play.

Tamara has taken part in scientific dialogue with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Brazil in her academic role, and shared the stage with Ruby Wax at the Barbican. She has delivered at all the major UK Festivals (Latitude, Wilderness, SGP). She is the author of “Mindfulness in Motion” and “#whatismindfulness“, and a Visiting Lecturer in the Neuroimaging Department of King’s College London.

Trudi Simpson is an engaged artistic practitioner, meditator and martial artist. Formally trained in fine arts and psychotherapy, she has worked both as a freelance artist and mental health practitioner. Trudi has spent over 20 years as a Buddhist meditator. Training with a variety of traditions and teachers globally (Sri Lanka, India, China, UK, USA) and specialising in compassion and death practices. She has extensive martial arts training in China’s Wudang Mountains. Trudi combines mindfulness creativity and contemplative practices in the service of supporting the most vulnerable and traumatised members of the community. She is currently involved in creative and artistic mentoring projects with individual and collective healing potential.

What Our Sisters Say

"Full of Joy!"
My day with the Sward Sister was full of joy, laughter and support. I went alone, knowing nobody and had no experience with Tai Chi or words. I can wholeheartedly recommend the experience to anyone. I want to do this all again!
"Powerful"
Powerful, the power and emotions that ran through all of us at the end was nothing but divine, it was as if all the sword had taught us came out in the final moments.
"Proud of myself"
Do not worry about whether you are too old to be a sword sister.Im proud of myself I’m now a sword sister. Thank you Tamara and Trudy for becoming my guide and now friend forever.
"Energy & Wisdom"
I hugely enjoyed training with Tamara and Trudi. They are incredibly skilful martial arts practitioners and bring wonderful complementary energies and wisdom to the events they facilitate. They embody what they teach - and to me there is no greater gift!
"Focus & Discipline"
I love the focus, discipline and concentration training with a sword gives me. Thank you Tamara and Trudy for an exceptional, truly empowering and fun weekend. I am already looking forward to the next one.
"The Energy of Unity!"
It was even better than I thought it would be. A really uplifting and meditative experience. As we moved up the hall in unison I felt a very strong energy of 'unity' and sisterly protection. That was really my special moment. I really felt like we were going into battle on the front line...but we all held the formation. A wonderful feeling.
"New Wisdom & a Free Spirit"
"I come back from the retreat with new wisdom and a free spirit.. felt part of me has reborn, an inner peace and positive attitude towards life is still with me since….."
"Incredibly Powerful"
"Sword Sisters is an incredibly powerful event, even as a beginner Tamara and Trudi ensure you feel comfortable and get the most out of the event. I would recommend this to any woman looking to connect with her power."