Basic Thai Certification


This contains two 40-hour basic courses!



#1 - Thai Massage I: Basics

Students will learn a classic Northern-style routine of 90-120 minutes, a flowing series of massage, acupressure, energy meridian therapy and "applied yoga" stretching that softens, loosens, unravels & lengthens the whole body!

Principles of proper body mechanics are an important focus throughout the course, ensuring safety for both client and practitioner, while promoting efficient, effective technique. Students will also be introduced to related cultural aspects of Thai history, traditions and healing philosophy.

More information is available on the page for Thai Massage I: Basics.



#2 - Body Mechanics & Refinement

During this basic skills improvement course, students will practice the full basic learning routine each day under guided supervision, focusing on proper form for the practitioner, with refinement and variations for material previously learned in the prerequisite basic training, Thai Massage I: Basics.

We will smooth transitions in the choreography, working out the kinks and your hesitation, building confidence throughout the full length of the routine.

You will continue to learn how to use less energy in each movement, with simple adjustments to your shoulders, pelvis and midback. We will build your body awareness and positioning for your long-term comfort, and general viability for years of extended practice.

More information is available on the page for Body Mechanics & Refinement.




Classes limited to ensure enough time for one-on-one instruction and practice in a supportive environment.

No experience in massage or yoga is required!

Skip down to the Upcoming Schedule



What will I learn in this course?


  • How to locate the Thai energy lines used to realign the body.

  • The most common stretches and massage techniques used in daily practice.

  • Proper body mechanics and positioning for safe, efficient and effective technique.

  • Brief Introductions to Thai healing philosophy and history of Thai massage.



Daily Details


Days 1-5:   Thai Massage I: Basics 40 Hrs

While basic theory is introduced, students focus on the essentials of each Thai pose, and the step-by-step choreography to eventually develop a smooth form and flow.

Day 1: Intro to Thai Healing Philosophy, Feet & Ankles, Leg Energy Lines

Day 2: Legs, Hips & Back Stretching 1 (Lying Face Up)

Day 3: Hands & Arms, Arm Energy Lines, Chest & Abdomen, Yoga 1 (Face Up)

Day 4: Legs, Hips & Yoga 2 (Face Down), Back, Back Energy Lines, Neck & Head

Day 5: Practice! Students are guided through the entire flow with the instructor.



Days 6-10:   Body Mechanics & Refinement 40 Hrs

On return from the weekend, students will be led through the full massage routine, guided by the instructor, with each student giving and receiving a massage before and after the lunch break, on both Monday and Tuesday.

Wednesday and Thursday are intended for mainly for supervised practice, with demonstrations and reminders provided on demand. Students work in their own time, without constant guidance by the instructor. Students may certainly ask questions any time, but are also encouraged to rely on memory and their workbooks to perform the basic routine, with intervention and adjustments by the instructor in the time of need.

This is ensure students are not reliant on being personally guided, and can use their manuals effectively to assist them after the course ends. This approach is, however, fluid and changes with the needs of students.

To be granted Basic Certification, you must safely and satisfactorily perform the routine by memory, within reasonable error, and with absolute minimal use of the workbook. You must also pass a brief, basic written test on Thai massage history, principles and theory.



Free Internship Included!


This Institute allows its students to return to repeat courses for free, as many times as they want, at no extra cost, as long as there is space for interns!

Internships are considered an invaluable opportunity and part of the learning process, as it allows students to repetitively see, hear and experience the foundational instruction as much as necessary!

Read more about the Free Internship Program!



Students who have enrolled in this course may attend any of the following courses for free as an intern, in any format that they are offered in the future:




Pricing, Details & Registration




Upcoming Classes





Frequently Asked Questions


Are these classes approved for Continuing Education by the NCBTMB?

Yes!

The Thai Massage Institute of Maui has been approved as a provider for CEs by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork!

Approved Provider # 451995-12



What are the "internship" opportunities?

These classes follow the traditions of its Thai lineage, including allowing students who have completed a course may attend that same course again as many times as they want, at no extra cost, as long as there is space for interns!

Internships are considered an invaluable opportunity and part of the learning process, as it allows students to see, hear and experience foundational instruction repeatedly to hone their understanding. Ideally, in time this small school, like others, will grow large enough to have a daily clinic of supervised intern students, who perform and observe massage treatments as part of their long-term training!

Read more about the Free Internship Program.