Introduction Evening (optional but highly recommended)

​

 

Friday 29 May 2026

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

 

​

Chill

The Room

60 University Street

Belfast

BT7 1HB

 

Before the practical weekend begins, we will meet for a short introductory session in person. This evening brings everyone together, explains the thinking behind the course, and prepares you properly for the weekend ahead.

 

Topics will include:

 

• What this course is about and how it differs from most Western massage training

​

• A brief look at the history of massage in Asia and how these traditions developed

​

• Where massage overlaps with other therapies and where it does not

​

• Basic Buddhist ideas that historically influenced the art of massage

​

• The importance of staying in your lane as a therapist

​

• What massage is actually for and how to keep treatments clear and focused

​

• How the weekend will run and what to expect

 

There will also be time for questions and general discussion.

 

While it is technically possible to miss this evening and read the notes later, attendance is strongly recommended. The conversation, shared context, and chance to meet the other participants help set the tone for the weekend.

 

If you want the best from the course and your investment, this introduction evening is an important part of the experience.

​

 

Course Weekend

 

Saturday 30 May

Sunday 31 May

​

​

£240

Places are secured with full payment, required three weeks prior to the course. See payment information below.

 

10:00 am – 6:00 pm each day

 

Each day will include regular short breaks and approximately one hour for lunch.

 

Refreshments such as water, tea, coffee and the occasional Hobnob will be available throughout the day.

Please bring a packed lunch, or you may use one of the nearby cafés and restaurants. If leaving the venue, please allow enough time to return promptly.

Good timekeeping is essential. If someone arrives late it holds the whole class up, so we aim to keep the environment respectful of everyone’s time.

​

 

About Masterclass 1

 

This masterclass is designed as a deep exploration of foundational Eastern massage principles.

 

It is suitable for:

 

• Experienced therapists 

• Beginners who want to understand massage from first principles

 

Even experienced Western therapists often discover that the methods explored here are completely new.

 

Western massage training focuses on styles and routines. This course instead looks at the mechanics that make massage work. Rather than memorising long sequences, participants learn a small number of reliable physical algorithms that consistently bring about change in the body. These principles form the foundation of many Asian bodywork systems.

​

 

The Core Principle: Physical Algorithms

 

At the centre of the training are five core mechanical principles that guide the entire system.

 

Press

Hold

Release

Rest / Reset

 

Together these create the basic rhythm of effective touch. This deceptively simple sequence … often abbreviated as PHRR forms the structural backbone of the treatment. Once this rhythm is understood it becomes possible to work clearly, confidently and efficiently.

​

 

Expanding the System

 

From this foundation we begin to add movement.

 

During the weekend we will explore variations such as:

 

• PHRR Move / Stretch

• PHRR Traction

• PHRR Rocking

• PHRR Twisting

• PHRR Full Reset

 

Participants will also experience what is sometimes called “no-hands massage” in the Far East. This refers to working primarily with exploring the gaps between the techniques and allowing space for your clients to relax and reset. Often referred to as The Do Nothing Technique.  The aim is to develop efficient body mechanics that allow therapists to work comfortably for many years.

 

 

Practical Skills Covered

 

Throughout the weekend we will work through a complete full-body treatment system.

 

Areas covered will include:

 

• Back of the legs

• Back

• Arms

• Front of the legs

• Abdomen and chest

• Neck and head

 

The emphasis will always remain on mechanics rather than choreography. Once the principles are understood the treatment naturally adapts to the person on the mat.

​

 

Working Method

 

Most of the training will be conducted dry on a mat on the floor, eastern-style. We will also have benches to demonstrate how techniques can be applied in a western setting and adapted or blended into any existing routines. 

 

Participants should bring:

 

• Loose cotton tracksuit bottoms

• A loose cotton t-shirt

. Large note book and pen

​

 

We will work over clothing, which keeps the training environment comfortable and practical. This will also give you the skills to work on clients through light clothing. Important for the shy client or when working in open areas. 

 

Oils may occasionally be demonstrated, but the system itself does not depend on them and can easily be adapted to oil massage later.

​

 

Body Mechanics and Professional Longevity

 

A major focus of the course is how therapists use their bodies.

 

Participants will learn how to:

 

• Use posture and body weight rather than muscular effort

• Protect joints and maintain healthy working habits

• Sense changes in muscle tension through the hands

• Recognise when to repeat a technique and when to move on

 

These skills help therapists and beginners to work more effectively and more sustainably over long careers.

​

​

Important Note

 

This course is not a qualification program and does not issue certificates for professional licensing. It is a masterclass designed to deepen understanding of massage mechanics and expand practical skill.

 

The goal is simple: to help participants become better, more capable therapists through a clearer understanding of how effective massage actually works. At the same time, the course provides a strong foundation and springboard for beginners who may be considering a future career in massage.

 

For those who are simply curious about the craft, the course offers the opportunity to learn a complete top-to-toe massage system that can be practiced with friends, partners or family.

 

No chasing paperwork.

Just improving the craft.

​

​

Who This Course Is For

 

This masterclass is designed for a small group  (4  students max) of people with a genuine interest in massage.

 

It will be particularly useful for:

 

Experienced therapists

Practitioners who want to revisit the foundations of massage and explore a different mechanical approach.

 

Therapists trained in Western systems

Those who wish to understand the underlying mechanics rather than simply follow routines.

 

Beginners considering a career in massage

People curious about entering the profession who want a clear and practical introduction to the craft.

 

People interested in learning massage for personal use

Anyone who would like to learn a structured full-body massage to share with friends, partners or family