Classes

"Rose is one of the greatest healers in North America."

Ken Cohen, Chi Kung Master & Author

   Intro to Thai

    Level I

    Level II

    Level I & II Review

    Level III

    Level IV

    Teacher Training   

    Another Day of More Moves

    What to Expect in Class

Introduction-Thai on the Floor or Table
A one- or two-day class to introduce Thai Massage and learn movements which can easily be done on the massage table or the traditional floor mat. Covers basic techniques, philosophy, benefits and applications, with the client lying prone, side-lying, and/or supine, working on the feet, legs, abdomen, back, shoulders.           

Introduction-Thai for Couples or Yoga Students
No massage experience necessary. A fun class to learn some great stretches to do. Thai for Two is geared for couples (any two people can be a couple, such as friends, parent/child, spouses, yoga partners, etc)  with little or no yoga or massage experience. With Thai for Yoga classes, it is helpful to have at least a beginner's experience with yoga.  Moves are done on a cushioned floor mat. Covers safety, basic techniques, and great stretches with the partner lying on their stomach, back, and sitting upright. Come join us!

Level I, Front Position

The traditional Front Position is the foundational first step of thai massage. This class teaches a 90-minute session done on a floor mat with the client supine. Over 50 movements are taught in a progressive rhythmic sequence addressing most major muscle groups and joints. This class can be taken alone to offer thai sessions immediately, or can be followed by Level II for the complete routine.

Level II, Intermediate, Side/Back/Sitting Positions

This is a thorough class to complete the fundamentals of a basic traditional routine. Includes a brief review of the Front Position, then continues with an additional 60 movements to complete the Side, Back, and Sitting Positions for a 1-2+ hour comprehensive session of the whole body. Basic Certification in Thai Massage. Prior completion of Level I is a prerequisite.

Level III & IV-Advanced Intensive, Sen Lines and Pressure Point Therapies 

An incredible class for the serious student seeking to understand the ‘whys’ of thai massage and take their practice to a higher level. Suitable for thai therapists trained in any of the major styles.

In Level III-Advanced Sen Line Therapies, learn the 10 major Sen energy lines, the underlying philosophy behind the movements, new one-hour treatment routines addressing each Sen, new stretches, focus on individual skills and real life case studies. Class includes written and practical evaluations. Prior completion of Levels I&II (Front, Side, Back, Sitting Positions) with ITM or similar is a prerequisite, and a minimum of 20 hours of written session logs (see the example form below) submitted to ITM at least one month before the class starts.  

In Level IV-Advanced Pressure Point Therapies, learn specific acupressure techniques to treat pain associated with the back, shoulders, knees or headaches. A different but complementary approach from the Sen line treatments. Learn four new routines, about 100 specific pressure points, and new stretches. Focus on individual skills and real life case studies. Learn to develop specific treatment plans for different clients. Class includes written and practical evaluations.

It is strongly recommended you also attend the Level I & II Review classes immediately preceding this Intensive, especially if your training is not from the ITM style. Please contact the instructor if any questions.

Optional housing available

Level III-Sen Line Therapies

The goal of this class is to penetrate deeper into the spirit and philosophy of thai massage while strengthening individual skills. Suitable for thai therapists trained in any of the major styles. The focus in on learning and understanding the 10 major Sen energy lines, the energetic philosophy behind the movements, new one-hour treatment routines addressing each Sen, new stretches, and real life case studies. Class includes written and practical evaluations. Prior completion of Levels I&II (Front, Side, Back, Sitting Positions) with ITM or similar is a prerequisite, and a minimum of 20 hours of written session logs (see the example form below) submitted to ITM at least one month before the class starts. It is strongly recommended you also attend the Level I&II Review classes immediately preceding this Intensive, especially if your training is not from the ITM style. Please contact the instructor if any questions.

Thai IV-Advanced, Pressure Point Therapies

This class presents therapeutic acupressure point treatments to treat pain associated with the back, shoulders, knees or headaches. A different but complementary approach from the Sen line treatments. Learn four new routines, about 100 specific pressure points, and new stretches. Focus on individual skills and real life case studies. Learn to develop specific treatment plans for different clients. Class includes written and practical evaluations. Prior completion of Levels I&II&III (Front, Side, Back, Sitting Positions, and Sen Lines) with ITM or similar is a prerequisite, and a minimum of 20 hours of written session logs (see the example form below) submitted to ITM at least one month before the class starts. It is strongly recommended you also attend the Level I&II Review classes immediately preceding this Intensive, especially if your training is not from the ITM style. Please contact the instructor if any questions.

Teacher Training

PREREQUISITES, Levels I-IV with ITM-USA or similar. Contact the instructor if questions.

Part 1- teacher preparation, one week
Part 2-assist in Level I class, one week
Part-2, assist in Level II class, one week
Part 1 must be taken first, to be followed by at least one week in Part 2, which can be taken immediately after Part 1 or within 6 months in another Level 1 or 2 class if pre-arranged with the instructor.

This is a comprehensive 2-3 week program to learn teaching skills and apply them by assisting in a Level I & II class.

Part 1 is a wonderfully expansive week of learning how to teach bodywork while deepening our understanding of ourselves. Class work consists of learning and practicing different teaching methods, recognizing learning styles, strengthening communication and conflict resolution techniques, developing lessons plans, creating successful workshops, defining personal teaching objectives, refining thai massage techniques, and practicing teaching within the group’s supportive but honest and challenging atmosphere. Many students have stated this is the most personally rewarding class they have ever taken.

Part 2 focuses on the practical application of the material learned in Part 1, by observing and assisting in a Level I & II workshop. Based on their skills and abilities, students can assist with lectures, demonstrations, supervised practice, lesson plans, and more, all with the support and feedback of the lead instructor and fellow teachers in training.

Continuing Education Credits-

Classes are approved by the Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage, for continuing education credits (CEs) for massage therapists (# 50-1025), by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a Continuing Education Provider (# 152830), and by the Thai Healing Alliance International (THAI #1064).  Classes can also be used for AMTA CEs.

ITM-USA embodies traditional northern style thai massage. The teaching is based on the complete program as taught at the Old Medicine Hospital and ITM in Chiang Mai by master teacher Chongkol Setthakorn. We begin with the traditional Om Namo, ringing of the bells, and warm-up exercises from yoga, meditation, and chi kung.

The classes are well organized, efficient, full of useful information, and also kept light and fun. The lead instructor, Rose Griscom, teaches the classes with occasional assistants.  Rose's personal practices enhance her teaching, and include vipassana meditation, chi kung, yoga, and lots of laughter.

After teaching thai massage for many years, ITM-USA  developed a class format and methodology to help guide students' success. We foster a mutually-respectful environment so that everyone can learn. There is plenty of hands-on time. Students are given clear, thorough demonstrations of the movements, and are encouraged to take notes and follow along in the book. The instructor guides you step-by-step through each series of movements, and then you practice on each other, with help as needed. There is time for discussion, questions, review, and integration of the material. The secret to successful thai massage is good instruction, an openness to learning, and lots of practice.

Be prepared to work and be worked on. Dress in loose, comfortable clothing. Bring layers in case you get warm or chilly.  Please have a clean body and clean feet (consider getting a pedicure to remove rough or dry skin).  Finger and toe nails trimmed short. Eat lightly before class, as many of the movements involve compression of the abdominal area. Thai massage can be physically demanding, so doing some stretching and strengthening before class can make it easier to adapt. Try not to arrive hurried and harried, but well-rested, alert, and open to the joys of nuad bo-rarn.

Student's get much more out of class if they receive at least one professional Thai massage beforehand. Arrange this individually with the instructor well before class. Sessions can be with the instructor or another experienced therapist. 

Each class includes written material and handouts. The text "Nuad Bo-Rarn, the Traditional Massage of Thailand" by Arthur Lambert and Chongkol Setthakorn is included as part of Thai I-Basic or the II-Intermediate class. "Advanced Thai Massage", written by Arthur Lambert and Rose Griscom, is a comprehensive manual included with the Level III or IV classes.

Classes are approved by the Florida Department of Health, Board of Massage, for continuing education credits (CEs) for massage therapists (# MCE-213), and by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork as a Category A Provider (# 152830). ITM is also an approved institution with THAI (#1064), the Thai Healing Alliance International.

Institute of Thai Massage-USA is approved by the

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)

as a continuing education Approved Provider.

Rose's teaching style is deeply rooted in her experiences and practices of traditional eastern healing methods...meditation, yoga, chi kung, Buddhist philosophy...along with her unbridled enthusiasm, experience, and extensive training.

Call us (609) 390-1016