I am a researcher. 

I had done a lot of research on different training options - some long, some short. And knowing that this was what I wanted to practice, I decided on a robust program that would really teach me enough to practice Thai massage. So I finally settled on the Thai Institute up in Arlington, Virginia, because it was close-ish & because I knew people in DC so I could stay with them. 

The Thai Institute had many levels of classes from Beginners to intermediate and advanced classes. Their classes were Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 5 so it was a 40-hour week and a financial investment. 

I thought, Okay, I'm going to invest in those classes because this is what I really want to do. I looked at their program and I picked a date in March of 2014. They had the beginner and intermediate classes back to back and I decided to go for it - just dive in for two weeks of Thai training. I stayed with friends in DC, rode the Metro over into Arlington to take my classes. They were really long days because the classes were 8:30 to five, and then a 1-mile walk on either end of the train ride. Yet, It was super exciting and fun because I was in DC and taking the train and going to class and I was with a whole bunch of people who were just as excited about Thai massage and who were interested and committed to learning. 

I loved it.

 When I came home, I tried to practice because you have to practice to remember the moves. I found friends to practice on and of course, I wasn't great at it but I was determined. So I kept practicing. But I didn't feel confident to do Thai massage for money and get clients. Where I worked as a massage therapist, of course, had a table, I worked at a day spa, and there's just no room for Thai massage. Except I started to add a little Thai on the table for various clients adding more stretches and I used bits and pieces in my Thai massage practice on the table massage. So I got to practice some of that basic stretching and just think about channels and stuff because we learned just a tad of the medical theory.

Your training is essential for a solid foundation. I am a constant student so I have gone to many, many Thai trainings. Your initial training may be a fun short few days to try it out. That’s fantastic! Do it! and take a course with another teacher too. Everyone you learn from, you will learn something. I am a firm believer in a wide and deep breadth of knowledge. And if you intend to truly practice Thai massage as your main modality to truly take it seriously, take a deep class. Take a class where you will get ongoing support. Take a class that seems just out of reach - time-wise, financially. Take something that will make you stretch. It will be worth it, I promise.

If you are thinking about learning Thai massage, check out my new class and Diploma certification course. This is the course I was looking for!

PS. The Thai Institute closed a few years ago when David Roylance moved to Thailand. He’s in Chaing Mai now teaching Buddha dharma.