A Massage Champion’s Success Story

In a world where healing is both an art and a science, the massage championship stage stands as the ultimate test of skill, intuition, and heart. It’s more than just a competition-it’s a celebration of touch, technique, and the power of presence. Behind each smooth stroke and precise movement lies a story of dedication, discipline, and deep human connection. This is my journey through success in the massage championship world and what it truly means to earn your place among the best.

A dear friend and mentor, Jill Burynski, called me one day to share the news of massage championships. Both not quite sure of what a massage competition would entail, but she knew me as a competitive individual, someone who enjoys a good challenge and has seen my work as a master in my craft in Thai Massage & Clinical Bodywork. After our brief call, I sat with this “idea” of what an event like this would look like. My imagination saw proud chests and huge egos fighting for who has the best massage. There was only one way to find out, so I signed up and prepared myself for the American Massage Championship 2023 in Cherokee, NC.

Prepared was an overstatement. There was no research done on my part, no inquiry on what to expect. Only a selection of what categories I felt comfortable with, which was Thai Massage & Eastern Freestyle. What better way to learn than throw yourself in the fire, right? I knew the World Massage Festival theme was tie dye, so I wore my tie dye pants and a linen top with my massage table in hand and a small bag with sheets and my tok sen tools.

When entering the arena, I was a bit overwhelmed observing all of the many beautiful outfits, some elaborate set ups, with a huge gong on the stage and taped squares all over the floor. My performance experience in martial arts and former acting career skill set kicked in. I was committed to this point, there’s no turning back, and it was time to control my nerves and simply do my best. 

During the two rounds of competition, there was no prepared routine, just my heart in the work with a general idea of skill set to showcase my passion for abdominal massage and the efficacy of Thai Bodywork.  My clients enjoyed their sessions, afterwards some of the judges and spectators mentioned they enjoyed seeing my work. There were two rounds where I was the receiver and had the opportunity to connect with the other therapists, receiving some very memorable therapy from great people! 

Throughout the two days of competition, I came to a clear understanding that the participants here are not full of ego, they didn’t come to prove they are better than anyone. We all simply share a common passion for massage. A desire to help others, a devotion to the art of healing, and a willingness to be vulnerable in order to learn and grow. Whether I were to win an award or not, the feeling of accomplishment and success were already there by the positive experience and the amazing therapists that I was able to connect with over the weekend.

It’s time for the awards ceremony, the results are in… I didn’t place in either category. The scores came out and my name was dead last in one category and second to last in the other. Taking what I learned from the two day experience, I knew I could do better and committed to understand how these massage competitions worked and return the next year to try again.

Following AMC, coaching opportunities were posted and I travelled to Atlanta, GA and San Francisco, CA to receive coaching from other Gold Medalists at the national and international level. Master Chaang, Krista Harris, Luisa Vargas, Wassa and Arthur Wongphan. The most important knowledge received was how the judges scorecards work, including the rules and specific things they are looking for. It’s hard to play the game, if you don’t know the rules.

Through the mock competition and one on one coaching, my creative approach to the mat and table was broadened. The awareness of my own body, face, client and complete surroundings was in tune and controlled. The flow of my work, client transitions, draping and all became sharp and eventually effortless. So much that it naturally spilled into my therapy room as I began to practice every session as if the judges were watching. My clients of 8+ years began to compliment me on how they’ve always loved my work but it was even better than before.

During that year, I learned that massage therapists can compete in any state. So I committed to any state championship within an eight hour drive of my hometown of Charlotte. Between competitions I began creating routines to showcase the range of my techniques and creative tool work. It was also important for me to try new categories and challenge myself, finding which may present the best at AMC. Starting in Pennsylvania and winning gold in Thai and gold in Wellness! Then North Carolina with Gold in Thai, Silver in Clinical and Second Overall in the state. Followed Tennessee, Ohio, Virginia and South Carolina taking home Gold medals at each event. 

Traveling and competing was not only challenging but also an absolute blast! Every state hosted space for amazing therapists, along with different massage schools and CE providers to connect. Each competition was accompanied by judges demonstrating their specialties and allowing those attending to learn along the way. Many new friendships were made, lots of laughs and some tears of joy and happiness for each other’s success and well being. Most importantly unforgettable memories and the inspiration to keep pushing. 

What no one knew at the time was that despite all the recent achievements, I was actually going through one of the toughest times in my personal life. I found myself determined to not fall into depression, to overcome the gut wrenching fear, and to not allow anyone or anything to influence my life in a negative way. I consciously chose to turn all of my pain into power, using it as a catalyst for growth. The energy that would have been wasted with pessimistic thoughts and self-sabotaging emotions now fueled my creativity and desire to become strong, independent and resilient.

The year flew by, staying busy with my clients, practicing on my days off and weekends with the determination to win at the next American Massage Championship. Visualizing what it would feel like to be called on stage, wear the championship belt and stand beside the winners that paved the way before me. It was time to return to Cherokee for AMC 2024!

By now, the new Clinical Category was born in the US. It spoke to me deeply as a structural bodyworker at heart. My schooling was at the NC School of Advanced Bodywork where I learned Kinesiology and the ability to assess and create a plan for restoration. My approach to clinical work is East Meets West, using the ability to evaluate dysfunction from the western mind then restore balance by using the efficacy of Thai techniques and tools. I’d been following this category through its evolution that year and felt confident in choosing it as one of my categories at AMC. Then choosing Asian Massage as my other category, specifically Traditional Thai on the mat.

July 13th, 2024 the first day of competition and my first category is Thai Massage. I hadn’t been able to practice for over a week leading up to the event due to a foot injury which made me a bit nervous. Having to use a lot of foot work and lifting for my routine, I made sure it wasn’t broken the day before I left with an xray. Great news, it wasn’t however there was swelling with severe tendonitis. Pushing through the pain, I knew once that round was over, it was not a national level award winning performance. At that moment I had to focus all my energy into winning Gold in the Clinical Category.

Clinical is all about client communication, assessment and the efficacy of technique. What I love about this category is that there is no routine, just a random body with a random issue and as mentioned before I love a good challenge. I’ve seen many tough cases in my clinic and am always willing to try my hardest to help the most difficult ones, usually with much success. I was confident in my round that the judges criteria was met and lo and behold it was announced that I would be going to the Final Round, meaning that Gold in Clinical was achieved!

The Final Round in a Massage Championship includes the Gold Medalist from each category with the receiver being a judge on the table or mat. I later learned the judge on my table was chosen because she had very significant issues that would test my ability. As the round began, I greeted my client learning her pain level of 6-8. We did some mobility assessments which were very restricted and increased her pain through the sacral area. We did a structural assessment on the table, looking at her bone positioning. Her pelvis was significantly out of alignment and I was happy to help as this is my specialty.

My clinical tools were native to Thailand. Tok sen therapy using vibration to relax the nervous system and reach areas that are not palpable by hand. Thai hot herbal compresses include steamed herbs that are analgesic, promote circulation and reduce inflammation. As well as Pha Khaw Ma which is a traditional cotton sarong from northern Thailand used as an extension of our body to create deep yet gentle stretching for the receiver.

After 60 minutes of clinical Thai bodywork therapy including multiple reassessments, we revisited our same range of motion testing but now with ZERO pain and a significant increase in mobility! That alone was a huge win, just to see how happy she was with the new found relief.

Time for the awards ceremony of AMC 2024. My heart felt like it was going to explode. Third place was announced, then second place. Either I didn’t place at all or my literal dreams are about to be a reality… I won Overall Gold at the American Massage Championship!! This was by far one of my greatest achievements. As I walk to the stage in shock, all of my coaches, mentors and friends were cheering for me. My heart was overflowing from the tremendous amount of love and support from everyone and tears of joy reflected my sincere appreciation for those that encouraged and believed in me. I was so proud of myself for overcoming obstacles and creating a new path in which direction my life should go.

The byproduct of competing was not just the ability to say that I’m an award winning massage therapist. It’s in the connections and relationships that would have never happened by staying in the four walls of my therapy room. It’s being part of a community that is passionate about raising the standards in our industry. For those reasons and many more, I will remain connected to the massage championship world as a judge, hosting prep classes, emcee or day of event coordinator. Competing in a Massage Championships may not be for everyone, but being a part of the community surrounding the event can be for anyone. There are ways to get involved as a volunteer, body on the table, vendor or more. 

As I reflect on this journey through the massage championship world, I am filled with immense gratitude-for the mentors who shaped my technique, the peers who challenged and inspired me, and the clients who reminded me why I began this path in the first place. Every moment of pressure, precision, and passion brought me closer not only to a title, but a deeper understanding of human connection and healing. To those dreaming of stepping into this arena: stay curious, stay humble, and never stop believing in the power of your hands, knees, elbows, and feet! Success here isn’t just about the medals-it’s about mastering the art of touch, and the courage to express it with heart.

A Special Thank You!

I know this would not be possible without the unwavering support of someone very special-my partner. Behind every long training session and moment of self-doubt, you were there: encouraging me, believing in me and reminding me of my worth when I forgot it myself.

Your patience, your strength, and your gentle push gave me the mental and emotional stability to chase this dream wholeheartedly. Thank you for being my anchor, my biggest fan, and my safe place to fall. For keeping me hydrated, organized and focused on my goals. I am endlessly grateful, and so proud to share these moments with you.