GUIDELINE FOR PARTICIPANTS
Everything You Need to Know About the Wellness, Manual Therapy & World of Nuad Thai Competition in Zagreb, from April 24 to April 26, 2026!
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Experience and Showcase Your Skills!
Challenge
The competition offers a chance to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in massage and manual therapy.
Learning
The competition experience is a great opportunity for learning and professional development.
How does the competition work?
1
Registration
Register here and select a category (Wellness, Manual Therapy or Nuad Thai / Asia Manual therapy ).
2
Selection of styles
Choose three massage styles you would like to present during the Championship:
- The first style will be used in Round 1.
- The second style will be used in Round 2.
- The third style will be reserved for the final round, if you qualify.
3
Demonstration
Perform the massage according to your chosen styles.
4
Evaluation
The expert jury evaluates your performance.
5
Winners
The winners in each category are announced.
Selection of category (Wellness, Manual therapy or Nuad Thai / Asian Manual Therapy).
1
Wellness
The Wellness category highlights the art of relaxation, beauty, and well-being. It focuses on techniques that improve circulation, skin tone, and emotional balance through gentle, harmonious touch.
Subcategories include:
- Aesthetic Massage โ Beauty- and relaxation-oriented; includes lymphatic, anti-cellulite, and face massage.
- Western Freestyle Massage โ Creative and rhythmic combination of Western wellness styles.
- Wellness & Spa Massage โ Aromatherapy, hot stone, and candle oil rituals for deep relaxation.
- Face Massage โ Manual rejuvenation and lifting through drainage, gua sha, and sculpting.
- Beginner (Student) โ For students demonstrating fundamental techniques and safe touch.
This category celebrates creativity, elegance, and the flow of touch that restores harmony between body and mind.
2
Manual therapy
The Manual Therapy category is dedicated to clinical and therapeutic bodywork focused on recovery, correction, and functional balance. Competitors demonstrate advanced anatomical knowledge, diagnostic reasoning, and effective manual treatment.
Subcategories include:
- Therapeutic Aesthetic Massage โ Corrective work for posture, tone, and circulation with visible aesthetic results.
- Deep Tissue & Sports Massage โ For pain relief, recovery, and performance; includes deep tissue, cross-friction, myofascial, and trigger point methods.
- Functional & Physiotherapeutic Manual Therapy โ Focused on mobility, alignment, and neuromuscular integration.
- Orthopedic & Structural Manual Therapy โ Covers osteopathy, chiropractic, dry needling, and Bowen therapy.
- Integrative & Holistic Massage Styles โ Combines Ayurvedic, Lomi Lomi, Reflexology, and California approaches.
- Classic Swedish Massage โ Traditional European relaxation and circulation technique.
- Western Freestyle Manual Therapy โ Open format for innovative and mixed manual techniques.
- Khan Therapy โ Reserved for official Khan Therapy Masters.
3
World Nuad Thai & Asian Manual therapy
The Nuad Thai category celebrates the ancient Thai art of therapeutic bodywork. It focuses on stretching, acupressure, and energy line techniques that restore balance, flexibility, and circulation.
It includes three subcategories:
- Thai Traditional (Cha Loi Sak) โ Classical Nuad Thai practice with pressure points, stretches, and energy line work.
- Thai Freestyle โ Creative forms such as Tok Sen, Thai Yoga, and Thai Oil Massage, blending traditional and modern flow.
- Asian Freestyle โ Broader Asian manual techniques such as Shiatsu, Bamboo, Tui Na, Reflexology Chains, Herbal Ball, Gua Sha, and Balinese massage.
In short, this category honors Eastern therapeutic traditions that combine precision, rhythm, and mindful touch to harmonize body and energy.
Massage Duration
Wellness & World of Nuad Thai category
Each massage session lasts 45 minutes per round.
Each massage session lasts 45 minutes per round.
Manual Therapy
Each session lasts 45 minutes per round.
Each session lasts 45 minutes per round.
๐ Every minute allows participants to showcase their technique, innovation, and effectiveness.
Massage Technique Demonstration
Preparation
Get ready for the demonstration โ choose the appropriate oil and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Get ready for the demonstration โ choose the appropriate oil and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Execution
Perform the massage according to the selected styles, using precise and professional movements.
Perform the massage according to the selected styles, using precise and professional movements.
Demonstration
Clearly and accurately demonstrate techniques, explaining what you are doing and the expected results.
Clearly and accurately demonstrate techniques, explaining what you are doing and the expected results.
Judging Criteria Explained
Understand how your performance will be evaluated in each category to best showcase your skills. Our expert jury will meticulously assess every aspect of your session.
1
Wellness Category
- Technique: Precision and grace of strokes.
- Flow & Movement: Seamless transitions and rhythm.
- Communication: Verbal and non-verbal client interaction.
- Innovation: Creativity in approach and unique elements.
- Session Objectives: Attainment of stated goals.
- Ergonomics: Therapist's body mechanics.
- Maneuver Effectiveness: Impact of techniques.
- Use of Tools/Products: Skillful application of aids.
- Client Coverage: Comprehensive body area address.
2
Manual Therapy Category
- Clinical Evaluation: Assessment and reasoning.
- Postural Ergonomics: Therapist's body mechanics.
- Hygiene: Professional cleanliness and presentation.
- Innovation & Precision: Advanced techniques and accuracy.
- Respect for Method: Adherence to original protocols.
- Time Management: Efficient use of session time.
- Effectiveness: Achievement of therapeutic outcomes.
- Patient Education: Client guidance and aftercare.
Please note: Participants must not request feedback or scores during or after judging.
Unlock the Complete Regulation Guide!
Ensure you're fully prepared for the Croatian Championship of Massage and Manual Therapy 2026 with our comprehensive official PDF. Your Essential Competition Companion Download the official PDF with all the rules, guidelines, judging criteria, and important information for the upcoming championship. Download Official Regulations (PDF)
Who Can Compete?
- Massage therapists of various styles
- Wellness therapists
- Spa therapists
- Beauticians
- Reflexologists
- Shiatsu therapists
- Bowen therapists
- Holistic therapists of all styles
- Ayurvedic therapists
- Physiotherapists and kinesiotherapists
- Osteopaths
- Chiropractors
- And generally, anyone who works with the human body through touch or movement.
Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career โ this competition is for you!
Do I need to be an experienced therapist to participate?
No! The competition is open to everyone - from experienced therapists to students and enthusiasts. The judges do not just evaluate the technique, but also the approach, innovation and passion for massage.
๐ก This is not just a competition - it's an opportunity for growth and learning!
Unsure about your technique?
No need to worry! Before the competition, VIP workshops are held with top experts where you can further refine your skills.
Learning environment
All competitors have the opportunity to see other techniques, exchange experiences and learn in an inspiring environment.
๐ก The most important thing is to participate and enjoy the process!
Who is Massaged During the Competition?
Massage Recipients
All competitors are also massage recipients at the same time.
All competitors are also massage recipients at the same time.
This means that, in addition to performing a massage, you will also receive treatments from other competitors.
Substitute Model
If someone cannot act as a model for health reasons, the organization can provide a substitute model.
If someone cannot act as a model for health reasons, the organization can provide a substitute model.
This is a great opportunity to experience the techniques of other therapists and learn firsthand!
๐กThis is a great opportunity to experience the techniques of other therapists and learn firsthand!
Pricing and Whatโs Included
Choose the perfect pass to match your participation level in the Official Croatian Championship of Massage and Manual Therapy 2026!
Standard Pass
โฌ200.00
- Full Championship Participation
- Official Race Certificate
- Access to Venue on All Race Days
This pass ensures you are fully ready to compete and showcase your skills! Register here!
Pro Pass
โฌ300.00
- Everything in Standard Pass
- 2-4 Hour Hands-on Workshop with an International Master. See Timetable.
- Workshop Completion Certificate
- Small Group Learning Format
Elevate your expertise with exclusive Master-led workshops!
Workshop Only
โฌ100.00
- 2-4 Hour Hands-on Workshop with a Chosen Master. See Timetable
- Workshop Participation Certificate
- Access to Event Venue During Workshop
Deepen your knowledge without competing. Additional workshops cost +โฌ100 each. Register here!
๐ณ Payment via PayPal or bank transfer โ simple and quick! For participants unable to pay via PayPal, the organization also offers the option of paying in cash upon arrival at the event reception. Be sure to confirm your attendance in advance so we can reserve your spot for the Championship or workshop.
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Judges
Qualified Judges
The evaluation will be carried out by experienced and renowned experts from 13 countries.
Technique Assessment
The judges will evaluate technique, innovation, professionalism and approach to massage.
Competition Rules
The judges will adhere to strict competition rules to ensure fair play and objective assessment.
Professional Evaluation
Expertise
The expert jury evaluates your knowledge and skills.
Efficiency
The speed and precision of your work is evaluated.
Communication
It is important to communicate with the client during the massage.
Result
The jury also evaluates the final result of the massage.
Announcement of the winners
1
Selection
The jury announces the winners in each category.
2
Awards
The winners receive valuable prizes and recognition.
3
Celebration
Celebrate your achievement and enjoy socialising with your colleagues.
Awards and recognition for participants
1
Trophy
Winners in each category receive valuable prizes and recognition.
2
Certificate
All participants receive a certificate of participation.
3
Acknowledgement
Participating in the competition provides an opportunity for improvement and promotion of your work.
Sign up and participate!
Sign up
Showcase your skills on the global stage!
Visit the official website for registartion
https://fmmtmnt.com/official-croatian-massage-and-manual-therapy-championship/
Feel & Heal Festival: Hrvatsko Prventstvo Masaลพe
Feel and Heal Festival, sluลพbeno Prvenstvo Hrvatske u masaลพi i manualnoj terapiji, jedinstven je dogaฤaj koji okuplja struฤnjake i entuzijaste iz razliฤitih podruฤja masaลพe i manualne terapije.
Contact
Do you have any questions? Contact us at the official email: [email protected]
Feel free to contact us via DM on social media.
Winners from 2024 Croatian Championship
