Thai Yoga Massage level 1 & 2 practitioner qualification training
Are you passionate about helping people who are struggling with physical and emotional imbalances?
This training is an opportunity to learn an ancient and powerful form of bodywork with countless benefits and to develop the skills to support people in their individual healing process. At the same time this course offers the chance to embark on or continue your own ongoing journey of growth and self-development.
This training is an opportunity to learn an ancient and powerful form of bodywork with countless benefits and to develop the skills to support people in their individual healing process. At the same time this course offers the chance to embark on or continue your own ongoing journey of growth and self-development.
In this 120h accredited training course you will gain comprehensive Thai Yoga Massage knowledge and skills to support people with your healing touch. Become a qualified bodyworker.
Upcoming courses in Portugal
Residential practitioner training
1st 2025 cohort - Level 1: 14th - 22nd May // Level 2: 22nd - 28th May
2nd 2025 cohort - Level 1: 5th - 13th September // Level 2: 13th - 19th September
1st 2025 cohort - Level 1: 14th - 22nd May // Level 2: 22nd - 28th May
2nd 2025 cohort - Level 1: 5th - 13th September // Level 2: 13th - 19th September
Why this work matters
We live in a world of disconnect
By nature, we are Beings of relation. But especially in today's Western society, there is a dominant culture of separation. As a result we:
This leads to enormous struggle to cope with day-to-day life and feeds into the development of disease in the body. The power of touch in this context is so simple and yet so healing. |
Our modern lifestyle has broken us
It starts with wearing shoes, walking on concrete and sitting on chairs, never mind pollution, the constantly increasing speed of life, poor nutrition... the list goes on. As a result we:
This means, pain and chronic conditions find it much easier to take hold of and spread through our body. With Thai Massage we can restore vitality and movement in the body, improve the health of the tissues and alleviate stagnation. |
There is no more safe space
It takes so much bravery to show up for life in today's times. Expectations are impossible to meet. Everything has an agenda. We are surrounded by so much suffering. As a result we:
These are all symptoms of a highly dysregulated nervous system, which is the root to so many diseases. One of the main intentions of Thai Massage is to create an opportunity for meaningful rest and self-care. |
The healing potential
An unambiguous touch has the potential of so much healing. It might invite:
And as a result, people might feel less pain in their body and more connected again, with more energy and a restored sense of well-being. And from this place, healing and growth can take place. |
Who is this training for?
There are no prerequisites as such. A lot of the people joining the training are Yoga teachers, physiotherapists, massage therapists, spiritual practitioners. However, I have had a retired police woman, an accountant, a political scientist, and a school teacher love the training just as much. Here is what most of the participants have in common though:
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Level 1 - the foundationsThis level offers a deep foundation and detailed understanding of the principles of Thai Yoga Massage. By the end of this training you will be able to give a balanced 1.5h treatment.
What will you learn in this course?
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Level 2 - therapeutic applicationAt this level we focus on the therapeutic application and on sequencing for the client in front of us. This is for those of you who wish to become professional Thai Massage practitioners. By the end of this training you will be able to give a relevant 1.5-2h treatment.
What will you learn in this course?
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The beautiful marriage between Thai Massage and Yoga
As mentioned before, a connection to Yoga or being a Yoga teacher is 100% not a pre-requisite. And if you are into Yoga, you might find there is a beautiful and natural link between these two ancient practices. Thai Yoga Massage came to life through the vision of German buddhist monk Asokananda back in the 80's, as he wanted to unite Yoga, Vipassana Meditation and Thai Massage.
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What previous participants say
I completed the 2-week Thai yoga Massage training with Katrin and absolutely loved it. I also met some amazing people on this course and I’m sure they will all do some amazing things with it. The course is very intense and there is so much information to take on board. However the way Katrin delivers this is amazing, everything is explained and delivered in a logical manner. The support and encouragement given to do the best you can was very much appreciated. I love her style of teaching and her knowledge is invaluable. This is the second course I have taken with Katrin and can say it won’t be my last. Thank you Katrin for teaching me this great bodywork course and for your support. It’s now over to me to do the best I can with the tools you have given me! Xxx I really, really love Kat's teaching and would recommend her to anyone feeling the call to Thai Yoga Massage. She creates a safe, peaceful and totally supportive environment, ideal for learning this beautiful practice. Each movement or concept is taught with precision, care and love. Kat is incredibly sensitive to the needs and gifts of each individual, and I felt my learning process was fully supported throughout Level 1 and 2. If you enjoy learning in small groups and in a peaceful but fun and friendly atmosphere, the Hadadi School is ideal. Nothing but love is found here. Feeling so grateful and blessed for having such an amazing and inspiring teacher who took us on this Thai Massage journey :) Thank you! Truly inspiring, thank you! |
This is a hard testimonial to write, because it’s a testimonial about a training course, and the training course was first class, but it was truly so much more than a training course. This experience changed me for the better. Kat did not only teach us to perform Thai Yoga Massage, she held space for us, she taught us personal practices to ground ourselves, she created a supportive & safe community, she gave us time to integrate & heal. I’m thankful to Kat on a personal level for the changes I’ve experienced within myself since undertaking the course; I’m also so grateful that Kat is truly teaching the art of Thai Yoga Massage - she is not churning out certificates to make some cash, she is working from her heart to spread a healing modality out into the world. I feel blessed to have taken this training with Kat, it has a rich value that is beyond a monetary price. If you want to train authentically & you are serious about personal integrity, this is the training for you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Kat, I wish you every success & happiness. Kat's approach is a balanced blend of the physical and energetic. Kat embodies her teaching; she is precise and thorough. The class is very practical and hands on- most of the time is spent either giving or receiving massage. I really appreciated the format of the class as well, as it allows time between each session to practice the new material. I felt transformed after the course, so proud to have learned this new skill that I am able to share with others. I loved every minute of the Thai Yoga Massage course. It has given me a wonderful new career in a beautiful, beneficial therapy. Kat is a fantastic teacher, patient and thorough. A truly wonderful course which I would recommend to anyone thinking about taking their work in a new direction. |
What you will walk away with by the end of the training
Relevance
My biggest wish is that by the end of this training you have gained tools and skills that you can actually put to work, that are helpful in the context of what you do. I want you to be a fully equipped, confident and safe bodyworker and also earn money from that. |
Personal growth
As bodyworkers we need to also deal with our own stories, and continuously work on building our own resilience. Study, practice, sharing, connecting with community, deepening our understanding - all so important on this incredible journey. |
Improving other people's lives
Thai Yoga Massage has so many healing qualities, and you will be able to make such a difference for people who are struggling with pain, overwhelm and other conditions. And when they start to feel better, they can in turn also show up for their community again. |
Some examples of what previous trainees are doing now
Many offer treatments, along with other complementary modalities, accompanying their clients through all ups and downs of life, and some even have their own practice/studio.
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One student specialised in working with children with Autism and ADHD, working in a special educational needs school and is showing some remarkable results with 1:1 Yoga and Thai Massage.
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A couple of my students continued to study and take apprenticeship from various teachers, and now deliver their own training courses.
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What is Thai Yoga Massage?Thai Yoga Massage comes from an ancient Buddhist tradition and is a unique combination of yoga, acupressure, meditation, physiotherapy and energy work. It is a holistic therapy form with the aim to restore the natural energy balance in body and mind. Thai Massage, with its grounding and deeply relaxing qualities, is the perfect antidote to our modern lifestyle stresses. With the release of holding and blockages, not only the body can regenerate, but the mind also has a chance to quieten down. Thai Massage promotes general health and well-being. Working to release blockages in the body’s energy system, it can help to improve posture, lower back pain, breathing and flexibility. It helps to dissolve muscular tension and can counteract physical and mental exhaustion, stress symptoms and discomfort. The neurological response makes the organs work more efficiently, so digestion and circulation can improve, blood pressure levels can normalise and headaches disappear. |
Find the Stillness. Listen. Connect.
Can you let go of any attachments, agenda, assumptions, prejudices, and be present? The true Power of Thai Massage lies within the vulnerability of an open heart. Be aware of everything that arises and allow your deepest instincts to respond. Then we can enter into this sacred dance together. |
Qualification & certificate
Hadadi and all courses are registered with the Complimentary Medical Association, who promote ethical, responsible, professional complementary medicine to the public and the medical profession.
In addition, the trainings are accredited by Yoga Alliance Professionals, an internationally recognised organisation promoting best practices for teachers and trainers. On completion of the training you will receive a certificate, that so far has been recognised by insurance companies of all my students around the world. |
The complete training
The complete training to become a professional Thai Yoga Massage practitioner consists of:
Different schools and teachers structure their trainings differently, and you need to find the format that resonates most with you (and there are some great trainings out there). My practitioner qualification training is probably a little more on the comprehensive side of the spectrum, as I believe that working with people in a therapeutic setting comes with a lot of responsibility. It takes time to learn this.
That's why I also insist on case studies, which is usually the phase in which you will learn the most. This is when you start to work on people out there in the real world, people who present all sorts of ailments and conditions and stories. You will have a lot of questions, you will most likely find yourself loose all your confidence at some point, or you might struggle to put a meaningful treatment together. And I want to make sure I support you during that time.
This mentorship might look like this:
My intention is that by the end of this complete training you will have the skills but also the confidence to start supporting people in their healing process and to start working as a bodyworker. This can't be achieved quickly, nor is it easy. But I have structured this training to include two levels, case studies, mentorship and assessment to take you through the process step by step.
If any of the following points speak true for you, then this course is probably not the right fit for you, at least not right now:
Please note, different countries operate to different guidelines when it comes to complementary therapy, and you may also need to present an adequate anatomy and physiology qualification to obtain liability insurance in your country of practice.
- Level 1 foundation course (46h)
- Level 2 practitioner training (34h)
- 25 documented case studies
- 2 integration calls on Zoom
- Final practical assessment
Different schools and teachers structure their trainings differently, and you need to find the format that resonates most with you (and there are some great trainings out there). My practitioner qualification training is probably a little more on the comprehensive side of the spectrum, as I believe that working with people in a therapeutic setting comes with a lot of responsibility. It takes time to learn this.
That's why I also insist on case studies, which is usually the phase in which you will learn the most. This is when you start to work on people out there in the real world, people who present all sorts of ailments and conditions and stories. You will have a lot of questions, you will most likely find yourself loose all your confidence at some point, or you might struggle to put a meaningful treatment together. And I want to make sure I support you during that time.
This mentorship might look like this:
- You have somebody coming for a treatment presenting with a condition you don't know much about. You can ask me for advice on how to approach the session.
- You might struggle with your own energy levels and want some tips on how to manage them better.
- You are confused about some of the feedback from the people you are practicing on and want some thoughts on that.
- You put together a website or a flyer to promote your treatments and would like some feedback from me.
- You are not so sure what to charge for your sessions once you are qualified and would like some guidance.
- You wonder how to create a safe space and set boundaries and would like to have a chat.
- You are looking for more reading or study materials and want some recommendations.
- You might not feel confident enough to start giving treatments and want to talk that through.
My intention is that by the end of this complete training you will have the skills but also the confidence to start supporting people in their healing process and to start working as a bodyworker. This can't be achieved quickly, nor is it easy. But I have structured this training to include two levels, case studies, mentorship and assessment to take you through the process step by step.
If any of the following points speak true for you, then this course is probably not the right fit for you, at least not right now:
- you are not in a position or willing to invest time in your training as a Thai Massage practitioner and are looking for a quicker solution
- you prefer oil-based massages or working at a massage table
- you are currently struggling with severe back or joint issues that prevent you from moving across the floor with relative ease
- you believe massages have to hurt in order to be effective
- you believe as bodyworkers we are there to fix people
- you are currently dealing with your own deep trauma process. Whilst this training offers a lot of space for self-growth and self-development, it could be too overwhelming for you and not aid your own healing process at the moment. You should focus on your own therapy first for now.
- you are not prepared to develop a solid self-care practice
Please note, different countries operate to different guidelines when it comes to complementary therapy, and you may also need to present an adequate anatomy and physiology qualification to obtain liability insurance in your country of practice.
About the venueCasa do Limoeiro is a traditional house in an idyllic little village in Alenquer, 45 minutes north of Lisbon. The large garden offers not only a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the country air, but an abundance of fruit and vegetables for our meals.
Accommodation is designed for sharing, rooms are simple and comfortable, and most have en-suite bathrooms. The yoga dome and practice space is a very light space with beautiful views of the organic kitchen garden. Roaming peacocks and chickens may provide some entertainment ;) The food is made with natural ingredients prepared with care and consideration. The organic, locally sourced, naturally high-in-energy and balanced meals will provide delicious replenishment for body and soul. |
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The schedule
First day - everyone arriving in the afternoon between 16h and 18h.
18:00 - Opening Circle
19:30 - dinner
The other days will typically unfold like this:
07:15-08:15 - Yoga or movement practice (optional)
08:15 - breakfast
09:30a-13:00 - class
13:00 - lunch
16:00-19:00(ish) - class
19:30 - dinner
On the last day we will have yoga, breakfast and class. Everyone will leave straight after lunch at 14h.
Half-way through each week, as well as at the junction between Level 1 & 2, we will have half a day off. Depending on what people want to do and also the weather, we can go for a walk, visit a local vineyard, or relax by the pool. This is important time for integration.
18:00 - Opening Circle
19:30 - dinner
The other days will typically unfold like this:
07:15-08:15 - Yoga or movement practice (optional)
08:15 - breakfast
09:30a-13:00 - class
13:00 - lunch
16:00-19:00(ish) - class
19:30 - dinner
On the last day we will have yoga, breakfast and class. Everyone will leave straight after lunch at 14h.
Half-way through each week, as well as at the junction between Level 1 & 2, we will have half a day off. Depending on what people want to do and also the weather, we can go for a walk, visit a local vineyard, or relax by the pool. This is important time for integration.
Equity pricing for the complete practitioner training
This training course is offered with a scaled pricing structure with three options rather than one fixed price. The intention is to allow more people to access the course, supported by the community and those who have access to more funds. Please choose the option that feels appropriate to you and your circumstances. You will not be asked to justify your choice.
TIER 1 REBALANCING For those with good financial resources and wish to support the participation of others to help rebalance systemic inequity. €1,080 |
TIER 2 FAIR For those with medium incomes and who have sufficient financial resources and can pay the fair value for the training. €980 |
TIER 3 SUPPORTED For those who currently have limited financial resources and can benefit from a place supplemented by the community. €880 |
What's included in the course fee
Payment plansPayment in instalments is available. You can specify this on the registration form.
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Accommodation and foodThe cost of accommodation and food is separate. The available accommodation options (14 nights) are:
Prices include three delicious meals per day, and tea, fruit and biscuits during the day. They do not include travel to and from Casa do Limoeiro, insurance or any extra activities. Depending on requirements, we will organise transfers from and to Lisbon at an additional cost of €30 per person (incl. both ways). |
Upcoming residential courses in Portugal
1st 2025 cohort - Level 1: 14th - 22nd May // Level 2: 22nd - 28th May
2nd 2025 cohort - Level 1: 5th - 13th September // Level 2: 13th - 19th September
2nd 2025 cohort - Level 1: 5th - 13th September // Level 2: 13th - 19th September
You don't have to take Level 1 and Level 2 back-to-back if you need more time. They can also be booked separately, however, please note the tiered pricing is only available for booking the complete training. Please email on [email protected] to enquire about pricing for the individual courses.
Any concerns you might haveYou don't have the time to complete Level 1 & 2 within the same cohort
That's absolutely no problem. You can join one cohort for Level 1 and when you are ready, pick up Level 2 with another cohort. I recommend of course not to leave several years between the trainings and to get in as much practice as you can in-between. You are very sensitive to other people's energy You are not alone. That probably also means that you are able to form very profound connections. And I know this can lead to overwhelm. I therefore keep the groups very small, with currently no more than 10 participants. And should the group be any bigger than that, I work with an assistant to help me hold the space for everyone. Every training starts with a community agreement that we are all there to support each other, and I will be very clear on what that looks like. You don't actually want to give treatments professionally, but would like to join for your personal development That is very welcome. And you might even choose to only do the Level 1 foundation course. You never know where that might lead. You don't have a massage futon at home That's no problem. In the beginning you can improvise with blankets, soft carpets, duvets, Yoga mats, quilts and bed throws layered up creating a very comfortable work base. You want to start practicing on a friend or family member straight away, as they have quite a bit of pain in their body I highly encourage you to do so. The more practice you can get in the better. And your friends and family will love you even more. |
Do you have any questions? |