Name: Shiatsu Certificate Program 2025 – 2026
Start: 2024-08-28
End: 2025-06-01
Location: Bay of Plenty

We are the only provider of certificate and diploma-level Shiatsu training in Aotearoa!

Shiatsu Certificate

The full Shiatsu Practitioner Training is divided into two parts: The Shiatsu Certificate Program (Foundation Level – 1 year) and the Diploma in Shiatsu Therapy (Practitioner Level – 2 years) to make up a 3 year program.

SHIATSU CERTIFICATE PROGRAM – FOUNDATION LEVEL

The Certificate in Shiatsu Progam will enable participants to use basic Shiatsu techniques on friends and family, for relaxation, wellness and fun. Participants will practice in depth self-shiatsu techniques for own wellbeing and understand the principles of Shiatsu and oriental health as applied in their own life. Bodywork practitioners and therapist can integrate Shiatsu therapy principles into their established modalities.

The certificate program encompasses 500 hours of teaching, online reading and self-directed learning. Students should expect to spend between 8 and 10 hours weekly on course-related activities in addition to the 10 weekend workshops.

During this year participants will:

- learn anatomy and physiology of the human body
- study the basic elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as it relates to Shiatsu in theory and practice, including the five elements, meridians and yin/yang
- discover the 12 Meridians, their location on the body and their treatment options
- become familiar with contraindications and cautions of shiatsu therapy
- experience various self-shiatsu exercises and techniques
- learn techniques of mobilising, stretching and positional transitioning of clients during shiatsu treatments
- learn and practice self-care as a practitioner, including positioning as a giver and the development of their own wellness plan
- gain an understanding of a more holistic and integrated way of thinking
- gain a deeper understanding of oriental practices, discover meditation techniques, and embark on a journey of self-exploration
- be guided in their own hands-on shiatsu practice

Pre-requisites: Introductory Shiatsu Weekend Course / Retreat Weekend

Further Study Pathway: Diploma in Shiatsu Therapy

To attain the graduation certificate, participants must:

attend all 10 weekend courses / modules
gain 30+ hours practical experience with shiatsu sessions
complete 100+ hours of Basic Anatomy and Physiology (external – distance learning or through a local provider)
complete a NZ registered level 2 First Aid Certificate
complete 150-200 hours self-directed learning, reading and assignments, including self-reflective practice

View Curriculum

Curriculum

1. Introductory Weekend Course

2. Foundation Level (1st year) (CERTIFICATE)

10 weekend workshops
tutorials – monthly, 1 evening after each weekend course – optional but recommended, distance options may be available
independent study group / swaps > 2x monthly recommended – optional
30x Practice sessions on friends and family with written reflections
written essays
own daily reflective practice in: meditation, breathing, oriental discipline
(50-100hrs expected thoughout the year)*
Anatomy and physiology (min 100 hrs)*
1st aid course – level 2*

(The certificate course encompasses a minimum of 500 hours of teaching, online reading and self-directed learning. Students should expect to spend between 8 and 10 hours weekly on course-related activities in addition to the 10 weekend courses.)

3. Practitioner Level (2nd & 3rd years) (DIPLOMA in Shiatsu Therapy)

14 (compulsory subject) weekend workshops
6 (elective subject) weekend workshops
tutorials – monthly 1 weekday evening after the compulsory subject workshops
independent study group / swaps with other students > fortnightly
own practice: 200 treatments with written reflection
Monthly rotational student clinic (3rd year only)
Essays and case studies
independent study / reading
daily reflective practice in: meditation, breathing, oriental discipline*
experience 5 shiatsu treatments from professional shiatsu practitioner (SPAANZ member)*
Individual tutoring / mentoring session (2-3hrs)*

(The diploma course is made up of a minimum of 1100 hours of teaching, online reading and self-directed learning. Student should expect to spend between 10 and 12 hours weekly on course-related activities in addition to the 10 full weekend courses per year.)

Assessment: Internally assessed through competency in practical performance
(student clinics and weekends), essays and case studies.

*External Provider / Courses or sessions to be booked separately and not included in academy course fees

1. Intro Course

Introductory courses usually cost $350 for the weekend. There may be some variation based on venue. For full details of upcoming courses, please visit the course page.

2. Year 1 – CERTIFICATE

payment options:

$4790 full payment up front
$890 deposit, then
$400 monthly (x10 months)
TOTAL $4890
$690 deposit, then
$110 weekly (x40 weeks)
TOTAL: $5090

Anatomy/physiology course (approx $400) and First Aid Course (approx $250) are external and not included in the course fees

3. Years 2 & 3 – DIPLOMA

payment options:

$9980 full payment up front
$4990 (two-time payment, initial payment at enrolment, with the second payment due in full 8 weeks prior to commencement of year 3 courses)
TOTAL: $9980
$1380 deposit, then
$400 monthly (x22 months)
TOTAL $10,180
$1030 deposit, then
$110 weekly (x85 weeks)
TOTAL: $10,380

Level 2 First Aid Course (approx $250) is external and not included in the course fees
also not included in the fees are the shiatsu treatments and individual mentoring sessions
extra elective courses (after the 6x compulsory electives) available at discounted rates for current students (subject to availability)

DIploma course fees include student membership to Shiatsu Practitioners Association of Aotearoa NZ (SPAANZ)

…Deposit payable on enrolment, installments due monthly or weekly as per payment plan.

All fees are in NZD (New Zealand Dollars).

Pay it forward:
options available to pay part or all of a course for another student

Scholarships and financial assistance:
alternative payment schedule by individual arrangement
recipient of pay it forward scheme (depending on availability)

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UPCOMING CERTIFICATE & DIPLOMA COURSE INTAKES:

28 August - 01 June

Bay of Plenty