122 W. 26th St., Suite 701, New York, NY 10001

Thai Massage School

CATA is a graduate-level massage training facility in the heart of Chelsea, NYC.

Thai massage is one of CATA’s core programs, emphasizing the principles of comprehensive Thai massage practice.

Our Concept

The CATA Thai massage learning strategy provides a unique opportunity to master this ancient art.

It meets regularly throughout the year and includes select back-to-back sessions with guest instructors. Rather than overwhelming students with information in a short time, as often happens in typical “intensive” programs, our setup emphasizes weekly learning opportunities, allowing participants to absorb the material without the stress of cramming.

The program’s annual schedule is designed to offer consistent learning opportunities that repeat each year.

If you start a five-session course on day three, you can complete it in the next cycle by finishing days one and two. This approach reinforces foundational skills and deepens understanding of Thai massage techniques. The CATA Thai massage program builds a community of skilled practitioners ready to provide holistic care to a diverse range of clients, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and individual growth.

Our concept resembles a one-room schoolhouse from days gone by.

The Center for the Advancement of Therapeutic Arts (CATA) Thai massage program deviates from typical methods. Rather than grouping students by skill level, CATA employs a one-room schoolhouse model, enabling learners at different stages to attend classes together. Instructors tailor their teaching to meet each student’s needs, fostering an inclusive environment that encourages collective growth and a deeper understanding of the human body and individual capabilities. We all learn from one another as we are allowed to contribute the strength of our personal experiences. Many students return to retake the same class and find that they learn just as much, if not more, than they did the first time.

Thai Massage Tuesdays

We don’t specialize in “Intensives” (all day for multiple days in a row). Intensive courses have the drawback of overwhelming students with information, which can lead to forgetfulness. Limited face time with instructors often makes practice feel rushed, hindering skill comprehension. In contrast, our Tuesday program allows participants to reflect on their experiences, practice their skills, and build confidence before the next lesson.

This program enhances retention and understanding of Thai massage. Students practice, receive feedback, and refine techniques at a comfortable pace. This approach ensures a solid foundation and valuable knowledge, making it a great alternative to traditional intensive courses.

To enroll in the program, 

Students need only a valid massage therapy license and a thirst for learning, eliminating barriers often found in other educational settings where you must take the “level one” course before taking the “level two.” This accessibility encourages a diverse range of participants, from novices to seasoned practitioners, to explore the art of Thai massage. We have designed each class to integrate into the overall curriculum, and students are encouraged to choose single-day tickets for sessions with multiple parts. This flexibility means that learners can begin their journey at any point during the year, accommodating various schedules and levels of commitment.

Thai Massage Classes

Join us for opportunities to learn, practice, and grow in a community of passionate practitioners! Our courses offer a variety of approaches to understanding the art, theory, and history of Thai bodywork.

Individual classes are offered in two ways.
Weekly 4-hour time slots are better for allowing students to practice and assimilate the material between the lessons.
Guest instructor “Intensives” are great for those who have already taken the courses and want to have additional specialized instruction.

Thai Massage Clinic

These sessions offer a valuable opportunity for supervised practice, with the added benefit of receiving feedback on the work, providing a comprehensive understanding of the various techniques.

Each clinic is guided by a leader who will explore as many ways as possible to address the health concerns a client may pose within the time frame. The leader will also make recommendations for improving your posture and body mechanics. After the first round, we take some time to give feedback to one another and get ourselves ready to trade places with our partners. If you have already begun learning Thai massage and would like to increase your understanding, this is an excellent forum for you to consider.

Apprenticeship

Students can take individual classes, enroll in the Apprentice Program, or delve even deeper into the study of Thai massage with the Immersion Program. You determine the pace, we provide the experience.

If you have decided to focus on Thai massage, you can combine the classes and the clinic to maximize your exposure and proceed to master the art.

Reach out to us

The purpose of this form is to begin organizing a plan for applicants to commence with their Apprenticeship Program.
Full Name
If you are unlicensed you may leave this blank
State where you are licensed
Address

Thai Massage Immersion

If your goal is to master the art of traditional Thai Massage, you will want to consider our immersion program.

Get on the mailing list so you will know about upcoming courses.

These sessions offer a valuable opportunity for supervised practice, with the added benefit of receiving feedback on the work, providing a comprehensive understanding of the various techniques.