Feedback from graduates

Here is a feedback from Takashi Sakai who graduated from the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy on June 2009. He had taken diploma program of the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy for 3 years and 6 months as a part time student because he has a job which is totally different from Shiatsu field. After graduating, he starts to work at Japan Shiatsu Clinic, whose clinics are affiliated with the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy. We had a great opportunity to have an interview with him.

What made you decide to enroll at the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy?

Serendipity. I happened to be strolling through Lonsdale Quay post-Christmas 2005 when I noticed people receiving Shiatsu at the satellite clinic there. After watching awhile -- intrigued -- I asked for a 20-minute treatment, which was barely enough time for my back and shoulders, both of them tight from holiday stress. It was Shiatsupractor Tsutomu Furukawa who gave me that Shiatsu treatment, and I was so impressed with how much lighter and invigorated I felt after just that 20 minutes that I was inspired to learn more. The feeling was amazing! I had had excellent massages before, but Shiatsu for me elicited a much deeper, longer-lasting sense of release. When Tsutomu told me that the clinic was associated with the Canadian College of Shiatsu Therapy a five-minute walk away, I decided to go there the very next day to sign up for the Shiatsu Foundation Course.
That introductory course was taught at the time by Judy Thompson, who I thought was excellent; she had the life experience to balance rigour with an easygoing attitude. The class was a lot of fun; the camaraderie unforgettable. For such a small school, the diversity of student backgrounds was remarkable. I even met my girlfriend in that class, who encouraged me to pursue further studies. After having a whole new world open up to me, it was an easy decision to continue my journey by enrolling in the school's Shiatsupractor Diploma program.

What did you think of the curriculum?

The biggest bonus for me was the ability to complete the program part-time, since I work full-time in an entirely different industry. The school allows you up to four years to complete the required coursework. I was very fortunate to be in a position to take only two or three courses at a time, two or three days a week, allowing me to devote a lot of attention to each one.
Many of the classes were enjoyable. I particularly liked Nutrition and Kampo, both very practical courses which made me much more conscious of the foods I eat. The Advanced Shiatsu class was also outstanding, where we learned new approaches to treat an extensive array of common health conditions such as headaches, stiff neck and shoulders, insomnia, and PMS.

What can you tell us about the school clinic and Field work?

I remember the school clinic initially seemed like a daunting task, requiring the completion of 300 full-body Shiatsu treatments, 75 to 90 minutes for each one. Again, the school was very accommodating to my work schedule, allowing me to come in just two or three days a week. Little by little, as I treated clients every week, I could feel my hands becoming stronger and my thumbs becoming more sensitive. The importance of listening to and empathizing with your clients -- all the while constantly honing and refining your technique -- cannot be overstated. Working on so many different people presenting a diversity of body structures and conditions was a valuable learning experience, and watching so many of my clients leave smiling and refreshed after their sessions gave me a lot of confidence and satisfaction.
The Field work was a lot of fun, requiring 70 hours offering Shiatsu treatments at various public events such as the Vancouver Wellness Show and the Powell Street Festival. Compared to the school clinic, you get to meet and talk with more people in a shorter time frame, allowing for more spontaneity and interaction. Many people come by just to chat and ask questions, so it's a great opportunity to share your love for Shiatsu. I especially enjoyed doing Shiatsu at the Japan Fair, surrounded by happy crowds, the aroma of Japanese food, and a view of the cherry blossoms not far away.

Tell us about the Hawaii Anatomy Workshop. Ah yes, Hawaii!  Balmy temperatures, breathtaking beaches, wonderful food ... The Anatomy Workshop was excellent too. I've written about it elsewhere on this website（http: //www.shiatsuvancouver.ca/p-hawaii.html）, and I continue to recommend it to all future students as it really brings Anatomy class to life and puts you in touch with Shiatsu students from Hawaii and Japan. The warmth and generosity of our hosts were incredible.

Tell us about the International Shiatsu Conference.

The most impressive memory for me was meeting so many experienced Shiatsu practitioners from around the world who have devoted their lives to learning and giving Shiatsu. The passion with which they practise and share their craft is inspiring.

Tell us your future Shiatsu plans.

The immediate plan is to offer Shiatsu professionally. It's an amazing physical therapy that offers relief to so many of the ailments we see today. The stress release alone is immensely valuable.
The longer term plan is to integrate our Shiatsu practice into a broader framework of natural health, involving approaches that are more overtly energetic and spiritual. The key is to never stop learning, practising, and sharing.