MASSAGE INNOVATION DAY
17 April 2026
INTERNATIONAL MASSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP
18 April 2026
An international professional event
📅 April 18, 2026
This is a stage for those who consider massage a profession.
The Lithuanian Massage Championship 2026 will bring together the best massage masters from Lithuania and abroad, a professional international judging panel, and the highest evaluation standards.
This is not about appearance or show.
This is about technique, anatomical knowledge, quality of work, and professionalism.
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Why take part?
• International judging panel
• Clear, professional evaluation criteria
• Recognition and visibility within the professional community
• Real experience that elevates your level
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Professionalism has no borders.
If massage is not a hobby for you, this is your place.
Nominations
(Classical massage of the back or legs)
(Creative and authorial massage techniques, original combinations of different methods)
PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY
(Clinically therapeutic massage, including but not limited to):
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage
• Segmental Massage
• Therapeutic Hand and/or Limb Massage
• Specialized Therapeutic Massage:
• Post-traumatic rehabilitation
• Muscle strain and sprain recovery
• Post-stroke rehabilitation
• Kinesiology Taping
• Cupping Massage (Vacuum Therapy)
• Other medically based therapeutic techniques
(Classical, therapeutic, sculpting, lymphatic drainage, and other facial massage techniques)
(Manual, vacuum, and combined anti-cellulite body massage techniques)
(Authorial massage techniques and various international massage styles, including):
• SPA-style Massage
• Lomi Lomi
• Bamboo Massage
• Aromatherapy Massage
• Hot Stone Massage
• Sports Massage
• Other international and culturally diverse massage styles not listed above
Participant registration fee
For students:
one nomination €49, two nominations €80
For professionals:
one nomination €95, two nominations €160
CLASSIC MASSAGE – Assessment Criteria
IMPORTANT: Assessment begins when the models are prepared (lying on the massage tables) and the massage therapists are standing at their workstations. The greeting phase is not evaluated.
Participants are provided with a massage table, a side table, and a massage bolster.
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1. Appearance and Hygiene (5 points)
- Attire and Footwear: Clean, professional medical/massage uniform; closed-toe, clean shoes (school logos are permitted).
- Personal Hygiene: Short, neat fingernails (unpolished or neutral); hair tied back; no jewelry on hands or forearms (watches, rings, bracelets).
- Preparation: Hand disinfection before starting the treatment.
2. Workspace Organization and Professional Ethics (10 points)
- Preparation: Accessibility of necessary supplies (oil, wipes/tissues) without breaking physical contact with the client.
- Attentiveness: Empathetic communication and focus on the client’s comfort throughout the entire process.
3. Therapist Ergonomics (10 points)
- Body Posture: Is the back kept straight and the shoulders relaxed?
- Dynamics: Are movements executed through leg work (lunges, weight shifting) rather than relying solely on arm strength?
- Equipment Adjustment: Is the height of the massage table correctly adjusted according to the participant’s height?
4. Model (Client) Preparation and Positioning (5 points)
- Draping: Professional draping of the client with sheets/towels, exposing only the specific area being massaged (preserving modesty and privacy).
- Model Ergonomics: Use of pillows/bolsters under the feet or chest to ensure the model is lying in a physiologically comfortable position.
- Aesthetics: Are the linens neat, unwrinkled, and free of unnecessary oil stains?
5. Massage Techniques (20 points)
- Effleurage (Stroking) (5): Evenness, direction toward the lymph nodes, and continuous contact.
- Friction (Rubbing) (5): Increasing tissue mobility (not just skin rubbing), with controlled intensity.
- Petrissage (Kneading) (5): Grasping and lifting the muscle, rhythmic execution without „pinching.”
- Vibration (5): Ability to control vibration frequency and depth of impact (superficial vs. deep).
6. Flow, Tempo, and Continuity (10 points)
- Continuity: Transitions between techniques without loss of contact (hands must always remain on the model).
- Logic: Sequence of techniques (moving from superficial to deep and returning to soothing strokes).
- Rhythm: Maintaining a stable, harmonious pace throughout the entire session.
Total: 60 points.
Massage Innovation Day
🎯 Exclusive event before the Massage Championship
“Massage Secrets in 90 Minutes”
18 April 2026
Kalvarijų St. 59, Vilnius CALVARY HOTEL
Event fee:
- for championship participants €65
for those not participating in the championship €80
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We invite massage professionals to Massage Innovation Day – a unique professional event held before the Massage Championship, offering an exceptional opportunity to learn directly from championship judges and instructors.
This is not theory from books – it is live experience, hands-on practice, and professional secrets shared during 90 intensive minutes.
🔍 What awaits you?
✨ Presentations of different massage methods
Each instructor – a championship judge – will present their specialized massage method and reveal:
• the essence and philosophy of the method
• key techniques
• practical application
• the most common mistakes and the “small nuances” that make a big difference
🤲 Try it yourself
This is more than a demonstration – participants will have the opportunity to personally try the presented methods, feel the effects of the techniques, and ask questions in real time.
💬 Questions & Answers
Open discussion with instructors and judges:
• about massage techniques
• about preparation for championships
• about professional growth and evaluation criteria
☕ Coffee breaks and lunch
A cozy atmosphere and informal conversations, with opportunities to:
• build new professional connections
• talk with judges in a relaxed setting
• share experiences with colleagues
🤝 One-on-one conversations with judges
A unique opportunity before the championship to speak with those who will evaluate the work and better understand:
• what judges are looking for
• how to stand out professionally
• how to elevate your massage skills
🎓 License renewal
✅ The event is suitable for continuing professional development / license renewal
Participants will receive a certificate valid for license renewal (in accordance with current regulations).
🌟 Why attend?
✔ Practical knowledge in a short time
✔ Direct contact with massage industry professionals
✔ New methods you can apply immediately
✔ Inspiration, motivation, and confidence before the championship
✔ Professional development and license renewal in one event
Arbitrators
Master of Health Sciences, Massage Therapy Instructor, and International Expert
- Academic Foundation: Master of Health Sciences in Rehabilitation (Specializing in Complementary and Alternative Medicine).
- British Sports Massage Education: Qualified at the prestigious London School of Soft Tissue Therapy (LSSM), training under the pioneer of sports massage, Mel Cash.
- Eastern Medicine Expertise: Certified Traditional Thai Massage Instructor (Thailand), specializing in movement, breathwork, and energy line (Sen) methodology.
- Holistic Approach: Holder of a UK Holistic Massage Diploma, integrating advanced biomechanics with a comprehensive, whole-person approach to wellness.
- Areas of Expertise: Functional Body Assessment, Sports Massage, Remedial/Therapeutic Massage, Myofascial Release, and Traditional Thai Massage.
Massage therapist, Reiki healer, since 2018 she teaches bamboo massage, facial massage, facial acupuncture, chair massage, Madero therapy at Tengbjerg Higher School of Massage, Denmark.
Founder of „Aveda Massageklinik” clinic since 2016 and founder of The „The international Center for Event&Course” since 2022. In 2022 and 2023 she was one of the first organizers of the Baltic Massage Championship in Lithuania.
Since 2023 Rita is an approved instructor of Madero Therapy in the European Madero Association.
- – Rehabilitation doctor;
- – Cosmetologist;
- – Spa therapist;
- – Body Practitioner (osteopathy, visceral, manual, instrumental, hardware);
- – Vice President of AMRM;
- – International Championship Judge;
- – International Teacher;
- – Work experience over 30 years.
Kristina Vitkauskienė is a lecturer and body biomechanics specialist holding a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and a professional qualification as a physiotherapist. She is a multidisciplinary massage therapist who completed her studies in Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Kristina has 15 years of professional experience working with patients of all ages, including both children and adults. She is the author of the book “Stronger Together” (2022) and a multiple award-winning prize holder at international massage championships worldwide.
Rasa Šakalienė is a massage therapist and occupational therapist based in Vilnius, with over 13 years of professional experience. She is the founder of “Pranci Massage House”, where she integrates therapeutic depth, aesthetics, and conscious touch in her practice. Rasa is a participant and prize winner of international massage championships in Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Georgia, and Romania. She is an active member of the professional community, as well as a teacher and lecturer, conducting seminars on ergonomics, passive movements, and the integration of massage techniques.
Lidija Leonienė is an internationally certified massage therapist, expert instructor, and official judge at international massage championships. She is certified by the World Massage Federation and the World Massage Council. Lidija delivers both theoretical and practical training and actively contributes to the development of high professional culture and quality standards within the field of massage therapy.
International Expert in Massage and Manual Therapies
With over 20 years of professional experience in therapeutic massage, osteopathy, and physical rehabilitation.
A highly respected massage trainer, international championship judge, and event organizer, actively contributing to the development and elevation of professional standards across Europe and worldwide.
Positions & Leadership:
• President — World Massage Federation
• President — AMTC Romania
• Trainer & Academy Director — Reflexovital Academy
• Organizer of international massage events and championships
Mentor of massage therapists, massage teacher, founder of „Guru spa” and „Mystic spa” massage studios in Vilnius, founder of massage club „Masažo Guru”
Aleksandr Bloch – an acclaimed massage master and practitioner with 8 years of experience. His career is marked by top honors at the 2024 Eurasia Massage Championship and the 2025 World Massage Federation Championship. A seasoned national competition judge and a multi-time prize winner of the Lithuanian Massage Championships.
A professional massage therapist and laureate of international championships, honed his mastery within the expert team at SPA VILNIUS Druskininkai. His practice seamlessly combines a solid academic foundation (VESK) with years of experience and the highest standards of quality.
Key Achievements:
- 🏆 Gold and Bronze Medals – 2024 International Massage Championship (Lithuania).
- 🥉 3rd Place – 2025 World Massage Super Cup (Romania).
Physiotherapist, Massage Master, and Certified Therapist
With over 8 years of focused practice, my professional journey spans from five years of clinical work in a rehabilitation center to establishing my own private therapy practice in 2022.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in functional physiotherapy and deep tissue mobilization. I specialize in sports, myofascial, and deep tissue massage techniques, which I currently enhance with insights from psychosomatics and applied psychology.
I consistently validate my professional excellence in high-level competitions:
- 2021 Lithuanian Massage Championship: 1st Place in the Classical Massage category (Innovative Format).
- 2025 International Massage Championship: 2nd Place in the Wellness category.
2. Recognized instructor throughout Poland
3. Owner of the Ewa Wardęga Art Massage Academy
Massage therapist to showbiz stars.
First Polish champion in oriental massage.
Multiple medalist in Eastern and Western inspired freestyle massage categories in Europe.
Master Massage Expert | International Judge | Educator
Professional Experience & Roles
- Chief Massage Master at SPA VILNIUS (13 years of experience).
- Massage Therapy Lecturer at VESK (Vocational Education and Training Center) (Since 2018).
- Certified International Judge for the IMA (International Massage Association).
Key Achievements
- Champion: International Massage Championship in Italy (2019).
- International Judge: Baltic Massage Championship and Romanian Massage Championship (2025).
- Organizer & Visionary: Initiator of the SPA VILNIUS massage championships (2020–2025) and the VESK massage championships (2024–2025).
Doctor, Licensed Massage Specialist, and International Championship Laureate
Educated at Medical University (Dentistry) and in Lithuania (Massage Therapy), Aram combines profound anatomical knowledge with elite-level practice.
Key Titles:
- World Massage Championship 2025: 2nd Place (Western Freestyle).
- European Massage Championship 2025: 3rd Place (Western Freestyle).
- World Massage Super Cup 2024: 1st Place (Swedish Massage) and 3rd Place (Grand Final).
- Multiple-time winner of international championships in Lithuania and Switzerland.
International Judge and Expert
- Affiliation: Founder and President of the Armenian Association of Kinesiologists and Professional Massage Therapists.
- Professional Background: Director of the „KinesioMed” Medical Center and organizer of National Massage Championships in Armenia.
- Experience: 20+ years of professional practice in rehabilitation and 15+ years of teaching experience.
- Expertise: Author of massage education manuals and international jury member at championships across Europe (France, Italy, Denmark, etc.).
- Position: Founder of the „CORPORE VITAL DACIA” Rehabilitation Clinic; Director and Head Trainer of „Corpore Vital Massage School” (awarded Best Massage School in Romania, 2025).
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy and Special Motricity („Vasile Alecsandri” University).
- Certification: Specialist in Orthopedic Manual Therapy (OMTRO, Modules I–XV), PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), and Pignatelli Method practitioner.
- Judging Experience: Jury member for national and international championships (Serbia, Italy, Switzerland) and the World Massage Championship.
- Activity: Organizer of the Transylvania Massage Congress.
