The Manchester Branch of the Shiatsu College runs a full three-year Shiatsu Practitioner training (Level 4 Diploma); and a one-year Holistic Acupressure Certificate, which will help you support the wellbeing of your friends, family and clients. We also offer occasional classes and workshops for beginners, and low-cost shiatsu clinics. We support graduates and practitioners through Residential events, revision sessions, and supporting CPD workshops offered by our staff.

Our branch operates as a Community Interest Company, directed by our team of experienced teachers who collaborate to organise and teach our courses. Our branch leader is Hannah Mackay BA, PhD, FwSS, who has published academic research on Shiatsu and Psychotherapy, as well as maintaining a thriving shiatsu practice in Manchester for over 25 years.

Our main classes take place one weekend per month in Manchester city centre, with all three year groups attending together. This structure supports our spiral model of learning, where we revisit topics multiple times during the three years of the course. This way of teaching also helps build connections between members of our shiatsu community. Weekends always include physical movement exercises such as stretches and Qigong; practical giving and receiving of shiatsu; shiatsu theory; and sessions to develop clinical skills. Third Year students also offer shiatsu in our low-cost clinic, to get professional experience in a supervised setting. Zen Shiatsu is our primary model of practice; we also draw on 5 Elements and Chinese Medicine theory to support our clinical work.

Our training is assessed through ongoing practical observation and assessments; written assignments; and creative project work. Our online Anatomy and Physiology courses can be completed at home between teaching weekends.

We are happy to support a diverse student community, including those who are heading towards professional practice and those training mainly for interest or their own wellbeing; those who have trained in other related fields and those learning something completely new.
Do get in touch if you would like to know more!