For over two decades, I’ve stood on the sidelines watching the rise of competitive massage events like the International Massage Association (IMA) championships and the American Massage Championships (AMC) with a healthy dose of skepticism. From afar, the performative aspect of these events often felt more like a talent show than a serious representation of the craft I’ve devoted my life to. I’ll admit—there was a part of me that took that personally, like it somehow reflected on the legitimacy of our pr...
So I stayed away.
But in 2024, something shifted.
Two of my fellow DeepFeet instructors, China Facchini and Al Poliarco, decided to fully embrace the world of massage competitions. Not only did they dive in, they made it their mission to represent barefoot massage on the big stage—becoming state directors, organizing regional competitions through the American Competitive Massage Alliance, and advocating for our work to be taken seriously at a national level.
Thanks to their persistence, the AMC finally introduced its first-ever barefoot massage category. And that’s when I knew—I had to show up. Not for the accolades or performance, but to support these two amazing humans who have poured their energy into making space for our community. Al and China aren’t just colleagues. They help me run Sole-ful Connection Hour each month. We’ve spent countless hours brainstorming, texting, emailing, Zooming… but rarely are we in the same room together. This trip would cha...
So I said yes.
And of course, if I was going to do it, I had no idea what I should do. I knew I could create a theme and an outfit. I can do this and that was about as performative as I was willing to go. I created an ocean-inspired theme—bubbles hanging from my Ashiatsu bars, ocean themed mats, and a shimmering ocean crown. A nod to the fantasy of Las Vegas, while staying grounded in the healing work I love.
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The Road to Las Vegas Massage Championships
On July 23rd, I packed up my van in Livermore, California: three massage tables, two sets of travel bars, four stools, dozens of sheets, prizes, decorations, and an entire Plinko game for our DeepFeet booth. It was a full load, both literally and emotionally. I was stepping out of my comfort zone in a big way.
But the drive to Las Vegas was peaceful. I listened to an audiobook and enjoyed the drive. I made a quick stop in Barstow at Peggy Sue’s 1950s diner (because of course I did), then rolled into the Horseshoe Hotel on the Strip about 2 PM.
My room? Spectacular. Giant bed. Massive bathroom. A view of the Bellagio fountains and the Eiffel Tower from the Paris Hotel—pure magic.
But even with all that excitement, I couldn’t shake the emotional swirl: Will I represent barefoot massage well? Will I make Al and China proud? Will I do DeepFeet justice? Will I feel silly on stage? It was a whirlwind of anticipation, self-doubt, curiosity, and—yes—joy.
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Reuniting With the DeepFeet Bar Therapy Team
As if reuniting with Al and China wasn’t exciting enough, our Hawaii-based DeepFeet instructor, Abby Parker, also joined us in Las Vegas. Abby and I have collaborated on Sole-ful Connection Hour for the past year, mostly through texts, Zoom calls, and the occasional run in at the Hawaii airports. So having her here in person was such a treat—and in true DeepFeet fashion, we talked her into competing last minute.
On Friday, Abby and I spent the day exploring the Arte Museum, a stunning immersive art space. That night, we joined 90 other therapists for orientation. When they announced barefoot massage as an official category, we cheered louder than anyone. We assembled bars, prepped our booth, networked, and soaked in the excitement.
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Saturday: First Competition Rounds
Saturday, Abby competed in the clinical category, using barefoot massage. I helped her set up—some competitors even bring teams to stage their setups! Later, I received a relaxing Swedish massage from a fellow therapist. After lunch, the judges offered five-minute demo clinics that were fun, inspiring, and totally engaging.
The evening ended with a powerful sound bath by Levon, and let me tell you—he was absolutely amazing.
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Barefoot Massage Competition: My First Experience
Sunday was my turn. I created a photo to visually explain my fusion service: Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy, Thai Massage, and myofascial techniques from Advanced-Trainings. My model ended up being a former student—now a judge—which helped ease my nerves. But performing a 65-minute service while trying to impress, stay on time, and do something innovative? That’s next-level pressure!
Still, I got in the zone. I did the work. I stayed present.
After my session, we had to tear down quickly—moving bars, tables, gear—and then I was lucky enough to receive a body sculpting and lymphatic drainage session from Rachel of Michigan. I had pre-judged this category and this service, and she absolutely blew me away. It opened my mind completely and now I need to find someone who does body sculpting.
Later that night, we watched the Grand Prix judge showcase. My student Jenny performed a hilarious skit about the chaos of massage room roles. And Al? He delivered a deeply moving barefoot massage piece under soft lighting, with a didgeridoo playing behind him. It was stunning.
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Awards & Celebration
Then came the medals.
Abby took silver.
I took bronze.
One of my students placed third in clinical.
My other student Jenny won the Grad Prix!!!
It was such a proud moment—for all of us. That night, we capped it off with a beautiful rooftop dinner hosted by the World Massage Festival, high above the Las Vegas Strip.
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World Massage Festival Highlights in Las Vegas
Monday morning kicked off the World Massage Festival. The vendor hall opened at 9 a.m. and was buzzing with over a thousand therapists. We worked the DeepFeet booth all day, sharing tips, giving massages, connecting, and—of course—running the Plinko game.
It was a hit. We gave away everything from foot creams to foot stickers to Starbucks cards and doTERRA oils. But most of all, we gave away knowledge and encouragement—exchanging ideas with other therapists and celebrating the work we all do.
Monday night brought the Parade of Flags and a lively opening party. The energy was contagious.
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Tuesday: Tech Chaos & AshiSutra
Tuesday brought our live Sole-ful Connection Hour —and a whole lot of technical chaos.
We attempted to host our monthly Sole-ful Connection Hour live from the vendor hall… and failed in the most ridiculous and hilarious ways. My phone camera wouldn’t cooperate. Zoom logins wouldn’t work. Bluetooth went in and out. And mid-call, the festival emcee started blasting announcements over the PA. We had to scrap it and re-record later. Classic Vegas.
We also showcased Al’s AshiSutra demo, which was a crowd favorite. That evening, the team headed off the Strip for a quiet dinner—some time to unwind and reflect.
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Wednesday: Co-Teaching & Connection
Wednesday, China and I taught the Bars Free course together—and it was amazing. After a year and a half of virtual collaboration, we finally got to teach side-by-side. The flow between us was natural and supportive. We taught 11 students with a mix of experience, covering seated, posterior, anterior, and side lying routines.
More than just instruction, the day was about connection and relationship-building.
By evening, our booth was nearly packed, the van mostly loaded, and the karaoke party was in full swing. But I chose to rest—grateful, inspired, and deeply fulfilled from everything this week had brought.
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Lessons Learned From Competing in Massage Competitions
After eight full days—competing for the first time, staying for the World Massage Festival, running the DeepFeet booth, hosting Sole-ful Connection Hour, and co-teaching the Bars Free class—my heart was so full.
Spending that time with three other DeepFeet instructors—Abby, Al, and China—was something special. We didn’t just represent barefoot massage; we lived it. We laughed, worked, taught, supported one another, and shared our favorite tips and tricks. It was one of those rare moments where professional passion and personal connection perfectly overlapped.
Beyond our team, I had the chance to chat with so many incredible massage therapists, educators, and product creators. I left feeling energized by the collaboration and innovation happening behind the scenes in our industry. There's a real pulse of creativity and community growing stronger every year.
And maybe most surprisingly, I left with something I didn’t expect: a desire to compete again.
It turns out that my old assumptions about massage competitions had some room to be challenged. This wasn’t about ego or showmanship—it was about showing up for our craft, being proud of what we do, and celebrating each other in the process.
I also felt a renewed sense of responsibility. There’s a real need for Gen Xers and Millennials in our field to start networking, learning, and connecting. We need to step up, reach out, and learn from the Boomers who have built so much of the foundation we’re standing on. Their knowledge is a treasure trove—and we must carry it forward.
Yes, we work hard to be taken seriously as massage professionals. But it’s just as important to play, to gather, to share joy, and to amplify massage’s impact in the world. What better way to do that than by building authentic relationships and community?
I’m coming home inspired, grateful, and ready for what’s next.
And I’ll see you at the next one.
Want to experience barefoot massage yourself? Book your Ashiatsu session at Sole Massage Therapy
