The Arizona Massage Championship is a FUN gathering of licensed massage therapists who want to showcase their talents, be inspired by the work of other therapists, and network with like-minded professionals in a friendly atmosphere.
We’ve created a championship environment to support and challenge professional massage therapists to bring and share individual best and as a way of evaluating basics within standard categories that all therapists can excel in, given any chosen modality. The Arizona Massage Championship is recognized by the U.S. Association of Massage Championships and is supported by the World Massage Festival and the American Massage Championship (licensee of the International Massage Association).
Who Can Enter?
Any insured massage therapist can enter. Only Arizonae State-licensed LMTs can win overall STATE medals (Note - the overall winner for each State will only be competing for this award with those from their own State). Out-of-state LMTs can win categories. The Student category is separate and is not eligible for the top prize.
Participants will also receive a massage. A strong esthetic presentation is highly encouraged. You may promote your style, schools, businesses, etc.
How can one compete in the Arizona Massage Championship?
You must fill out a registration form in its entirety. You are only officially registered once your non-refundable fee is paid in full.
Costs & Regular Entry Fees:
Licensed Massage Therapist $159
Student Massage Therapist $99
Registration Closed: 06/15/2025.
Meals & Water:
We encourage participants and their guests to bring water and snack.
A light lunch will be provided to participants
You will have a 60-minute lunch break to rest and rejuvenate. The final event schedule is subject to change. You will receive the final event schedule 2 weeks prior to the event.
Participation/Dress Code:
Each Massage Therapist can participate in 2 categories. Non-English speaking participants can bring their translator for briefing speeches and general communication. Participants can wear personal sponsorship clothing or any other National suit that fits the category.
Participants must wear sports shoes, sports pants or yoga pants, T-shirts, etc. We discourage clothing that reveals cleavage and or your abdomen.
Participants must bring their own sanitizing wipes/gel, sheets, towels, tools, etc.
The recipient of the massage must always wear underwear and have covered their chest (if she is a woman). Any area which is not being worked on must be covered or draped.
Failure to wear undergarments can result in expulsion from the championship. No cameras are allowed during the rounds.
Unauthorized use of cameras and recordings can result in expulsion.
There is an absolute zero-tolerance policy concerning inappropriate behavior. Any massage of a sensual/sexual nature would result in immediate disqualification and expulsion from the Championship.
It is imperative to emphasize that any recognition or participation in the Arizona Massage Championships should never be utilized to endorse or support massage or bodywork of a sexual nature. Violation of this principle may lead to disqualification, with consequences enforceable beyond the event, accompanied by a public statement revoking any acknowledgment or award.
All participants are required to receive massages, as well as give massages. If necessary, the Arizona Massage Championship may arrange for suitable candidates/massage recipients in particular cases.
Any participant unavailable to give or receive a massage at the start of the said round can result in expulsion.
No chiropractic and osteopathic manipulations are allowed during the competition.
Insurance:
Your own insurance covers both you and the participants you demonstrate with during the competition. LMTs must be fully insured during the competition and list “Arizona Massage Championships” as an “additional insured.”
Competition Area and Time:
The competition area may be split into different sections for different categories. Massage tables and mats are not provided. Depending on the number of entrants, participants will be divided into groups of two or three. The location of each participant's table/mat and receiver will be chosen at random by the judges/organizers.
Spectators are permitted and encouraged. Please note there are no shower facilities.
Arizona Massage Championships decides which music will be played during the championship.
The duration of each round is 75 minutes (excluding the 15 min examination). You will have a maximum of 15 minutes to read your client's intake and ask them any questions needed to… ~ Ensure your awareness of their physical condition (looking for any cautions, contraindications, or preferences) ~ Ensure their understanding of the massage process.
During these 15 minutes, the judges may approach each contestant and ask what you will be doing for your recipient in the round (introduce yourself or have short information available. Give category/style, disclose any innovations or new methods, etc.).
The Judges:
The Judges are all highly skilled within their categories and have all taken the IMA Judge’s Course, as well as being directed by our head judge. Judges will evaluate the participants in the following areas with a point system:
~ Techniques
~ Ergonomics
~ Flow
~ Innovation and Development of new methods
~ Client Contact
Participants are informed that the judges at the competition can evaluate the individual treatment, and please note that treatment can be placed in several categories.
The participants cannot expect score results directly from the judges either during or after the competition. Judges will give feedback to participants on a case-by-case basis. Final scores will be posted at a time of the head judge and / or Director's discretion.
All decisions regarding the competition are made collectively within the group of Judges to ensure the competition is as fair as possible. In the event of a disagreement among the judges, the head judge will make the final decision. Participants cannot be judged by their family/friends, business partners, or instructors.
If the Arizona Massage Championship faces this conflict, the participant will be given a weighted score (average) from remaining eligible judges.
The Final:
If there is a final round you can expect the duration of the Final to be 65 minutes. Spectators will not be allowed on the floor. Any spectators will be in a designated area.
Criteria Defined:
~ “The flow of the massage” means a continuous non-stop movement and variation of techniques performed by the therapist.
~ “Ergonomics” How do therapists use their own bodies (work environment) and their remedies (Massage tables etc.)
~ “Techniques” Different techniques are used in each category. Innovative and effective techniques for both therapist and client.
NOTE! Lectures, the preliminary rounds, and the prize giving will be recorded and used for future marketing on social media. This goes for pictures as well. By participating in AZ Massage Championships, you are allowing us to do so.
Note - Any support apparatus such as Ashiatsu bars etc must be approved by the organizer prior to the event and no later than June 15, 2025.
Please contact the organizer if you have questions about this. You will be asked to provide dimensions and photos.
Winners/Prizes
~ Winners of All Categories and Finals - Gold, Silver, and Bronze category winners will receive medals & certificates
~ Student Category will be recognized with Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals
~ Best Overall Presentation (attire, massage table/mat/side table set-up) receives a certificate.
All participants qualify. 1st place/Gold Overall (Delaware) Champions will receive FREE entrance into the World Massage Festival ($500 value) and the American Massage Championship ($250 value) held in Las Vegas, NV, July 2025 at the fabulous Horseshoe Resort & Casino Las Vegas.
Additional prizes raffles will be announced at the event.